Effective: 2023-05-01

Course Description

The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.

General Course Purpose

This course emphasizes scientific inquiry and the scientific method in the study of Earth?s natural systems. The course presents a survey of foundational knowledge essential for understanding Earth systems and human-environment relations.

Course Objectives

• Critical Thinking
• Analyze the interrelationships among Earth systems.
• Quantitative Literacy
• Read and interpret maps, climographs, and cross-sections.
• Construct representations of spatial data such as cross-sections or surface data charts.
• Interpret data and construct explanatory hypotheses.
• Civic Engagement
• Evaluate impacts of human activity on the environment.
• Written Communication
• Conduct analysis through written and/or oral communication.
• Scientific Literacy
• Describe the scientific methods that lead to scientific knowledge.
• Demonstrate empirical thinking to explain the physical science basis for theories such as plate tectonics, global energy balance, and global climate change.

Major Topics to be Included

• The Science of Physical Geography
• Some learning outcomes that could satisfy this topic include:
• Describe the steps of the Scientific Method and apply to real-world problems
• Explain Earth Systems Theory and apply to real-world processes.
• Use geographic tools to identify specific locations on Earth.
• Read and interpret various types of maps.
• Describe and explain various geospatial technologies and their uses.
• The Lithosphere
• Some learning outcomes that could satisfy this topic include:
• Diagram and explain the rock cycle.
• Label significant time periods and events in Geologic Time.
• Employ the theory of plate tectonics to describe the spatial distribution of volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
• Define and explain different types of weathering on various rock types.
• Describe classes of mass movement processes and explain precursors to events.
• Identify and classify landforms according to the main geomorphic agent (wind, ice, water).
• Classify soil types and describe their geographic distribution.
• The Hydrosphere
• Some learning outcomes that could satisfy this topic include:
• Diagram or explain the hydrologic cycle model and describe transfer processes and storage locations of water.
• Describe the spatial distribution of surface water and groundwater.
• Summarize and explain impacts of human activity related to water resource management (such as dam construction or removal, groundwater mining).
• Classify and describe the origin and evolution of coastal, glacial, and fluvial landforms.
• The Atmosphere
• Describe the atmosphere in terms of composition, temperature and function.
• Describe the significance of the ozone layer and the Montreal Protocol.
• Employ Earth-Sun geometry to explain the changing seasons and day length at different latitudes.
• Describe Earth's energy balance.
• Define the greenhouse effect and distinguish from the phenomenon of global climate change.
• Identify factors that influence air pressure and describe how changes in air pressure generate winds.
• Construct or label diagrams to model global circulations of oceans and winds.
• Describe the significance of latent heat in atmospheric processes and human comfort.
• Identify forms of atmospheric moisture; describe adiabatic processes and connect to atmospheric stability.
• Label or interpret weather maps.
• Compare and contrast midlatitude and tropical cyclones in their formation, structure, and impacts on humans.
• Climate Change
• Some learning outcomes that could satisfy this topic include:
• Identify lines of evidence in paleoclimatology that have allowed scientists to reconstruct past climate patterns.
• Describe evidence for and causes of current climate change.
• Discuss individual and collective strategies to address climate change.
• Biosphere
• Some learning outcomes that could satisfy this topic include:
• Label or compare maps of climate regions and biomes.
• Describe characteristics of climate regions and biomes.
• Describe major biogeochemical cycles.