Science: Geosystems
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fcps curriculm

Science
Geosystems

Overview 

Geosystems is designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of the systems that govern the Earth. The Program of Studies centers on the student's ability to:

  • achieve a solid base of knowledge in this field
  • make informed decisions based on this knowledge
  • analyze and communicate information
  • actively conduct scientific experiments
  • make connections within science disciplines and with other disciplines

The methods of teaching emphasize the process of inquiry and discovery through laboratory investigations. The course is organized into four units that stress astronomy, the fluid Earth, the solid Earth, and the environmental impacts on life.

Students use a variety of new technologies that are being used in the field of Earth Science. Remote sensing, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and an extensive use of Internet to provide access to data are all an integral part of the curriculum.

Other Standards for Science, Geosystems :
standard 12

THE ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF THE ATMOSPHERE

  benchmark 12.a Understand Scientific Evidence for Atmospheric Changes Over Time
    indicator 12.a.1 Explain scientific evidence relating to the origin of our atmosphere
  benchmark 12.b Understand Current Theories on the Chemical Makeup of the Atmosphere
    indicator 12.b.1 Explain current theories relating to the origin of our atmosphere
  benchmark 12.c Compare Earth's Atmosphere to that of Other Planets
    indicator 12.c.1 Compare & contrast important characteristics of the planets & moons
    indicator 12.c.2 Discuss the Earth's place in the "habitability zone"
    indicator 12.c.3 Relate composition/structure of the atmospheric layers to altitude
    indicator 12.c.4 Investigate the carbon dioxide cycle; compare it to Mars & Venus
  benchmark 12.d Understand Atmospheric Regulation Mechanisms
    indicator 12.d.1 Analyze how the Earth's surface & atmosphere gets energy from the sun
  benchmark 12.e Understand Potential Atmospheric Compositional Changes
    indicator 12.e.1 Investigate the causes of climatic change and assess the consequences
    indicator 12.e.2 Examine the consequences of a wide variety of natural hazards

Other Standards for Science, Geosystems :