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Summit Earth Science, Semester 2 (SCI113B)

Summit Earth Science, Semester 2 (SCI113B)

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Quick Overview

This high school course provides students with a comprehensive earth science curriculum, focusing on geology, oceanography, astronomy, weather, and climate. The program consists of in-depth online lessons, an associated reference book, collaborative activities, virtual laboratories, and hands-on laboratories students can conduct at home. The course prepares students for further studies in geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy courses, and gives them practical experience in implementing scientific methods. This is the second semester of SCI113.

Teacher-Led Course (one-time payment)   $450.00

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Course Overview

This course provides students with a comprehensive earth science curriculum,focusing on geology, oceanography, astronomy, weather, and climate. The program consists of in-depth online lessons, an associated reference book, collaborative activities, virtual laboratories, and hands-on laboratories students can conduct at home. The course prepares students for further studies in geology, meteorology oceanography, and astronomy courses, and gives them practical experience in implementing scientific methods. This is the second semester of SCI113.

 

Course Outline

SEMESTER ONE

Unit 1: Earth Science and Systems

Earth Science is one of the most fascinating topics in all the sciences, and students learn about its place among the sciences in this unit. Students explore what Earth science is, learn about its breadth and history, and study the contributions of earth scientists to the betterment of life for all of us. Students also study aspects of scientific methods and use those methods in a laboratory setting.

  • Semester Introduction
  • Why Study Earth Science?
  • Historical Contributions in Earth Science 1
  • Historical Contributions in Earth Science 2
  • Spheres as Earth Systems
  • Laboratory: Topographical Maps
  • Earth Systems and Interactions
  • Laboratory: Modeling Earth Science Processes 1
  • Laboratory: Modeling Earth Science Processes 2

Unit 2: Dynamic Earth

Students confront Earth as a dynamic planet; in many ways, it is more active than any other planet in our solar system. The core idea of plate tectonics, its effect on Earth's history, and its current geological activity helps students make sense of our world. Knowledge of the origin and distribution of volcanoes and earthquakes helps students make even greater sense of Earth's dynamic nature.

  • Introduction to Plate Tectonics
  • Pangaea and Continental Drift
  • Moving Plates
  • Plate Boundaries 1
  • Plate Boundaries 2
  • Plate Tectonics: Historical Perspective
  • Where Earthquakes and Volcanoes Occur
  • Structure of Earth's Interior
  • Laboratory: Island Chain Formation
  • How Earthquakes Happen
  • Locating Earthquakes
  • Earthquakes and Waves
  • Laboratory: Earthquake Epicenter
  • How Volcanoes Form
  • Volcanic Zones
  • Mountain Building
  • Impact of Geologic Events

Unit 3: Composition of the Earth

Study of the minerals and rocks that comprise Earth is students' most tangible way to engage in the nature of the Earth's structure. In this unit, students tackle the nature of rocks, their origin, distribution, and transformation. After establishing a firm basis of Earth materials, students confront weathering and erosion and the development and change in Earth's landforms.

  • Minerals on Earth
  • Mineral Properties
  • Valuable Minerals
  • Crystal Structures
  • Rocks and Their Mineral Composition
  • Three Kinds of Rocks
  • Laboratory: Rocks and Minerals 1
  • Laboratory: Rocks and Minerals 2
  • Rock Origins 1
  • Rock Origins 2
  • The Rock Cycle
  • Earth Materials Change
  • Weathering and Erosion
  • Land Use and Its Effects

Unit 4: Geological History

The history of Earth is told in its rocks, how the planet was formed and what changes it has gone through. Students study changes that have taken place in Earth's long history, examining geological time and the changes in living things over time. Students also begin an investigation of rocks and minerals.

  • Earth's History
  • Earth's History and Change
  • The Fossil Record
  • Age of Geologic Features
  • Earth's History Written in Rocks
  • Laboratory: Interpreting Geologic History, Day 1
  • Laboratory: Interpreting Geologic History, Day 2

Unit 5: Earth's Atmosphere

The structure of our atmosphere has a profound effect on Earth and its living things. In this unit, students first develop a firm basis for understanding how the sun's energy is the basis for many of the characteristics of our atmosphere. Knowledge of how the sun's energy is used provides the basis for understanding wind and global circulation of air. As in other units, student understanding of facts stems from their mastery of the "big ideas" of Earth Science.

  • Layers in the Atmosphere
  • Composition of the Atmosphere
  • History of the Earth's Atmosphere
  • Laboratory: Barometer 1
  • Laboratory: Barometer 2
  • The Sun and Energy
  • Solar Radiation
  • Temperature and Air Pressure
  • Air Circulation Patterns 1
  • Air Circulation Patterns 2
  • Air Movement and Weather
  • Wind and Human Activity
  • Laboratory: Energy Absorption/Reflection 1
  • Laboratory: Energy Absorption/Reflection 2

Unit 6: Weather 1

The origin of weather and its effects on Earth systems and on human life are the focus of student learning in this unit. Students explore what it means to gather weather data and work with weather maps. They learn the factors that influence weather, cloud formation, and storm development. They also learn the level of risk of severe weather and how to prepare for dangerous weather.

What Makes the Weather?

  • Gathering Weather Data
  • Weather Maps
  • Laboratory: Weather Map Interpretation 1
  • Laboratory: Weather Map Interpretation 2
  • Cloud Formation
  • How Storms Develop
  • Determining Level of Risk
  • Preparing for Severe Weather

Unit 7: Semester Review and Test

  • Semester Review
  • Semester Test

SEMESTER TWO

Unit 1: Weather 2

The difference between climate and weather is the focus of learning in this unit. Students examine climatic zones, cloud formation, and relative humidity. Students explore the different biomes on Earth and the results that the greenhouse effect will have on Earth's environment. Students confront the issue of climate change.

