Course Outlines
As part of the development of the 9th grade Earth Science curriculum, we have put together several course outlines that draw up the scope and sequence.
- 12 week unit
- This course outline is designed to follow an astronomy unit that also introduces the scientific method and basic science skills. Since the Bay Area is foggy from November until March, astronomy is best taught in the clear weather months such as August and September. In the astronomy unit, students see the earth as one part of the universe. They also review science skills which will be drawn upon during the geology unit such as the metric system, scale and proportion.
- 9 week unit - Option 1
- This course outline is designed to be the first unit of the year which introduces geology along with the scientific method and basic science skills. Broad concepts are studied first, then specific details about these topics are investigated. This course outline is for teachers who prefer to start with generalizations and theories and then move to specifics and pieces of evidence which support those theories. This outline is also designed to be used in the fall, taking advantage of the anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake in October.
- 9 week unit - Option 2
- This course outline is designed to start out the year immediately following an introductory "What is Science" week. This nine-week unit allows time within two 6- week grading periods for an introductory week, a week for review before an exam and an extra week for either extensions or make-up for the topics that went over the scheduled time allotment. The curriculum begins the year starting inward with the Earth and is designed to be part of a year with an astronomy unit set up as the final unit, ending outwards. The Curriculum is set up with extra focus on Chemistry as the Earth's Structure is covered.
- 6 week unit
- This course outline is designed to be the first unit of the year which introduces geology along with the scientific method and basic science skills, but within only six weeks. The curriculum begins the year starting inward with the Earth and is designed to be part of a year with an astronomy unit set up as the final unit, ending outwards. The Curriculum is set up with extra focus on Chemistry as the Earth's Structure is covered.