Arapaho Charter High School

Earth and Space ScienceSyllabus 2006-07 Course Description: This course is designed to be an introduction to Earth and Space science.  We will develop a basic understanding of Earth and space science as well as the scientific method used to study these systems.  We will study: o       Earth systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere)o       Earth composition (elements, minerals, rocks, and energy resources)o        Earth history (geologic time, age, fossil record)o        Earth processes (plate tectonics, mountain formation, earthquakes, volcanoes, and erosion).  o       Space science (planets, moons, comets, asteroids, meteoroids, stars, galaxies and the universe).   We will investigate these topics through class lectures, labs, activities, reading, homework, field trips and integrated projects.  We will also focus on developing skills in reading and interpreting scientific information, scientific inquiry, writing scientific reports and presenting the results of scientific research.     Course Outcomes: 1.      Develop an understanding of scientific concepts through inquiry.2.    Use inquiry to conduct scientific investigations. 3.    Research scientific information and present findings through scientific reports and presentations. 4.    Describe the Earth as a closed system and demonstrate an understanding of the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. 5.    Explain the role of energy in each of these systems, such as weather patterns, global climate, weathering, and plate tectonics.6.    Investigate geologic time through comparing rock sequences, the fossil record, and decay rates of radioactive isotopes. 7.    Examine evidence for the Big Bang Theory and recognize the immense time scale involved in comparison to human-perceived time.8.    Describe the process of star and planet formation, planetary and stellar evolution including the fusion process, element formation, and dispersion.9.    Investigate the relationships between science and technology and the role of technological design in meeting human needs. 10.                        Properly use appropriate scientific and safety equipment, recognize hazards and safety symbols, and observe standard safety procedures.11. Examine the nature and history of science related to personal, social, economic, and political decisions. 12.                        Examine how scientific information is used to solve personal, local, national, and global problems. Course Outline:1.      Introduction to Earth and Space Sciencea.     Branches of Earth and space scienceb.     Scientific processc.     Scientific Inquiry2.    Introduction to Earth as a systema.     Geosphere compositionb.     Minerals of the Earths crustc.     Rocks and rock formationd.     Resources and energy3.    History of the Eartha.     Rock recordb.     Geologic time4.    Earths dynamic processesa.     Plate tectonicsb.     Mountain formationc.     Earthquakesd.     Volcanoes5.    Water a.     Water cycleb.     Riversc.     Groundwaterd.     Glacierse.     Oceans6.    Erosion and Weatheringa.     River erosion and depositionb.     Chemical weatheringc.     Glacial erosiond.     Wind and wave erosion7.    Atmosphere and Climatea.     Atmospheric forcesb.     Weatherc.     Climate change8.    Space sciencea.     Intro to Astronomyb.     Planetsc.     Moons, asteroids, comets and meteoroidsd.     Sune.     Stars, Galaxies and the UniverseGrading System: Students will be graded on a point system using the following scale:

90% and above
=
A,  Exceptional

 80% - 89%
 =
B,  Proficient

70% - 79%
=
C,  Acceptable

60% - 69%
=
D,  Insufficient

59% and below
=
F,  Unacceptable

 Assignments: Students will be graded on a science portfolio, integrated projects, tests, quizzes, homework, participation in class, and attendance.  The portfolio will contain all student work for the course organized into sections based on class assignments. 

Portfolio
=
20%

Projects
=
20%

Tests
=
20%

Quizzes
=
10%

Homework
=
10%

Participation
=
10%

Attendance
=
10%

 In addition to a letter grade, students will be given a narrative evaluation of their progress quarterly that will indicate the standards that have been achieved and those that remain to fulfill graduation requirements.  Materials- Students are responsible for bringing these materials to class everyday;·        Paper·        Pen or Pencil·        3-Ring Notebook·        Homework

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