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 * Earth Science Syllabus **

1st Quarter ES1

8/26 Student Introduction and Information 8/27 Origin of the Earth 9/9 History of the Earth 9/19 Dynamic Structure of the Earth 10/01 Forces and Features of the Earth 10/12 Features of the Earth’s Crust 10/24 Semester Exam

Course Concepts Unifying concepts are the overarching theme in which the science content is taught. Below are the unifying concepts for the district earth science course.
 * **[|Abilities to Do Scientific Inquiry]—**Inquiry involves engaging in scientifically oriented questions, giving priority to evidence in responding to questions, formulating explanations based on evidence, connecting explanations to scientific knowledge, and communicating and justifying explanations.
 * **[|Understandings About the Nature of Science]—**The development of scientific knowledge is based on questioning current knowledge, using empirical facts to develop logical theories, and verifying observations and claims.
 * **[|Geoscientific Literacy]**—Geoscientific literacy is knowing how Earth works as a system in which humans as citizens have a responsibility to sustain the delicate balance of these systems through careful stewardship, informed decision making, and the wise use of Earth’s resources.

Earth Systems Science Standards Students know and understand the processes and interactions of Earth's systems and the structure and dynamics of Earth and other objects in space.

1. The history of the universe, solar system and Earth can be inferred from evidence left from past events. 2. As part of the solar system, Earth interacts with various extraterrestrial forces and energies such as gravity, solar phenomena, electromagnetic radiation, and impact events that influence the planet’s geosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere in a variety of ways. 3. The theory of plate tectonics helps to explain geological, physical, and geographical features of Earth. 4. Climate is the result of energy transfer among interactions of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. 5. There are costs, benefits, and consequences of exploration, development, and consumption of renewable and nonrenewable resources. 6. The interaction of Earth's surface with water, air, gravity, and biological activity causes physical and chemical changes.

Prepared Graduate Competencies in the Earth Systems Science standard:  Describe and interpret how Earth's geologic history and place in space are relevant to our understanding of the processes that have shaped our planet  Evaluate evidence that Earth’s geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere interact as a complex system  Describe how humans are dependent on the diversity of resources provided by Earth and Sun