Course Overview:

The Earth Science course offers online students a dynamic, NGSS-aligned exploration of our planet and its place in the universe. In Semester A, students investigate celestial bodies, Earth’s systems, and the interplay of water, climate, and energy cycles through interactive labs, videos, and real-world simulations. Semester B shifts focus to Earth’s geological evolution, plate tectonics, and human impact on natural systems, empowering students to make informed decisions about environmental challenges like climate change. Throughout both semesters, learners apply Science and Engineering Practices to deepen their understanding of Disciplinary Core Ideas and Crosscutting Concepts, while engaging in discussions that connect science to personal and societal issues.

Semester 1:  

How much do we really know about our home, planet Earth? The Earth Science course will explore the dynamic systems of Earth and Space to help students understand how Earth’s systems have developed through time, how they are interrelated, and how humans impact them. In the first semester, students will investigate the universe and its stars, the planets of the Solar System, and the systems that make up Earth. Students will examine the role of water on our planet and sun-driven interactions affecting climate and weather. They will also model biogeochemical cycles and energy flow through Earth’s systems. Students will use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to learn through videos, readings, interactive activities, mini-projects, labs, and simulations based on real-world data. These course assignments are designed to explicitly engage students’ Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Performance Expectations (PEs). Also, students will apply Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) to construct an understanding of Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) through the lens of Crosscutting Concepts (CCs) to explain a phenomenon. The discussion assignments focus on enabling students to use their science knowledge to make informed decisions about personal and societal issues. Students will be assessed through lesson quizzes and semester exams. 

Semester 2: 

In the second semester, students will explore how Earth’s surface changes through plate tectonics and geological processes. Students will also take a step back in time to see how the Earth and life developed through its timescale. By the end of the course, students will be able to explain the different systems on Earth, how they affect each other, and how the Earth is changing due to human activity. This course will give students tools and information to examine their daily choices in response to ongoing natural hazards like climate change and find ways to protect the Earth and its natural resources. Students will use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to learn through videos, reading, interactive activities, mini-projects, labs, and simulations based on real-world data. The course assignments are designed to explicitly engage students in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Performance Expectations (PEs). In many cases, students will apply Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) to construct an understanding of Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) through the lens of Crosscutting Concepts (CCs) to explain a phenomenon. The discussion assignments focus on enabling students to make informed decisions about personal and societal issues. Students will be assessed through lesson quizzes and semester exams.