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 4

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EARTH AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM

  benchmark 4.a Understand the Position of the Earth in the Solar System
    indicator 4.a.1 Diagram the relative positions of the Sun/ Moon/Earth, etc.
    indicator 4.a.2 Draw a diagram of the solar system and label the planets
  benchmark 4.b Understand Sun-Earth-Moon Relationships (Seasons, Tides, Eclipses)
    indicator 4.b.1 Explain & describe the gravitational forces that cause Earth's tides
    indicator 4.b.2 Compare and contrast lunar and solar eclipses
    indicator 4.b.3 Diagram and explain the cause of the seasons
  benchmark 4.c Understand the Characteristics of the Sun, Planets, Moons, Comets, etc
    indicator 4.c.1 Describe the Sun's internal structure and important surface features
    indicator 4.c.2 Apply Newton's & Kepler's laws to describe the motion of the planets
    indicator 4.c.3 Access current geologic and atmospheric data about the planets
    indicator 4.c.4 Interpret remote sensing data that has been collected by satellites
    indicator 4.c.5 Compare several different types of stars (including the Sun)
  benchmark 4.d Understand the History and Contribution of the Space Program
    indicator 4.d.1 Create a time line showing the history of the space program
    indicator 4.d.2 Discuss the contributions of the space program to technology & society

Other Standards for Science, Geosystems :