Earth Science A
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Course Description
Earth Science A, the first course in a two-semester series, is an intense study of
geology as a problem-solving science. This course covers Earth’s structure and
mapping and mineral composition, rocks and the rock cycle, plate tectonics, 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.
Course Objectives
When you finish this course, you will be able to:
 Describe the steps of the scientific method
 Distinguish between a theory and a hypothesis
 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, as evinced by the fossil record
 Explain the forces of weathering, such as glaciers, water, and wind
Course Assignment Values
Assignment Type
Points
Possible
20 Assignments
Weight
100 pts
39%
1 Project
10 pts
4%
2 Activities
10 pts
4%
9 Unit Tests
90 pts
35%
1 Midterm Exam
1 Final Exam
20 pts
25 pts
8%
10%
255 pts
100%
Course Totals
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Suggested Course Schedule
The suggested time frame shown below is based on learning sessions. A learning
session is a 45-minute period of time. This course should take approximately 90
learning sessions to complete, but this schedule is just a suggestion. You may work on
each unit at your own pace, completing as many learning sessions as you’d like in one
sitting. However, keep in mind that you must finish the entire course within the time
specified by your school district.
Learning
Session
1-10
11-20
Content Covered
Unit 1: Nature of Science
Throughout this unit, you will examine the definition of science, discuss
its characteristics, and learn how it affects your everyday life.
In this unit, there will be:
2 Activities
10 pts
5 Assignments
25 pts
1 Unit Test
10 pts
Unit 2: Earth’s Mineral Composition
In this unit, you will learn to classify substances as mineral or nonmineral. You will also relate minerals to their chemical composition and
examine how elemental bonds contribute to the crystal formation of
minerals. You will also learn about the different tests that scientists can
use to identify minerals.
21-30
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
10 pts
1 Unit Test
10 pts
Unit 3: Rocks and the Rock Cycle
This unit will describe the rock cycle. You will learn the characteristics of
igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic rocks, as well as how these rock
types form.
31-40
In this unit, there will be:
3 Assignments
15 pts
1 Unit Test
10 pts
Unit 4: Plate Tectonics Theory
This unit introduces you to the theory of plate tectonics and the different
mechanisms supporting it. You will also learn to identify the major plates
of Earth and the forces that move them. You will also learn to describe
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seafloor spreading and how it relates to plate tectonics.
41-50
51-60
61-70
71-80
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
10 pts
1 Unit Test
10 pts
Earth Science A Midterm Exam
20 pts
Unit 5: Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics
In this unit, you will identify the relationship between plate tectonics and
volcano locations. You will also become aquainted with the different
types of volcanoes, their characteristics, and how they are formed.
In this unit, there will be:
1 Assignment
5 pts
1 Unit Test
10 pts
Unit 6: Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics
This unit will cover the relationship between plate tectonics and
earthquakes. You will learn about different types of earthquakes, the
waves they produce, and what scientists can conclude based on the
measurement of these waves.
In this unit, there will be:
1 Assignment
5 pts
1 Project
10 pts
1 Unit Test
10 pts
Unit 7: Mountain Building, Deformation, and Plate Tectonics
In this unit, you will analyze the relationship between plate tectonics and
the formation of different types of mountains. This unit also describes the
significance of faults and how they are formed.
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
10 pts
1 Unit Test
10 pts
Unit 8: Earth’s History
This unit covers the geologic time scale and examines the characteristics
of different geologic eras. You will also find out about the methods
scientists use to find the ages of fossils and rocks.
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
1 Unit Test
10 pts
10 pts
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81-90
Unit 9: Forces of Weathering
In this unit, you will come to understand the different factors that
contribute to weathering and erosion. In addition, you will learn about the
characteristics of streams and glaciers, and how these can erode the
earth.
In this unit, there will be:
2 Assignments
1 Unit Test
Earth Science A Final Exam
10 pts
10 pts
25 pts
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information without the written permission of the student’s parent or legal guardian.
Names, images, and/or class work of Advanced Academics students will not be
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guardian consent.
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.
©2011 Advanced Academics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.