WOL-Earth Science-b

Earth Science is the branch of science devoted to studying the planet Earth and all the objects in the universe. This course begins with an introduction to the processes, methods, and tools of scientific inquiry. An understanding of the geology of Earth is built through units that discuss topics such as rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, and Earth’s natural resources. Students build their understanding of the structure and function of the Earth’s atmosphere, as well as situations that cause changes in the atmosphere. The study of oceanography is introduced with such topics as sea floor features and ocean currents. Weather, climate, and climate change are topics that begin to develop an understanding of meteorology. Throughout the course, students develop an understanding of how Earth’s systems and cycles work together to make life on Earth possible. The students also take a tour of the universe as they discuss its formation, the characteristics of the objects in our solar system, and the universe beyond our solar system.Throughout the course, they see examples of how individuals have built our knowledge of Earth and the universe through invention, innovation, and discovery.