This lab science course integrates physics, chemistry, and biology to introduce students to the physical processes that affect the Earth. The course examines the interaction and integration of all four Earth systems – lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, using satellite imagery, numerical data, computer visualization, and hands-on experiments to explore the amazing ways in which the systems and organisms of our world are balanced. Students will explore Earth system processes using a combination of geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy, with an emphasis on quantitative analysis to objectively evaluate scientific findings. Topics will include plate tectonics, glaciers, mineral resources, map projections, energy resources, ocean currents, weather observation and forecasting, air pollution, long term trends in climate, mathematical modeling, chemical cycles, weathering, atmospheric circulation, and more. The course will also touch on the various aspects of the environmental issues under current discussion and debate.
Note: Lab exercises reinforce the concepts covered in the class and provide a hands-on learning experience with the course content. However, this course does not have sufficient lab work to fulfill the requirements of a high school “lab science”.
Note: The text for this course is listed by the publisher as “middle school” based on the publisher’s internal sequencing. TPS supplements the text and teaches and credits the course at the early HS level.