This course meets the requirements for the Core 40 diploma in the state of Indiana. It is designed for students who want to fulfill a physical science requirement, as well as an introductory level high school science course. It is designed to introduce the student to all the disciplines of Earth/Space science, specifically geology, astronomy, meteorology, paleontology and oceanography. Earth Science represents the study of our changing and dynamic world. Even as a student begins this course, he or she comes to realize that the world we live on has changed!

Student grades are based on written assignments; there is also opportunity for lab participation, and testing. Grades are based on a ‘point’ system. Points are given for each assignment; these are totaled at the end of the marking period then compared to the total points possible. The Indiana academic standards for Earth/Space science are covered. Each chapter will be introduced with a partially completed outline and a series of questions. When applicable, references will be made to informative and educational web sites containing virtual tours or references to the lessons being covered.

SEMESTER I
Chapter 1 – introduction
Chapter 2 – minerals
Chapter 3 – rocks
Chapter 4 – resources
Chapter 12 – Geologic Time
Chapter 13 – Earth History
Chapters 9 and 10 Plate Tectonics and Mountain Building

SEMESTER II
Chapter 8 – Earthquakes and the Earth’s Interior
Chapter 10 – Volcanoes and Other Igneous Activity
Chapters 5 and 7 – Weathering, Soil and Mass Movements; Glaciers, Deserts and Winds
Chapter 6- Running Water and Ground Water
Chapters 17, 18 and 19 – The Atmosphere, Structure and Temperature; Moisture, Clouds and Precipitation; Air Pressure and Wind
Chapters 20 and 21 – Weather Patterns and Severe Storms; Climate
Chapters 22 and 23 – Origin of Modern Astronomy; Touring our Solar System
Chapters 24 and 25 – Studying the Sun; Beyond Our Solar System.

There will be a semester final at the ends of semesters I and II

Text –Earth Science (Pearson) Prentice Hall, Edward J. Tarbuck and Frederick Lutgens, illustrated by Dennis Tasa
ISBN – 0-13-125954-7
Copyright 2006