Science - Earth and Space

Unit 1

• The universe and its stars
• The sun and its chemical processes
• Stars, their light, brightness, and movement
• Electromagnetic radiation
• Structure of and forces in the solar system
• Movements of objects in the solar system
• Patterns of apparent motion of the sun, moon, and stars

Unit 2

• Sun, Earth, and moon relationships
• Moon phases and tides
• Theories of Earth’s origin
• Earth’s history
• Geologic time, rock strata and the fossil record
• Radioactive dating
• Earth systems and their interactions

Unit 3

• Plate tectonics and large-scale interactions
• Structure and properties of Earth
• Minerals, rocks, and soil
• Changes in Earth’s surface
• Role of water in Earth changes
• Ocean features and movement
• Earth’s atmosphere

Unit 4

• Weather and climate
• Changes in climate
• Earth’s natural resources and resource use
• Renewable and nonrenewable energy sources
• Human impact on Earth systems
• Environmental concerns and conservation