This course provides an introduction to Earth System Science. This course is based upon the pan-Canadian framework of common science outcomes. It is a rigorous, challenging course on par with the other pure sciences. Students will view earth dynamics as the result of interactions between the geosphere, the hydrospere, the atmosphere, and the biosphere. The course contains a strong laboratory component (12 core labs) and a major project is required.
Unit 1 Introduction To Earth Systems Science
Unit 2 The Earth’s Systems
Unit 3 The Geosphere
Unit 4 The Earth Through Time
Summative evaluation of students in Earth Systems 3209 shall utilize a variety of evaluation instruments. Primarily, these are designed to test students’ basic knowledge of content, their understanding and ability to apply content, and ability to synthesize and problem solve (higher thinking skills) with respect to the content.
Summative evaluation of students in science courses must involve a variety of evaluation instruments. Midyear examinations, final examinations, and unit tests/quizzes, completed by students are traditional instruments which must be a part of any summative student evaluation scheme. As well, Performance Assessment instruments shall be used for a portion of the summative evaluation.
The mid-year examination tests all course objectives to that point. The test is designed to be completed in a 2 hour time period.
The public examination (developed and administered by the Department of Education) is based on the course objectives for the entire year. The test is designed to be completed in a 3 hour time period and administered on the same date for all schools in the provinces. It is formatted as follows: 50% Multiple Choice and 50% Free Response (short and long answer questions).
Tests/Quizzes | 20% |
Performance Assessment | 10% |
Comprehensive Midyear Exam | 20% |
Final Examination | 50% |
Notes:
Unit | Cognitive Level % | |||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | |
Introduction | 4 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
Earth’s Systems | 4 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
Geosphere | 25 | 31 | 9 | 65 |
Earth Through Time | 7 | 6 | 2 | 15 |
Total % | 40 | 45 | 15 | 100 |
Some of the highlights of our year include a four day field trip to Gros Morne National Park, a visit to the Johnson Geocentre, and a day field trip of The geology of the Northeast Avalon Peninsula Visit some of our GRASSROOTS projects by going to the Resource Centre icon and clicking on GRASSROOTS.