REAL Science Odyssey – Earth & Environment 2 textbook

Description

REAL Science Odyssey: Earth & Environment 2 textbook

Pages: 230

Grade level: 6th – 10th grade

Course type: textbook

Author: Blair H. Lee, M.S.

The RSO Earth & Environment 2 curriculum is contained in three separate books:

1. Earth & Environment 2 textbook (this item)
2. Earth & Environment 2 Workbook
3. Earth & Environment 2 Teacher Guide

What is RSO Earth & Environment 2?

RSO Earth & Environment 2 is a 23-week earth and environmental science course. It is meant to be paired with the 12-week RSO Astronomy 2 course for a complete yearlong curriculum.

The student textbook, student workbook, and the teacher guide contain all the information you need to teach earth and environmental science this year. This course was written so that it could be taught by all educators, even if you do not have a science degree.

While learning the fundamentals of earth and environmental science, students learn and practice the methods used by scientists to establish the scientific facts and theories that form the basis of those fundamentals. The labs are closely paired with the written material; that way students can see how the results of experiments have led to a better understanding of how the physical world works. The experiments also demonstrate the application of science principles. All of this together gives you a complete science course that teaches the core principles of earth and environmental science while teaching the processes used to develop these principles.

This course challenges middle and high school students to conduct independent research, think critically, and make connections between concepts and the real world. Each lesson builds on the last, introducing new vocabulary and concepts in a logical progression. Math, a basic tool for all scientists, is integrated throughout. Labs, found in the Workbook, guide students in using the scientific method and discovering for themselves how the physical world works.

Who can use Earth & Environment 2?

RSO Earth & Environment 2is designed for homeschool middle and high school students, or roughly grades 6-10. The lessons are written at a level appropriate for independent readers in these grades. Workbook assignments, especially labs, may require more guidance from the parent or teacher. And of course, we always encourage you to discuss the big ideas and questions presented in each lesson.

Course Structure

RSO Earth & Environment 2 homeschool science curriculum consists of three products:

• The textbook (this product), containing 23 progressive, narrative lessons designed for your middle or high school student to read independently.
• The Workbook, containing labs, Famous Science Series independent research projects, Show What You Know Quizzes, and five unit assessments.
• The Teacher Guide, containing lesson plans, materials lists, scheduling suggestions and more.

Science Skills Covered

REAL Science Odyssey- Earth & Environment 2 starts with the basics and then covers progressively more complex concepts as you move through the course. Every unit reinforces aspects of the scientific method and critical thinking. Each lesson explores a big idea or question in depth through reading, experiments, and conversation.

Introduction and the Scientific Method

• The four spheres of Earth
• Scientific model, scientific theory, and scientific method
• The geologic timescale
• Distinguish scientific facts, hypotheses, laws, and theories

The Geosphere

• The theory of plate tectonics
• The chemistry of geology
• The rock cycle
• Fossil fuels
• Relative dating
• Absolute dating

Earth-Shaping Forces

• Weathering, erosion, and deposition
• Faults
• Earthquakes
• Volcanoes
• Formation of Mountains
• Human modification of Earth

The Hydrosphere

• The hydrologic cycle
• Fresh water
• Waves, currents, and the ocean floor
• Ocean chemistry, physics, and biology
• Water pollution and solutions

The Atmosphere

• The atmosphere
• Weather
• Storms
• The changing climate
• Air pollution and solutions

Planning and Scheduling

RSO Earth & Environment 2 consists of three books: the student textbook, the student workbook, and the teacher guide. If working with a group, several students can share a textbook, but we recommend each student have a copy of the workbook for written assignments, lab findings, and assessments. The course is comprised of 23 chapters designed as a “long” semeste

Introduction and the Scientific Method

• The four spheres of Earth
• Scientific model, scientific theory, and scientific method
• The geologic timescale
• Distinguish scientific facts, hypotheses, laws, and theories

The Geosphere

• The theory of plate tectonics
• The chemistry of geology
• The rock cycle
• Fossil fuels
• Relative dating
• Absolute dating

Earth-Shaping Forces

• Weathering, erosion, and deposition
• Faults
• Earthquakes
• Volcanoes
• Formation of Mountains
• Human modification of Earth

The Hydrosphere

• The hydrologic cycle
• Fresh water
• Waves, currents, and the ocean floor
• Ocean chemistry, physics, and biology
• Water pollution and solutions

The Atmosphere

• The atmosphere
• Weather
• Storms
• The changing climate
• Air pollution and solution