earth science class detailed info
EARTH SCIENCE
Required Textbook:
Christian Kids Explore Earth & Space by Stephanie L. Redmond
Class Summary:
When I was a kid, I was the one who would read ahead in our science textbook, especially if we covered anything about astronomy and space. I am continuously amazed at the wonders of God’s creation. I believe that the goal of teaching is to inform and inspire, so I will work very hard to do both. We will begin by discussing the incredible and breathtaking diversity of our precious world, followed by more in-depth discussion of the Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, and the Weather. Finally, we will discuss our Solar System (boy do I miss when Pluto was still a planet), Galaxy, and what little we know about the Universe. I’ll do my very best to avoid talking about the General and Special Theories of Relativity — but man are they interesting.
We will do some hands-on activities to keep the course fun. I will also emphasize a few things for the sake of the students’ future academic success: (1) The ability to do a quick analysis of credible sources online, and (2) The ability to synthesize and summarize that research in a clear and concise manner. To that end, several assignments will involve supplemental sources and students will demonstrate their learning with written or (preferably) typed answers.
Grading:
Students will demonstrate their learning in the following ways:
- Daily
- Reading sheets: Students will fill out a daily reading sheet that identifies main subjects and vocabulary words
- Vocabulary review: Students will compile vocabulary words in the manner that works best for them, be it “flashcards” or lists. If flashcards are created, they must be stored in a ziplock bag or similar container. Please do not just apply a rubber band.
- Weekly
- Scripture memory verse: Students will write the scripture from memory on Mondays beginning the second Monday we meet
- Vocabulary quizzes: Students will review and be quizzed on Wednesdays
- Further Research: Students will submit a weekly summary of an assigned online article. As we progress, students will demonstrate their own research and summarize the results.
- Demonstration of Learning
- Tests: There are 6 Units, and we will have one test per unit
- Finals: At the end of each semester we will have a comprehensive test to review all the information we have learned
- Students will be fully prepared for tests
- Project
- All students will complete one project per semester. They will create a project about one of the lessons (e.g., Earthquakes, Caves, or Hurricanes). Students will research and present expanded information about their chosen subject to the class. This presentation should take 5 minutes. The project and presentation may be done in one of four ways:
- A self-created and edited video presentation, followed by a quick in-person summary if the video is less than 5 minutes long
- A tri-fold poster board with pictures, labels, and artistically organized information
- A powerpoint, keynote, or google slides presentation and speech
- A demonstration and explanation – (i.e., a science experiment that is done for the class and an explanation as to how it illustrates additional information about the subject)
- All students will complete one project per semester. They will create a project about one of the lessons (e.g., Earthquakes, Caves, or Hurricanes). Students will research and present expanded information about their chosen subject to the class. This presentation should take 5 minutes. The project and presentation may be done in one of four ways:
Possible Field Trip:
- A new exhibit is opening in November of this year called The NASA Experience. This attraction is a partnership between the NASA Ames Research Center and The Chabot Space & Science Center. It’s a little far away (in Oakland), but if we can swing it I believe it will be a very rewarding experience for the students. Please note that as long as they are open, the best day for me to plan this trip would be a Monday.
Class Materials:
-
- Student textbook
- Ticonderoga #2 pencils – If you prefer to stick with solely American manufacture, you could try companies like General Pencil or Musgrave Pencil
- Green pen – For purposes of self-grading reviews. I like green better than red, what can I say?
- College Rule Paper – this needs to be loose leaf and stored in a 1” binder
- Binder 1” minimum
- 6 dividers for class binder – we will be organizing assignments and additional information in each Unit
- Additional materials for in-class experiments to be announced as needed
- If creating flashcards for vocabulary review: white printer paper or card stock
Note: I expect all assignments to be submitted in a neat, complete, and timely manner.