  • Semester Introduction
  • Climate vs. Weather
  • What Influences the Weather?
  • Comparing the Weather
  • Laboratory: Cloud Formation
  • Laboratory: Relative Humidity
  • Biomes on Earth
  • The Greenhouse Effect
  • Greenhouse Effect Analyses
  • Climate Change
  • Patterns of Climate Change
  • Laboratory: Temperature of Water and Soil 1
  • Laboratory: Temperature of Water and Soil 2

Unit 2: Oceans

The oceans of the world give our Earth a unique characteristic among planets in our solar system. In this unit, students explore Earth's water, learn about the properties of ocean water, and see how the physical and biological characteristics of oceans make our planet unique.

  • Oceans of the World
  • Chemistry of the Oceans
  • Physical Properties of Seawater
  • Ocean Dynamics
  • Laboratory: Ocean Water Density 1
  • Laboratory: Ocean Water Density 2
  • Ocean Currents
  • Ocean Floor
  • Ocean Conditions and Life
  • Marine Life Zones
  • Laboratory: Ocean Floor Sediments 1
  • Laboratory: Ocean Floor Sediments 2
  • Marine Organisms
  • Marine Resources

Unit 3: Cycles on Earth

The materials that make up Earth are continuously being recycled. Important nutrients for living things, as well as the components of rock and minerals, are circulated through Earth systems over time. Students examine these nutrient cycles, paying particular attention to nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, and water. The concept of a dynamic and ever-changing Earth is reinforced in this unit.

  • Biogeochemical Cycles
  • Nitrogen Cycle
  • Carbon Cycle
  • Life and the Carbon Cycle
  • Laboratory: Dissolved Oxygen 1
  • Laboratory: Dissolved Oxygen 2
  • Water Cycle
  • How Humans Alter Cycles

Unit 4: Astronomy

By this point in the Earth Science curriculum, students have a firm basis for understanding Earth and its characteristics. Students now look at Earth in the broader context of its place in the solar system, the Milky Way, and the universe. Building on the "big ideas" of astronomy, students develop a strong central basis for understanding Earth within the larger context of space.

  • The Sun
  • Solar Phenomena
  • The Earth, Moon, Sun System
  • Laboratory: Solar Energy
  • Solar and Lunar Eclipses
  • The Moon's Influence
  • Earth Movement and Seasons
  • Laboratory: Earth, Moon, Sun Motion
  • Laboratory: Sunrise and Sunset
  • Origin of the Solar System
  • Gravitational Forces in the Solar System
  • Features of the Solar System
  • The Planets
  • Planetary Impact
  • Electromagnetic Spectrum
  • Light: A Tool for Astronomy
  • Distances in Space
  • Life Cycle of a Star
  • Color and Brightness of Stars
  • Date about Stars
  • What's a Galaxy?
  • Searching for Objects in Space
  • The Big Bang Theory

Unit 5: Earth's Resources

With all that students have learned about Earth, they are able now to confront some practical aspects of Earth and how humans use its resources. Where are we headed with regard to those resources needed to sustain modern society? What is and what should be our relationship to fossil fuels, water resources, and issues regarding changes in human populations?

  • Earth's Natural Resources
  • Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources
  • Mineral Resources
  • Locating Resources
  • Managing Resources
  • Using Resources Wisely
  • Environmental Issues
  • Laboratory: Air Pollution Watch
  • Water Resources
  • Humans and the Environment
  • Conservation
  • Population Growth
  • Population Changes

Unit 6: Semester Review and Test

  • Semester Review
  • Semester Test

Additional Information

Course Length 4 Months
Prerequisites N/A
Course Materials

Many K12 courses utilize physical materials in addition to the online content.  These materials may include the following.


K12
Standard Kits

STANDARD kits contain K12 course materials that are required for completion of the course.  These kits include K12 authored materials and/or difficult to procure materials that a student needs to complete a course. Printed reference guides are not included in Standard kits.


Consumable
Materials

CONSUMABLE kits contain only those materials from the standard kit that are intended for one time use. Families who purchase a Standard kit for Child A could later purchase a Consumable kit for Child B to complete the same course.


Additional
Materials

Offered for added convenience, ADDITIONAL kits contain easily obtained materials needed for the course which a family may already have in their home. 


Learning
Coach and/or Student Reference Guides are available for purchase with some courses.  Electronic versions of these reference guides are also available within digital courses.

Course Start Date

Courses Taught by a K12 Teacher

Courses with a teacher have designated start dates throughout Fall, Spring, and Summer. Full-year courses last 10 months and semester courses last 4 months. Courses are taught by teachers in K12 International Academy. For details on start dates, click here.

Teacher Assisted Yes, this course is taught by a K12 International Academy teacher. If you are looking for a teacher-supported option with additional flexibility and year-round start dates, click here to learn about the Keystone School, another K12 online private schooling option.
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To use this course, you'll need a computer with an Internet connection.  Some courses require additional free software programs, which you can download from the Internet.

Hardware and Browsers (Minimum Recommendations)

Windows OS

  • CPU: 1.8 GHz or faster processor (or equivalent)

  • RAM: 1GB of RAM

  • Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 9.0 or higher, Mozilla Firefox 10.0 versions or higher, Chrome 17.0 or higher

  • At this time our users are encouraged not to upgrade to Windows 10 or Edge (the new browser)

 

Mac OS

  • CPU: PowerPC G4 1 GHz or faster processor; Intel Core Duo 1.83 GHz or faster processor

  • RAM: 1GB of RAM

  • Browser: Firefox 10.0 versions or higher, Chrome 17.0 or higher (Safari is not supported!)

Internet Connections

It is highly recommended that a broadband connection be used instead of dial up.

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