Earth Science ACourse Syllabus

Course Description

Earth Science A, the first course of a two-semester series, is an intense study of geology as a problem-solving science. This main focus in this course is on the earth’s structure and mapping, the earth’s mineral composition, rocks and the rock cycle, plate tectonics and the plate tectonic theory development, the ocean floor, volcanoes and earthquakes, mountain building and crustal deformations, the earth’s history and geologic timeline, and the forces of weathering including running water, groundwater, glaciers, wind and waves.

Students enrolling in this course should have successfully completed the first semester of Earth Science.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • apply indirect evidence to the development of the theory of earth's internal structure
  • classify minerals according to their formation and physical and chemical properties
  • classify rocks according to their formation and physical and chemical properties
  • relate evidence for plate tectonics theory to its development
  • explain the link between plate tectonics and volcanoes
  • understand the cause of mountain belts
  • detail earth's history, evidenced by the fossil record
  • explain the forces of weathering, such as glaciers, water and wind

*NOTE: The suggested time frame for the completion of each unit is just an estimate. This syllabus is based on an 18-week semester. You may work on each unit at your own pace, but keep in mind that you must finish the entire course within the time specified by your school district.

Unit 1: Earth’s Structure (Weeks 1 through 2)

Objectives:
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • explain the difference between direct and indirect evidence
  • interpret indirect evidence to formulate a hypothesis or theory
  • describe how seismic waves differ and how they are used as indirect evidence of the Earth’s interior
  • explain the difference between a hypothesis and a scientific theory
  • describe the current theory of the internal layered structure of the Earth
  • explain the uses of the map types: aerial photos, road maps, relief maps, and topographic maps
  • apply latitude and longitude to locate positions on Earth’s surface
  • interpret a topographic and road map
  • describe G.P.S., Global Positioning System
  • relate the different map projections to their characteristics
  • calculate actual distances on Earth using a map scale
  • describe G.I.S., Geographical Information Systems

Modules:

  1. Indirect Evidence
  2. Measuring and Describing Earth
  3. Types of Earthquake Waves
  4. Longitudinal Waves Gizmo
  5. Seismology and The Science of Earthquakes: Waves, Magnitude, and the Richter Scale Video
  6. Using Earthquake Waves
  7. Earth’s Internal Structure
  8. The Structure of the Earth Video
  9. Mapping External Features
  10. Latitude and Longitude
  11. GPS (Global Positioning System)
  12. Mapping the Earth Video
  13. Topographic Maps
  14. Map Projections
  15. Map Scale
  16. GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
  17. Map Reading Directions

Assignments:

Homework: Internal Structure Matching / Homework / 5 points
Homework: Mapping / Homework / 5 points
Homework: Map Reading / Homework / 5 points
Unit 1 Test – Earth’s Strcuture / Exam / 10 points

Unit 2: Earth’s Mineral Composition(Weeks 3 through 4)

Objectives:
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • classify substances as either minerals or non-minerals
  • relate minerals to their chemical composition
  • explain the importance of a minerals chemical composition to its crystal form
  • describe how atoms of elements bond to form molecules of compounds
  • apply scientific analysis tests to identify minerals
  • classify minerals into their families based on common characteristics
  • explain the importance of mineral resources

Modules:

  1. Minerals Overview
  2. Bonding and the Periodic Table
  3. Element Builder Gizmo
  4. Crystal Formation
  5. Crystallization: The Birth of a Common Rock Video
  6. Mineral Identification
  7. Mineral Classification
  8. Classifying Minerals Video
  9. Mineral I.D. Chart
  10. Natural Resources
  11. The Importance of Rocks and Minerals Video

Assignments:

Homework: Bond and Crystal Form / Homework / 5 points
Homework: Mineral I.D. / Homework / 5 points
Earth’s Mineral Composition Test / Exam / 10 points

Unit 3: Rocks and the Rock Cycle (Weeks 5 through 6)

Objectives:
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • describe the rock cycle and the formation of an igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock
  • classify igneous rocks either as plutonic or volcanic depending on their formation
  • differentiate between magma and lava and their types
  • describe the different plutonic formations
  • identify igneous rocks by name
  • classify sedimentary rocks as either detrital or chemical
  • identify sedimentary rocks by name
  • describe the agents of metamorphism
  • classify metamorphic rocks as either non-foliated or foliated
  • identify metamorphic rocks by name

Modules:

