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 13

ENERGY TRANSFER BETWEEN THE SUN & THE EARTH DRIVES WEATHER & CLIMATE

  benchmark 13.a Observe and Collect Weather Data
    indicator 13.a.1 Examine and differentiate meteorological parameters
  benchmark 13.b Predict Weather Patterns
    indicator 13.b.1 Describe different types of clouds and why they form; predict weather
    indicator 13.b.2 Compare & contrast high & low pressure systems & their weather
  benchmark 13.c Understand Severe Weather Occurrences
    indicator 13.c.1 Distinguish between tornadoes and hurricanes
    indicator 13.c.2 Differentiate between severe weather watches and warnings
  benchmark 13.d Understand Weather Phenomena, Radiation and Convection
    indicator 13.d.1 Compare and contrast the four methods of energy transfer
    indicator 13.d.2 Discuss how clouds affect incoming & outgoing solar energy
    indicator 13.d.3 Discuss pressure differences, Coriolis effect & global wind patterns
    indicator 13.d.4 Differentiate between cold & warm fronts, stationary fronts, etc
    indicator 13.d.5 Discuss the variables that affect the climate of an area
    indicator 13.d.6 Compare the climate of a city to that of the surrounding countryside

Other Standards for Science, Geosystems :