Earth Science 30
Course Outline
Students will examine our planet's geological origins and the geological timescale as a foundation toguide decision making with regard to the use of its mineral and energy resources, the maintenance andremediation of the environment, and response to geological hazards. Students willdevelop visual-spatial reasoning skills and an understanding of the role of GeographicInformation Systems. Students will also explore the historical and contemporary significance of EarthScience and related careers.
Prerequisite:Physical Science 20 or Environmental Science 20
(During 2013/14 and 2014/15 any 20-level science will be acceptable as a prerequisite)
Earth Science 30 Outcomes
Career Exploration
1. Analyze and explore earth-science related career paths in Saskatchewan, Canada and theworld.
Student-Directed Study
1. Create a product that demonstrates a deeper understanding of a topic covered in EarthScience 30.
Earth as a Planet
1. Analyze surface geography as a product of depositional and erosional processes and discussimplications for human settlement and development.
2. Analyze how the formation of the three main rock families are foundational to the economicmineral deposits of Saskatchewan.
3. Rationalize how the interaction of Earth systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere,biosphere) directs how life flourishes and evolves.
Tools and Techniques of Earth Science
1. Investigate the use of remote sensing tools to collect evidence relevant to understandingEarth's structure.
2. Develop advanced visual-spatial reasoning skills.
Geologic Timescale
1. Analyze geologic dating techniques and how they provide evidence of the geologic history ofan area.
2. Analyze evolution and geologic history.
3. Examine the evidence for and hypotheses answered by plate tectonic theory.
Earth's Economic Resources
1. Identify the economic resources of Saskatchewan to recognize the impact these resourceshave on the province.
2. Analyze the environmental, social, and economic impacts of acquiring mineral resourceslocally, provincially, and globally.
NB: To earn credit for Earth Science 30, all outcomes must be addressed at a satisfactory level, independent of the grade earned. For example, no credit will be granted for an overall grade of 80% in which one or more outcomes has not been addressed until they have been met at a satisfactory level.
Assessment
Each topic below is broken down into tasks that must be completed for credit. The tasks are numbered within each topic. Some tasks simply require downloading or streaming of document or video files for reference, while others are instructions regarding what to do with that information once you have it. Each topic contains at least one quiz and at least one assignment that will be graded upon submission to the teacher (via email).
Topics One and Two are grouped together. After completion of BOTH, an exam will be scheduled that covers the content of those topics. Weight: 20%
Topics Three and Four are grouped together. After completion of BOTH, an exam will be scheduled that covers the content of those topics. Weight: 40%
Topics Five and Six are grouped together. After completion of BOTH, an exam will be scheduled that covers the content of those topics. Weight: 25%
Topic Seven is a project generated through student-independent research on a topic of your choosing. There is no exam scheduled to cover Topic Seven. Weight: 15%
Mark Breakdown
Quizzes: 10% (5 quizzes)
Unit Exams: 45% (3 exams)
Independent Study: 15%
Assignments: 30% (12 assignments)
Schedules
The expected time frame for each Topic is indicated in the section description. Topics One and Two are shorter, while Topics Three and Four are considerably longer, and Topics Five and Six are somewhere in between. All six topics should be completed within about 60-80 hours of work and exploration, plus three one-hour exams. Topic Seven should entail about 15 hours of work for completion.
Topic One: 3-5 hours
Topic Two: 5-8 hours
Topic Three: 10-12 hours
Topic Four: 10-12 hours
Topic Five: 10-12 hours
Topic Six: * variable
Topic Seven: 12-15 hours
Introduction and Overview
The ability to look back on Earth from space has been an enormous benefit of the space age. Astronauts, almost without exception, have remarked how our planet stands out as an inviting oasis in the otherwise black void of space. It is unique within our solar system in that it supports life and has oceans of water, an atmosphere that can support life as we know it, and a variety of suitable climates.
The Earth is a complex and dynamic entity. Innumerable interactions occurring among its many components contribute to its continuing evolution and makegeologyan exciting and ever-changing science.
The word geology is derived from two Greek words: geo(earth) andlogos(study of). Literally, it is thestudy of the earth. It is generally divided into two broad areas: historical geology(the origin and evolution of the Earth, its continents, oceans, atmosphere, and life) andphysical geology(the study of Earth's materials, such as minerals and rocks, and the processes with operate upon its surface). Many additional sciences are essential to understanding the principles of geology, including astronomy, physics, chemistry, and biology. Some geological specialties includemineralogy(the study of minerals),petrology(the study of rocks),stratigraphy(the study of the sequence of geological events as recorded in successive layers of rock),structural geology(the study of the deformation of Earth's crust),geophysics(the application of physical laws and principles to the study of the Earth),paleontology(the study of fossils), andpaleogeography(the study of Earth's geographical features of the ancient past).
Nearly every aspect of geology has some impact on environmental resources and the economy. Many geologists are very involved in exploration formineralandenergy resourcesto fuel our industrialized society. Resources like coal, petroleum, metals, sand, and gravel arenon-renewable, which means that once a source is depleted, a new one must be found. As supply decreases, and demand increases, the price for new sources increases, as does the sophistication and technology required for further extraction. In addition to using their knowledge and expertise to locate new resources, many geologists are interested in helping to solve some of our growing environmental problems. They locate sources of fresh groundwater, determine safe locations for waste disposal and power plants, make predictions about earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and assist civil engineers and defense planners in designing buildings and plans to reduce the impact of natural disasters when they occur.
Layout
This course has been structured to consist of SEVEN topics addressing twelve outcomes identified in the Welcome to Earth Science 30. Each topic contains multiple lessons, and will require you to apply a variety of academic learning skills like reading, researching, interpreting, observation, and listening. To demonstrate your level of learning, you will be asked to show that you can remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create, using what you know about Earth Science.