  1. The Rock Cycle
  2. Introduction to Rocks and Minerals
  3. Rock Cycle Gizmo
  4. Igneous Rock Formation
  5. Igneous Rock Classification
  6. Igneous Rock Video
  7. Igneous Rock Identification Practice
  8. Sedimentary Rock Formation
  9. Sedimentary Rock Classification
  10. Sedimentary Rock Video
  11. Sedimentary Rock I.D. Practice
  12. Metamorphic Rock Formation
  13. Metamorphic Rock Classification
  14. Metamorphic Rock Video
  15. Metamorphic Rock I.D. Practice
  16. Rock Classification Lab Gizmo
  17. Quiz Yourself Review: All about Rocks and Minerals Video

Assignments:

Homework: Igneous Rock I.D. / Homework / 5 points
Homework: Sedimentary Rock I.D. / Homework / 5 points
Homework: Metamorphic Rock I.D. / Homework / 5 points
Unit 3 Test – Rocks and the Rock Cycle / Exam / 10 points

Unit 4: Plate Tectonics Theory (Weeks 7 through 8)

Objectives:
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • explain the theory of plate tectonics and the major evidence supporting it
  • compare and contrast continental drift and plate tectonics
  • recognize the major plates of the earth and their names
  • explain the difference between catastrophism and uniformitarianism
  • interpret ocean floor mapping and explain how the ocean floor is mapped
  • relate seafloor spreading and crust recycling to the ocean floor youth and plate tectonics theory
  • explain magnetic reversal striping on the ocean floor and its role in the theory of plate tectonics
  • relate earthquakes and volcanoes to plate tectonics theory
  • describe the global mid-ocean ridge and trench systems
  • explain convection and the forces that push the plates apart

Modules:

  1. Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, and Volcanoes Video
  2. Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics Theory
  3. Plate Tectonics Theory Development
  4. Youth and Structure of Ocean Floor
  5. Ocean Floor Mapping Gizmo
  6. Reversals of Earth’s Magnetic Field
  7. Seafloor-Spreading
  8. Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics Connection
  9. Types of Plate Boundaries
  10. Divergent Boundaries
  11. Mid-Ocean Ridge Divergence
  12. Rift Zone Divergence
  13. Convergent Boundaries
  14. Oceanic-Continental Convergence
  15. Oceanic-Oceanic Convergence
  16. Continental-Continental Convergence
  17. Transform Boundaries
  18. In What Ways do the Major Plates Move? Video

Assignments:

Homework: Identifying Evidence for Plate Tectonics Theory / Homework / 5 points
Homework: Identifying Plate Boundary Types / Homework / 5 points
Unit 4 Test – Plate Tectonics Theory / Exam / 10 points

Earth Science A Midterm Exam (Week 9)

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • review information acquired and mastered from this course up to this point
  • take a course exam based on material from the first four units in this course (Note: You will be able to open this exam only one time.)

Assignment:

Earth Science AMidterm Exam / Exam / 20 points

Unit 5: Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics (Weeks 10 through 11)

Objectives:
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • explain the relationship between plate boundaries and volcano locations
  • classify volcanoes by type, according to their common characteristics
  • describe the formation and structure of composite cone volcanoes
  • describe the formation and structure of shield volcanoes
  • describe the formation and structure of cinder cone volcanoes
  • describe the formation and structure of rift eruptions
  • relate the types of magma to volcano types
  • describe the eruptions and destructions of Mt.St. Helens, Mt.Pinatubo and Krakatau
  • describe the eruptions and hazards associated with Mauna Loa and Kileaua
  • explain the source of magma at Krafla, Iceland
  • explain the hot spot theory and its supporting evidence
  • describe the formation of the Hawaiian Islands and Old Faithful Geyser at Yellowstone

Modules:

  1. Introduction to Volcanoes Video
  2. The Birth of a Volcano Video
  3. Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics Connection
  4. Hotspots
  5. Magma and Lava Types
  6. Volcano Types
  7. Composite Cone Volcanoes
  8. Mount Vesuvius Video
  9. Shield Volcanoes
  10. Cinder Cone Volcanoes
  11. Rift Volcano Eruptions
  12. Types of Volcanoes Video

Assignments:

Homework: Volcano Types / Homework / 5 points
Unit 5 Test – Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics / Exam / 10 points

Unit 6: Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics (Weeks 12 through 13)

Objectives:
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • relate earthquakes and plate boundaries
  • describe the motion of the San Andreas Fault and its effects on California
  • explain strike-slip faults
  • compare and contrast creep motion and sudden earthquake motion
  • explain the relationship between seismic gaps and earthquake prediction
  • compare and contrast the motion and speed of different types of seismic waves
  • describe the difference between an earthquake epicenter and focus
  • explain how a seismograph works
  • determine the location of an earthquake epicenter using three seismograph stations
  • relate the Richter Scale to earthquake intensity
  • describe the formation and danger associated with Tsunamis

