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:

  1. Daily
    1. Reading sheets: Students will fill out a daily reading sheet that identifies main subjects and vocabulary words
    2. 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.
  2. Weekly
    1. Scripture memory verse: Students will write the scripture from memory on Mondays beginning the second Monday we meet
    2. Vocabulary quizzes: Students will review and be quizzed on Wednesdays
    3. 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.
  3. Demonstration of Learning
    1. Tests: There are 6 Units, and we will have one test per unit
    2. Finals: At the end of each semester we will have a comprehensive test to review all the information we have learned
    3. Students will be fully prepared for tests
  4. Project
    1. 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:
      1. A self-created and edited video presentation, followed by a quick in-person summary if the video is less than 5 minutes long
      2. A tri-fold poster board with pictures, labels, and artistically organized information
      3. A powerpoint, keynote, or google slides presentation and speech
      4. 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)

 

Possible Field Trip:

  1. 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.