Enroll in Earth and Space Science with Dolphin STEM Academy

Course Overview

Science is the study of the natural world. It relies on experimentation and physical
evidence to describe the natural events that occur around us. Earth and Space Science
A begins with space. You will observe the phases of the Moon and use scientific
evidence to understand how Earth, the Sun, and the Moon interact. You’ll also examine
other celestial objects in our solar system. This course describes the history of Earth
through the study of energy flow, weathering and erosion, the rock cycle, and tectonic
plate movements. You will apply an understanding of the three states of matter to
explain the water cycle and other systems on Earth. The course ends with a discussion
of Earth’s natural resources.

Course Goals

By the end of this course, you will:
Develop and use a three-dimensional model of the Moon phases.
Apply the scientific method to Earth and space science investigations.
Construct a model of the solar system, and explain how its parts interact.
Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the universe.
Explain the cyclic patterns of the seasons, the lunar phases, and eclipses of the Sun
and Moon.
Compare and contrast properties of planets, moons, stars, asteroids, and comets.
Describe the interactions of energy between the four spheres of Earth.
Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials during weathering and erosion.
Explain the role of water and wind in shaping Earth’s surface.
Compare the physical properties of minerals: hardness, color, luster, and streak.
Develop a model that describes the cycling of Earth’s materials and flow of energy
during the rock cycle.
Use historical data to explain the positions of the continents and the formation of volcanoes.
Explain particle motion of matter and the composition of substances.
Develop a model of the water cycle and use it to explain larger geological processes.
Use evidence to explain that natural geological processes result in uneven
distribution of Earth’s natural resources.