Grade 9 - Science
Earth Science B - Semester 2 (Credit: 0.50)The first three modules of Semester 2 cover the physical structure of the Earth and Earth’s tectonic system, including the rock cycle, tectonic activity, and mountain building. It then covers weathering and erosion and soil formation. The next material in the course then addresses the concept of systems; it addresses the Earth as a system, feedback in systems, and Earth’s major nutrient cycles. The second three modules of Semester 2 cover geologic history, including the evolution of Earth’s atmosphere, the geologic time scale, and the fossil record. It then goes over natural resources and the effects of human population on natural resources. The course wraps up with a discussion of human society and its interconnectedness with the Earth’s environment, how science and technology work together, and the technological design process in earth science applications.
Major Concepts:
The Earth formed 4.65 billion years ago.
The fossil record provides evidence of an ancient Earth.
Different types of rocks form in different environments, and they have predictable properties.
Earth’s tectonic system affects features of Earth’s surface as well as earthquake and volcanic activity.
Geologic history is divided into distinct chunks of time and organized in the geologic time scale.
Fossil fuels are nonrenewable energy sources.
Renewable energy sources include hydropower, wind power, solar power, and geothermal power.
Urbanization is taking place at a higher rate than ever and will have impacts on the environment.
Science and technology work together to advance our understanding and develop new knowledge.
The technological design process is an orderly process of steps for applying technology to solve problems.
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