Ciencias de la Tierra para estudiantes de secundaria - Semestre 1

This course is the first part of a year-long course on Earth Science consisting of 14 Topics.  It is a version modified after the early New York State Regents Earth Science Curriculum. The first seven topics which will be taught are as follows: 1) Introduction - Observations vs Inferences as data gathering will be introduced, as will density with respect to matter phases and outside forces, calculating density, graphing with respect to direct and indirect relationships, and classification. 2) Changes - Rates of Change Calculations, Percent Deviation Calculations, and changes that result in Dynamic Equilibrium will be taught. 3) Measuring Earth - Basic Mapping, Latitude - Longitude, Eratosthenes Equation, Isolines, and Topographic Maps, as well as discussing the true shape of the Earth. 4) - The Earth in Space - Planetary Motions, Orbits, Calculating Eccentricity, Rotation vs Revolution, Constellations, Seasons, HR Diagram, Moon Phases, and the Coriolis Effect. 5) - Energy - Kinetic vs Potential, Conduction, Convection, Radiation, and Insolation. 6) - Specific Heat, Calorie, Phase Changes, and the Phase Change Diagram. Latent Heats of Melting, Evaporation, Condensation, and Freezing. 7) - Weather - Atmosphere stratification, High pressure vs low-pressure systems, weather station models, isobars, isotherms, adiabatic temperature changes, weather prediction, foul weather anomalies, stationary vs occluded fronts, wind formation, pressure gradients, calculating Relative Humidity, Calculating Dewpoint, and the classification of Air Masses by formation environment. The class will be a combination of lecture / PowerPoint, use of physical models, video presentations, and class worksheets completed together. I believe in as much interaction as possible with the students, so questions are encouraged. I tend to move quickly, but also ask students to let me know if I am going too fast. My philosophy is to make the lessons as dynamic and fun for students as possible. Students should come to each class ready to work and ready to be inquisitive.