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 14

THE ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF THE UNIVERSE

  benchmark 14.a Understand Nebulae
    indicator 14.a.1 Recognize that not all the elements were created in the Big Bang
  benchmark 14.b Understand the Origin of Stars and Star Systems
    indicator 14.b.1 Explain how the force of gravitational attraction formed stars
  benchmark 14.c Understand Stellar Evolution
    indicator 14.c.1 Explain the opposing forces that hold a star together
    indicator 14.c.2 Construct an H-R Diagram and use to compare & contrast star features
    indicator 14.c.3 Explain how stars synthesize the heavier elements
  benchmark 14.d Understand Galaxies
    indicator 14.d.1 Explain how the force of gravitational attraction formed galaxies
    indicator 14.d.2 Describe the Milky Way galaxy
    indicator 14.d.3 Describe different types of galaxies and compare them to the Milky Way
    indicator 14.d.4 Explain the various ways distances to stars are measured
  benchmark 14.e Understand the Big Bang Theory
    indicator 14.e.1 Explain the origin of the Universe as postulated by Big Bang Theory
    indicator 14.e.2 Discuss how changing technology is helping astronomers explore
    indicator 14.e.3 Compare & contrast the dominant theories on the universe's age & size

Other Standards for Science, Geosystems :