Fostering academic excellence and biblical virtue to equip students for lives as local and global Christian servants.

Earth Science

Course Catalog ID:
3638
Subject Categories:
Science
Description

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 various aspects of the environmental issues under current discussion and debate.

Prerequisites
Grade Levels*:
8, 9
* Enrollment restricted based on Date of Birth and Grad Year (whichever is more limiting). Enrollment outside these levels requires written concurrence from TPS Support.
Notes and Conditions

Curriculum: 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.

Lab Activities: 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."

“If you are having trouble understanding science or just need a kind-hearted teacher, this class is for you. Easy to understand, this class is the best I’ve taken in my life so far!”

Charis C
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Student

“I really loved this class and I learned so much! The teacher makes science incredibly fun to learn! Earth Science is an important topic for our generation. This course covers many opportunities for us to learn more about our planet and how to care for the environment.”

Story W
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Student

“Earth Science is an excellent course that provides students with high quality material and information about the various areas of science that deal with the Earth. The work load was quite manageable, and the in-class lectures helped to clear up any questions that students had after their weekly reading. This is a perfect class to take with a full course load because it effectively teaches students the various processes and natural systems that make our planet function, without taking up too much time in an already busy school schedule. By balancing homework and in-class lectures, this course makes an efficient use of time and leaves students with a strong memory of the material covered throughout the year. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking for a broad study of the Earth and its functions.”

Darby N
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Student

“In my 3 years at TPS, I have enjoyed all my science classes a lot! My teacher always makes sure everyone understands before moving on. She doesn’t mind questions as long as they are relevant and is always patient when we ask. The textbook is both enjoyable and easy to understand. Before the teacher gives us any assignment, she always prepares us well to make sure we don’t struggle. All TPS courses, not only this one, provide a very interactive class for students. Students can volunteer to read the class slides, answer questions, share their own work, and input their own comments. There are also fun games when we review for science tests! I always enjoy the prayer session at the beginning of class and going out into breakout rooms to practice with fellow classmates and peers. I recommend this course to anyone who wants a fun and effective experience learning the wonders of Earth science!”

Dorcas L
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Student

“This course has been very beneficial to me and has taught me a lot about the world God has created and how we are to understand and take care of it. I had an excellent teacher who explained concepts very well and always answered questions helpfully. I am very thankful to her and for everyone who put together this course.”

Nadiah V
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Student

“This is an amazing course, and my teacher made it all the more amazing. The labs are very fulfilling — after completing them I always feel a sense of satisfaction. Students of any amount of science experience will enjoy this course and learn from it.”

Iain W
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Student

“This course has a well-constructed curriculum, helping students understand the topics. It was also a fun way to learn, with interactive labs, interesting videos, and live classes that are both fun and helpful.”

Josiah K
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Student

“I recommend this course to anyone who wants an overview of the Earth’s systems. From volcanoes to tornadoes to oceanography to the rock cycle, this course has provided an overview of the Earth and the science behind it.”

Jonathan S
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Student
Reviews from Students and Parents