Honors Earth System Science
Grade Level: 9th - 12th grade
Course Goal:
Earth System Science is a course which develops student knowledge and understanding of the
Earth/Space System. This course seeks to empower students to understand their dynamic local and
global environments and the Earth as part of a complex system. Students will learn the science content
and process skills necessary to make wise personal and social decisions related to quality of life, and the
management of the Earth's finite resources, environments, and hazards.
Sub-Goal 1: Students will understand the nature of science as it applies to understanding the Earth
System and gain the abilities to do scientific inquiry as related to Earth System Science.
Sub-Goal 2: Students will utilize the variety of inquiry methods employed by earth and space
scientists in understanding the Earth System through their investigation of authentic real-life
questions and questions of their own design. They are expected to collect and analyze field data,
satellite imagery, data visualizations to develop an understanding the nature of scientific inquiry.
Sub-Goal 3: Understanding Earth as an integrated system of multiple components and processes is the
dominant paradigm in Earth and space science research today. Understanding Earth as a system
means to understand it as a whole system rather than as disconnected and unrelated microparts.
Students will understand the complex interconnections between the Geosphere, hydrosphere,
atmosphere, biosphere, and exosphere.
Sub-Goal 4: Understand how scientists have come to comprehend the origin, structure and evolution
of the Earth System and universe.
Sub-Goal 5: Understand that space-age capabilities and technologies have transformed the study and
understanding of Earth systems. Data acquired over the past 40 years from satellites, manned
spacecraft, robotic instruments, and interplanetary probes have revolutionized our understanding
of Earth systems, the solar system, and the universe. Space-age technologies have helped
scientists better understand interactions between Earth and the solar system, and to accurately
monitor and model changes in Earth's systems over time.
Topic Sequence
Unit 1: Introduction to Earth System Science
Unit 2: The Exosphere & The Earth System
Unit 3: The Atmosphere & The Earth System
Unit 4: The Hydrosphere & The Earth System
Unit 5: The Geosphere & The Earth System
Unit 6: The Earth System
Methods of Instruction
A variety of methods of instruction will be used in this course and include:
Inquiry Methods described above:
The classic experiment
Changes over time scales
Using modern analogs
Variation over space
Using physical models
Using computer models
Multiple working hypotheses
Computer activities and investigations
Problem-based learning
Unit challenge questions
Concept mapping
System modeling
Field investigations
Cooperative learning
Traditional lectures and notes
Individual research
Instructional Materials
Primary text: Earth Science, 11th Edition
by: E. J. Tarbuck and F. K. Lutgens
Prentice Hall, 2006
ISBN: 0-13-149751-0
A variety of computer desktop based and web-based computer tools will be used to take full advantage
of real and archived data.
Student Outcomes and Methods of Assessment
Student performance will be assessed by the following methods:
Formative Assessments such as quizzes
Labs & Activities
Chapter tests
Unit Challenges & Unit tests
Full/Open independent long-term inquiry project
Alternative Assessment - end of year assessment integrating the content and skills
acquired during the year.
Cumulative Final Exam
A point system is used to assess student progress. Approximately 400 points each marking period are
available for students to earn.