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Description
Dynamic and complex, Earth is composed of an intricate system where events or changes in one portion of the planet have direct consequences on all others. In this four-week summer course, students explore Earth as a complex system of interacting parts, and discover that air, water, soil, and living things make up four interconnected "spheres": the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. Students investigate the processes that move energy and matter throughout these four spheres, as well as human impact on these spheres.
In the first part of the course, students investigate the hydrosphere and atmosphere and learn how energy and materials are transported from one Earth system to another. They begin by identifying their favorite place on earth, but then shift to a more global view of our planet to understand how Earth systems interact and change over time. Students use NASA satellite data to analyze how changes in one sphere can affect others and explore how life on Earth is affected when Earth systems are altered by natural forces or by humans.
In the second half of the course, students explore how Earth's climate is changing and how increasing temperatures are affecting the Arctic in particular. They examine evidence of climate change and explore impact on the four spheres. Students consider how the effects caused by these changes have, and will continue to, alter Earth systems. At the end of the course, students revisit their favorite place on Earth, this time to describe a more global perspective.
Throughout the course, students complete a series of inquiry-based and investigative activities designed to engage them as participants in Earth science instead rather than passive observers. As they explore our planet they incorporate the same methods that scientists employ in their work and use the same technology tools scientists use to “do science.” Using datasets, visualizations, animations, and interactives, students investigate important science concepts from multiple perspectives and contexts, to develop a broader prospective of Earth as a delicate and dynamic balance of systems that must be respected. Essential Questions:
- How does changing our perspective on Earth lead to a deeper understanding of Earth system science processes?
- How do Earth's systems interact?
- What is the evidence for climate change and how does it affect Earth systems?
Prerequisites
None
Course Objectives
- Describe Earth as a dynamic system of four spheres: atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere.
- Explain how energy flows and materials are transported from one system to another.
- Identify and describe evidence for climate change, as an example of human impact on Earth systems.
- Explain how changes such as rising global temperatures have, and will continue to, impact Earth systems.
Additional Requirements
Students will use Google Earth and ImageJ (requires Java) to collect and analyze data throughout the course.
Please note: This course requires use of java to access some course content, which will require regular access to a computer with a Windows/Mac operating system running Safari or Internet explorer. This part of the course cannot be completed on a Chromebook or mobile device.
*Students who plan to transfer credit from VHS Learning to their full-time high school should check with their school to confirm they will accept the credits before registering for a VHS Learning summer course.
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Details
Discipline:
Science - Earth and Space Science, Science
Level:
High School Standard
Program:
STEM, Available this Summer
Grade:
9, 10, 11, 12, 13
When Offered:
Duration:
weeks
Lab Kit Purchase Required:
No
Accredited:
Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, Summer Courses Certified by NCAA for Credit Recovery (VHS Learning School Code:221356), Western Association of Schools and Colleges
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