SCI114: Honors Earth Science
This challenging course provides students with an honors-level Earth Science curriculum, focusing on geology,
oceanography, astronomy, weather, and climate. The program consists of online lessons, an associated reference book,
collaborative activities, and hands-on laboratories students can conduct at home. The course prepares students for advanced
studies in geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy courses, and gives them more sophisticated experience in
implementing scientific methods. Additional honors assignments include debates, research papers, extended collaborative
laboratories, and virtual laboratories. K12 provides all lab materials that cannot easily be found in the home.
Course length: Two semesters
Materials: Earth Science: A Reference Guide; materials for laboratory experiments
Prerequisites: K12 middle school Life Science, or equivalent, success in previous science course, and teacher/school
counselor recommendation
SEMESTER ONE
Unit 1: Earth Science and Systems
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.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Introduction
Why Study Earth Science?
Historical Contributions in Earth Science
Spheres as Earth Systems
Laboratory: Topographical Maps
Earth Systems and Interactions
Laboratory: Modeling Earth Science Processes
Unit 2: Dynamic Earth
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Introduction to Plate Tectonics
Pangaea and Continental Drift
Moving Plates
Plate Boundaries
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
www.k12.com
{ Pg. 1 }
Students confront Earth as a dynamic planet that is, in many ways, more active than any other planet in our solar system. The
core idea of plate tectonics and 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.
•
•
•
•
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
Rock Origins
The Rock Cycle
Earth Materials Change
Weathering and Erosion
Land Use and Its Effects
Unit 4: Geologic 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
Unit 5: Earth’s Atmosphere
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Layers in the Atmosphere
Composition of the Atmosphere
History of Earth’s Atmosphere
Atmosphere and Life on Earth
Laboratory: Barometer
The Sun and Energy
Solar Radiation
Temperature and Air Pressure
www.k12.com
{ Pg. 2 }
The structure of our atmosphere has a profound effect on Earth and its living things. In this unit students first develop a firm
platform 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 leads to the development of student understanding of wind and global circulation of air. As in other
units, students’ understanding of facts stems from their mastery of the “big ideas” of Earth Science.
•
•
•
•
Air Circulation Patterns
Air Movement and Weather
Wind and Human Activity
Laboratory: Energy Absorption/Reflection
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 about the factors that
influence weather, cloud formation, and storm development. They also determine the level of risk of severe weather and learn
to prepare for dangerous weather.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
What Makes the Weather?
Gathering Weather Data
Weather Maps
Laboratory: Weather Map Interpretation
Cloud Formation
How Storms Develop
Determining Level of Risk
Preparing for Severe Weather
Unit 7: Semester 1 Review and Test
Students prepare for and take the semester test.
Unit 8: Honors Project 1: Research Paper
An independent research paper gives honors students the opportunity to explore Earth Science topics in depth. Students
select one of five topics to research and develop a paper reporting on their topic.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Planning Your Research Paper
Finding and Using Information for Your Paper
Organizing Notes and Developing an Outline
Writing Your Paper
Creating a Works Cited Page
Revising and Proofreading the Research Paper
Unit 9: Honors Project 2: Virtual Lab: Spectroscopy
Spectroscopy is the analysis of the component parts of light. It is an important tool for an Earth scientist. Most scientists
use spectroscopy in one way or another to study light from different objects such as rocks, stars, and even the human body.
Using a spectrometer, an instrument that spreads light out into its different colors, scientists can identify the elements
and molecules that make up objects. In this lab, students identify four samples by conducting flame tests and using a
spectroscope in the K12 Virtual Science Lab.
Virtual Lab: Spectroscopy
{ Pg. 3 }
•
www.k12.com
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.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Introduction
Climate vs. Weather
What Influences the Weather?
Comparing the Weather
Climatic Zones
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
Unit 2: Oceans
The oceans of the world make our Earth unique among planets in our solar system. In this unit, students explore Earth’s water,
to learn about the properties of ocean water and to show 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
Ocean Currents
Ocean Floor
Ocean Conditions and Life
Marine Life Zones
Laboratory: Ocean Floor Sediments
Marine Organisms
Marine Resources
•
•
•
•
Biogeochemical Cycles
Nitrogen Cycle
Carbon Cycle
Life and the Carbon Cycle
www.k12.com
The materials that make up Earth are continuously being recycled. Important nutrients for living things, as well as the
components of rocks 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.
{ Pg. 4 }
Unit 3: Cycles on Earth
•
•
•
Laboratory: Dissolved Oxygen
Water Cycle
How Humans Alter Cycles
Unit 4: Astronomy
By this point in the Earth Science curriculum, students will 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
Data about Stars
What’s a Galaxy?
Searching for Objects in Space
The Big Bang Theory
Unit 5: Earth’s Resources
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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
www.k12.com
{ Pg. 5 }
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?
•
•
•
•
Humans and the Environment
Conservation
Population Growth
Population Changes
Unit 6: Semester 2 Review and Test
Students prepare for and take the semester test.
Unit 7: Honors Project 1: Weather Website
This weather website project is a culmination of the concepts students have learned about temperature, air pressure,
humidity and their relationship to prevailing weather. Students select a city and analyze four days of weather data and maps
for that location. Then they predict the weather, create a forecast, and using web resources, create an online weather website
to communicate the forecast to their chosen city.
•
Weather Website
Unit 8: Honors Project 2: Issues in Science: Online Debate
Research and technology produce new information and capabilities, as well as great responsibility. The scientific community
wrestles with the question, “Just because we can, does that mean we should?” Examining all sides of an issue can sometimes
bring together everyone’s opinions. Other times, people just have to agree to disagree. Different sides of an issue can be
examined with a debate. In this project, students examine current scientific issues and express opposing viewpoints through
structured debate. They work in collaborative teams to develop and present a case online. Teamwork and sharing ideas are
emphasized; students meet online or in person.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Debates: A Different Way to Argue
Gathering Evidence
Building a Case
Reasoning and Refutation
Effective Debating Strategies
Debate: Constructive Argument
Debate: First Rebuttal
Debate: Second Rebuttal
Debate: Summary Argument
Copyright © 2010 K12 Inc. All rights reserved. K12® is a registered trademark and the K¹² logo, xPotential and Unleash the xPotential are trademarks of K12 Inc.
www.k12.com
{ Pg. 6 }