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Earth Science II

Course Description

This course focuses on the concepts of Earth and Space Science. This course will build upon foundations set forth in Earth Science I. This course will cover important concepts in Astronomy, Meteorology, and Climate.

Course Big Ideas

  • The Sun’s Layers: features, characteristics and role within our solar system.
  • The Solar System: key components to our solar system, motion of the planets, and laws that govern motion of the planets. 
  • Star’s: Big Bang Theory and the Life Cycle of Stars.
  • The Atmosphere: structure and function.
  • Climate: understanding the factors that influence climate.
  • Human Impact: how different human activity is adversely affecting the changing climate.
  • Natural Disasters: causes and effect on geosphere and biosphere.

Course Essential Questions

  • How does interaction of the various solar regions influence the distribution & movement of energy throughout the sun?
  • How does the Big Bang Theory support stellar evolution and the development of objects within our solar system? 
  • How can the motion of the Sun, Earth and planets be described?
  • What is the structure and function of atmospheric layers?
  • How does weather affect climate? 
  • What are the natural processes that can adversely affect humans?

Course Competencies

  • Develop a model of the Sun in order to understand all the layers of the Sun.
  • Develop a scaled model of the Earth’s Solar System.
  • Use spectrum analysis to determine the composition of stars and expansion of the universe. 
  • Use an H-R Diagram to analyze the temperature and luminosity of different types of stars.
  • Use an H-R Diagram to predict the life cycle of a star through stellar evolution. 
  • Recognize how the position of the Earth within its orbit and angle of insolation determine the amount of energy received from the Sun.  
  • Create a model of the Earth’s atmospheric layers and be able to identify characteristics of each. 
  • Analyze and interpret data from an imaginary continent to determine the climate type.
  • Recognize the factors affecting climate change and provide ways in which to mitigate the adverse effects. 
  • Compare and contrast the different types of natural disasters.

Course Assessments

  • Projects
  • Labs
  • Formal/Informal Assessments

Course Units