Earth Science 11

Earth Science 11

Course Number – 4360

Prerequisite – Science 10 or Science 9/10 Honours

Text – Earth Science (Heath)

Course Description

Earth Science 11 examines many of the characteristics, processes, distributions, and interactions among the physical components of the Earth’s surface. These physical components are considered not only for their own importance, but also for the influences they exert on peoples’ activities – the way the physical environment is used, misused and altered by humans. The course is designed to give students an understanding of the dynamic nature of the physical environment as a basis for developing the context and decision-making framework within which the use of the Earth’s resources may occur.

Earth Science 11 covers six major units including:

1. Introduction to Earth and Space Science

2. Astronomy

3. Earth Materials (rocks and minerals)
4. Geological Time
5. Internal Processes and Plate Tectonics
6. Surface Processes and the Hydrosphere

Prescribed Learning Outcomes

(taken from http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/pdfs/sciences/2006earthsci11geology12.pdf )

Introduction to Earth and Space Science

A1 explain the significance of Earth and space science

Astronomy
B1 compare various methods used to study the universe
B2 demonstrate knowledge about the origins of the universe and about astronomical entities
B3 summarize scientific findings and views about the origin and components of the solar system
B4 explain the relationship between the sun, the Earth, and its moon
B5 assess space technologies and their applications
Earth Materials (Rocks and Minerals)
C1 differentiate between rocks and minerals
C2 assess the extraction and use of geological resources
Geologic Time
D1 assess the significance of age dating, the fossil record, and the Geological Time Scale
Internal Processes and Plate Tectonic Theory
E1 explain the significance of seismology
E2 compare extrusive and intrusive volcanic features and action
E3 outline the development of plate tectonic theory
Surface Processes and the Hydrosphere
F1 explain the characteristics and significance of the atmosphere
F2 describe the function of the hydrologic cycle
F3 relate the processes associated with weathering and erosion to the resulting features
F4 describe features and processes associated with physical oceanography