Science-Westminster High School
Earth Science
1st Semester Syllabus
Part 1: Course Information
Instructor Information
Instructor: Matt Heller
Room: A125
Plan Hours: PERIOD 6 & 7
Telephone: 303-487-2451
E-mail: *preferred contact* mheller@adams50.org
Course Description
Level 9 Earth Science is a laboratory-based science course in which students investigate the various systems and
processes occurring on Earth as well as Earth’s place in the solar system. As part of this course, students will evaluate
the evidence that scientists use to infer the history of the Earth, our solar system, and the universe. Students will also
learn how the Earth interacts with various objects in our solar system and outer space and how these interactions
influence the processes occurring on our planet. Other topics included in this course include the scientific study of plate
tectonics, Earth’s climate, renewable and nonrenewable energy resources, and the impact of natural hazards and
disasters such as tornadoes, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Students will also consider the physical and chemical changes
that occur on Earth’s surface as a result of the actions of water, air, gravity, and biological activity. Students in this course
will have the opportunity to use various aspects of scientific investigation and experimentation, as well as the scientific
method, to gain an understanding of Earth Science
Prerequisite
Completion of Level 8 or equivalent
Part 2: Course Objectives
Primary learning targets for this course.
SC09H3101: Analyze the history of the universe and the solar system
SC09H3102: Analyzing Earth’s history
SC09H3103: Interpreting geological data
SC09H3104: Interpreting astronomical data
SC09H3105: Use a variety of media sources to understand Astronomy
SC09H3201: Examine extraterrestrial energies evidence
SC09H3202: Analyzing extraterrestrial energies
Westminster High School, Westminster CO
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1st Semester Syllabus
Earth Science
SC09H3203: Identify assumptions about extraterrestrial forces
SC09H3204: Use technology to understand the universe
SC09H3301: Explain the theory of plate tectonics
SC09H3302: Analyze and interpret geological data
SC09H3303: Understand long-term global changes in the Earth
SC09H3304: Investigate technologies about theory of plate tectonics
SC09H3101: Analyze the history of the universe and the solar system
SC09H3102: Analyzing Earth’s history
SC09H3103: Interpreting geological data
Part 3: Topic Outline/Schedule
Unit 01: Maps and Measurement
o
Identify basics of SI units
o
Density *** Lab
o
Longitude and Latitude
o
Maps
Unit 02: Rocks and Minerals
o
States of Matter
o
Mineral Identification***Lab
o
The Rock Cycle
o
Colorado Rocks
Unit 03: Dynamic Earth
o
Continental Drift
o
Plate Tectonics ***Lab
o
Earthquakes
o
Volcanoes
Unit 04: Astronomy
o
Big Bang Theory
Westminster High School, Westminster CO
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