Earth Space Science

This laboratory course focuses on the study of space and the geologic and atmospheric forces that shape our world. Through experimentation and investigation, you will explore Earth’s cycles, including the geosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, and carbon cycle.

Major Concepts:

• Earth spheres and systems
• Science processes, observations, and inferences
• Steps of the Scientific Method
• Science vs. pseudoscience
• Theory vs. law
• Units of Measurements
• Precision and accuracy
• Dimensional analysis
• Weight Versus Mass
• Volume and Density
• Physical Properties of Matter
• Atomic theory and structure
• Fundamental Forces
• States of matter
• Heat and energy
• Water cycle
• Water conservation
• Wind energy
• Composition and structure of Earth’s atmosphere
• Weather vs climate
• Measuring, detecting, and predicting weather
• Factors of severe weather
• Human impact on global climate
• Earth-Sun-Moon relationships
• Distribution of surface water
• Hydroelectric power
• Groundwater processes and geological features
• Sources and types of water pollution
• Water management and conservation
• Life cycle of stars
• Properties of waves
• Star energy and radiation
• Gravitational forces
• Big bang and supporting evidence
• Electromagnetic radiation and technology
• Properties of minerals
• Identifying rocks and minerals
• Rock cycle
• Rocks and minerals as resources
• Formation of soils
• Geological features formed by rock cycle
• Major events of Earth’s history
• Fossil and rock dating
• Conditions of early Earth
• Development of life
• Ocean structure and composition
• Ocean currents and circulation
• Interaction of ocean and climate
• Energy transfer through waves
• Ocean tides
• Ocean impact on other systems
• Formation of the solar system
• Gravity and planetary motion
• Structure of the solar system
• Properties of Planets
• Creation of moon
• Seasons
• Tides
• Eclipses
• Moon Phases
• Structure of the Earth
• Earth’s characteristics and composition
• Carbon cycle
• Continental drift
• Plate tectonics
• Land formations
• Types of faults
• Weathering and erosion
• Earthquakes
• Volcanic activity