Modules:

  1. Fault Lines, Stress, and Earthquakes Video
  2. Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics Connections
  3. Measuring Earthquakes
  4. Earthquake Frequency and Prediction
  5. Tsunamis
  6. Earthquake – Recording Station Gizmo
  7. Earthquake – Determination of Epicenter Gizmo

Assignments:

Homework: Epicenter Determination / Homework / 5 points
Research Project: Earthquakes in Your Area Essay / Paper/Essay / 10 points
Unit 6 Test – Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics / Exam / 10 points

Unit 7: MountainBuilding, Deformations, and Plate Tectonics (Week 14)

Objectives:
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • explain the formation of mountain ranges by plate tectonic forces
  • describe the formation of fault-block mountains
  • describe the formation of folded mountains
  • explain the formation of a fault
  • recognize the different types of faults
  • explain the formation of folds
  • recognize the different types of folds

Modules:

  1. Natural Phenomena: Mountains and MountainBuilding Video
  2. MountainBuilding
  3. Crustal Deformations: Faults
  4. Crustal Deformations: Folds

Assignments:

Homework: MountainBuilding Causes and Effects / Homework / 5 points
Homework: Crustal Deformations / Homework / 5 points
Unit 7 Test – MountainBuilding, Deformations, and Plate Tectonics / Exam / 10 points

Unit 8: Earth’s History (Weeks 15 through 16)

Objectives:
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • explain the subdivisions of the geologic time scale
  • describe the Precambrian and why it covers such a large expanse of time
  • describe the major characteristics of the eras of the Phanerozoic Eon
  • apply relative dating techniques to determine relative ages of rock layers
  • use radiometric dating techniques to determine the age of a rock
  • classify fossils and events into their appropriate eon or era:
  • Precambrian Eon
  • Phanerozoic Eon
  • Paleozoic
  • Mesozoic
  • Cenozoic

Modules:

  1. Early Life on Earth Video
  2. Determining Age
  3. Relative Dating Techniques
  4. Absolute Dating Techniques
  5. Half Life Gizmo
  6. Half-life Laboratory Gizmo Part 2
  7. Precambrian Time
  8. Paleozoic Era: “The age of invertebrates, fish, and amphibians”
  9. Mesozoic Era – “The age of the dinosaurs”
  10. Sixty-Five Million Years Ago: The Cretaceous Period and Extinction Video
  11. Cenozoic Era – “The age of recent life”
  12. Earth Science: Fossils Video

Assignments:

Homework: Techniques for Determining Age / Homework / 5 points
Homework: Classifying Fossils into Eras / Homework / 5 points
Unit 8 Test – Earth’s History / Exam / 10 points

Unit 9: Forces of Weathering (Weeks 17 through 18)

Objectives:
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • compare and contrast the features of fast moving and slow moving streams
  • describe features formed from deposited sediment
  • recognize erosional features and patterns formed from running water
  • explain the difference between porosity and permeability
  • explain the structure of aquifers and ways in which water reaches the surface
  • describe underground and surface features formed by groundwater
  • differentiate between valley (alpine) and continental (ice sheet) glaciers
  • describe the formation of a glacier
  • recognize alpine glacial formations
  • describe the formation of ice sheet glacial erosional features
  • recognize sand dune types

Modules:

  1. The Forces of Wind and Water: Weathering and Erosion Video
  2. Running Water
  3. How Does the Force of Streams and Rivers Shape the Earth? Video
  4. Groundwater and Aquifers
  5. The Water Table
  6. Wells and Springs
  7. Porosity Gizmo
  8. Geologic Forces and the Shape of the Earth Video
  9. Glaciers
  10. Types of Glaciers
  11. How Do Glaciers Shape the Earth? Video
  12. Wind

Assignments:

Homework: Water Weathering / Homework / 5 points
Homework: Glaciers and Wind Erosion / Homework / 5 points
Unit 9 Test – Forces of Weathering / Exam / 10 points

Earth Science AFinal Exam (Week 19)

Objectives:
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • review information acquired and mastered from this course
  • take a course exam based on material from all units in this course (Note: You will be able to open this exam only one time.)

Assignment:

Earth Science A Final Exam / Exam / 25 points

Disability Statement

If you have a disability or condition that may affect your ability to succeed in this course, please contact your teacher. It’s important that you discuss the problem with him or her so accommodations may be made to give you every opportunity to perform well. Your teacher and virtual school program coordinators are committed to helping students with disabilities succeed, and every request will be treated with respect and confidentiality.

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