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Course Description This class allows 11th and 12th grade students a more in-depth knowledge and hands-on laboratory experience of the Earth and the Universe. The curriculum is more intricate and more advanced than the Earth Science curriculum. It is therefore required that students successfully complete Earth Science with a C or better or have special permission before enrolling. Astronomy studies the laws and principles of the universe, the relationship of the earth to the universe and earth's present and future explorations in space. |
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Rationale Geology/Astronomy is an advanced level of earth science. Geoscience crosses disciplines to explore the planet earth as a finite body where decisions must be made regarding such things as mineral resources, energy, land use, pollution, and geologic hazards. Astronomy will study the laws and principals of the universe. Two field trips per semester and two nighttime viewings at the Pattonville Observatory are required. Failure to participate in these activities will result in a reduction in grade. |
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Course Goals
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COMPETENCIES AND ASSESSMENTS
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Competency
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Activities
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Assessment |
| 1. Demonstrate the ability to use and interpret maps. |
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Topographic Map Reading Lab Assessment |
| 2. Identify landforms and describe the geologic processes that formed them. |
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Scoring Guide for Landforms are the Result of Various Forces on Earth |
| 3. Analyze minerals and rocks evaluating their type, classifications and uses for society. |
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Scoring guide for completely labeled rock and mineral kit of Missouri, showing at least 14 rocks and minerals |
| 4. Compare and contrast renewable and nonrenewable earth resources, evaluating the best energies for the future. |
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Scoring Guide for Paper - "The Energy Resouces of the Future" |
| 5. Demonstrate understanding of Kepler's three laws of panetary motion and Newton's universal law of gravitation. |
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Physical Laws of Planetary Motion Scoring Guide |
| 6. Describe, compare, contrast and discuss the relationship of properties, features and motions of the panetary bodies of the solar system. |
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Unit Test |
| 7. Identify and analyze stars' characteristics, position, and life cycle |
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"Properties of Stars" Scoring Guide |
| 8. Demonstrate the understanding of units of measurement for objects in the universe. |
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Estimating size and distance lab scoring guide |
| 9. Identify and explain the costs and benefits that society has incurred from the space program. |
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Research Scoring Guide |
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Geology/Astronomy
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GEOLOGY 1st Semester |
ASTRONOMY 2nd Semester |
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Introduction |
Telescopes |
| Biogeography of Missouri | Seasons, Distances, Motions of the Unsiverse, Stars and Constellation in the Sky |
| Minerals and Their Uses | Stars |
| Rocks and Their Uses | Sun |
| Geologic Time | Laws and History |
| Resources | Planets |
| Mapping | Moon |
| Weathering and Erocions | Products and Career Opportunities |
| Plate Tectonics |
