This course is available in the Fall and in the Spring.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 0.50
Description:
This is the second of two courses that comprise Honors Earth Science. This course is designed to prepare the student to confidently enter and complete advanced college-level Earth science courses. The Prentice Hall text, Earth Science, provides the basis for the course content. This course consists of rigorous curriculum that provides students the opportunity to deeply explore Earth science concepts and engage in independent research. The student will conduct hands-on explorations and virtual simulations, which will enhance traditional lesson formats. During this course, the student will explore Earth’s history by studying fossils and rock layers; investigate oceanic productivity and features on the sea floor; learn about atmospheric processes, including the water cycle; infer how severe storms form; study the Earth-moon-sun relationship; and explore other celestial bodies, such as stars.
Units:
Geologic Time and Earth's History
In this introductory unit, you will explore Earth's early history by studying fossils, the rock record, and the geologic time scale. You will learn how scientists are able to date rock layers using radiometric dating, and how they are able to develop theories of past environments using fossils. In addition, you will learn how the geologic time scale is organized and how it was originally developed by scientists in the 1800s.
During this unit, you will complete a lab on fossils, which will enable you to understand how fossils can be used to define rock sequences. At the end of the unit, you will study Precambrian Time and the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic Eras. You will learn how Earth changed biologically and geologically during these important time periods in history.
Oceanography
In this unit, your reading assignments and activity components will immerse you in the field of oceanography. From physical features of the ocean floor to ocean productivity and the diversity of marine life, you will find that you cover most aspects of the world's oceans throughout this unit.
During this unit, you will study the density of seawater. You will be asked to complete a Virtual Lab in which you will experiment with different solids and liquids, to better understand density. At the end of the unit, you will learn about waves, tides, and how ocean waters circulate throughout the world. You will also learn about shoreline processes and how various features are created due to natural causes.
Meteorology: Part 1
In this unit, you will study various topics within the field of meteorology. You will learn how to differentiate between weather and climate, and you will compare and contrast heat and temperature. When studying heat, you will complete an investigation about the specific heat of land and water.
During this unit, you will also explore how clouds form. You will learn about the four processes that lift air—orographic lifting, frontal wedging, convergence, and localized convective lifting—and you will study how different types of precipitation form. At the end of the unit, you will study air pressure and wind. You will learn how air pressure is exerted on objects and how local and regional wind patterns form.
Meteorology: Part 2
In this unit, you will continue your study of meteorology. First you will learn about air masses and how they are classified. Then you will explore fronts, including: warm fronts, cold fronts, stationary fronts, and occluded fronts. You will also study severe storms and you will identify the conditions in which they form.
During this unit, you will explore global climates and the characteristics that define them. You will learn about some of the natural processes that can cause changes in climate, and you will study global warming. Upon completion of the unit, you will have a better understanding of the consequences of global warming and climate change.
Astronomy: Part 1
In this unit, you will begin to study outer space. You will first learn how early astronomers viewed Earth's place in the solar system, and you will study famous contributors to early astronomy, such as Galileo and Newton. Next you will study the Earth-moon-sun system and you will identify different features on the surface of the moon.
During this unit, you will examine the solar system and its interrelated parts. You will learn about the terrestrial and Jovian planets, as well as other bodies such as asteroids, meteors, and comets. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to explain why Pluto is no longer considered one of the planets in our solar system.
Astronomy: Part 2
In this unit, you will study light and how it applies to the field of astronomy. You will examine the electromagnetic spectrum and you will learn how the Doppler effect can be used to study stars. You will also study the following types of telescopes: refracting, reflecting, radio, and space.
During this unit, you will investigate the orbital speed of the planets in our solar system. You will also learn about star properties and the birth, life, and death of stars. Finally, you will learn about the universe on a greater scale; you will discover that scientists believe in universal expansion and you will study the big bang theory.
Final Review and Exam
In this unit, you will have the opportunity to prepare for and take the final exam. The final exam may include any material that has been presented throughout the semester. Since this is a comprehensive exam, it may be helpful to organize your notes and answers to questions in your science journal before you begin to review.
Course Set:
- Earth Science (Basic, Standard, Honors)
Kit:
- Science Kit - Earth Science
Online Text/eBook:
- iText Prentice Hall Earth Science
Supplies:
- Goggles, safety
- Thermometers (2)
Seeking course credit at your full-time school? Please be aware that if you plan to transfer credit from National Connections Academy to a
non-Connections Academy school, the decision about whether to accept
NaCA course credits is wholly at the discretion of the school to which
you hope to transfer the credits.
We strongly recommend that you discuss
with your school their transfer credit policy, and inform them about
your plans to take a course or courses through NaCA, prior to
registering for a NaCA course. You may need the
course description and Credit Request Form
if you are not a Connections Academy student, but are seeking to obtain
credit for National Connections Academy summer school courses at your
full time school.
Course Description Credit Request formPlease
contact an Admissions and Support Representative at 888-440-2899 with questions.
Seeking course credit at your full-time school? Please be aware that if you plan to transfer credit from National Connections Academy to a non-Connections Academy school, the decision about whether to accept NaCA course credits is wholly at the discretion of the school to which you hope to transfer the credits.
We strongly recommend that you discuss with your school their transfer credit policy, and inform them about your plans to take a course or courses through NaCA, prior to registering for a NaCA course. You may need the course description and
Credit Request Form if you are not a Connections Academy student, but are seeking to obtain credit for National Connections Academy summer school courses at your full time school.
Course Description Credit Request formPlease contact an Admissions and Support Representative at 888-440-2899 with questions.