SYLLABUS FOR EARTH/SPACE SCIENCE
NATURE OF SCIENCE
Investigations conducted to explore new phenomena. Check on previous results. How well a theory predicts. Comparison between different theories. Shifts that occur in the scientific view of how the world works. Changes that take place in the body of scientific knowledge. Study of how different theories fit a wider range of observations. Possible sources of bias in the design of investigations and the data analysis. Limitations of new ideas and how they are conceived, rejected or how they grow. The four main characteristics of a good theory. Importance of responsibility, peer review, truthful reporting and publication of findings. Reasons for scientists to control conditions when they can and alternative actions when they can not.EARTH AND SPACE
Relationships
between events on Earth, and the movements of the earth, its moon, the other
planets and the Sun. Comparison between the characteristics of other planets
andsatellites
to those of the Earth. Planet’s ability to support life. Possibility of other
bodies in
the Solar System to support life.
Structure
of the universe as the result of interactions involving fundamental particles
(matter)
and basic forces (energy). Gravitation in the universe and acceleration due
to gravitational
force. Stages in the development of three categories of stars: dwarves, neutron
stars, and black holes. Physical characteristics and development (evolution)
of
stars, with respect to stellar equilibrium. Theories concerning the development
of the solar
system. Organization of celestial bodies found within (e.g., nebulas, star clusters)
and
outside our galaxy (e.g., types of galaxies, galactic clusters, super clusters,
dark matter).
Astronomical distance and time. Scientific theories on how the universe was
formed.
Ways in which scientists collect and generate data about our universe (e.g.,
X-ray
telescopes, computer simulations such as gravitational systems, nuclear reactions,
space probes, mathematical models, and supercollider simulations). Systemic
study to find rules in the universe.
PROCESSES THAT SHAPE THE EARTH
Chemical
bonds and properties of substances. Diversity of the properties of materials
due to variations in the forces that hold molecules together (e.g., hardness,
malleability, fracture). Characteristics and formation of igneous, sedimentary,
and metamorphic rocks, and different minerals. Locations where they are found.
Relationship
between the crust of Earth and the denser, molten layer in which it floats.
Consequences of this relationship (e.g., forming mountain ranges and rift valleys,
causing earthquake and volcanic activity, and forming undersea mountains that
can become ocean islands). Layers that make up the structure of the Earth and
scientific evidence that support their existence.
Energy
as fundamental to all scientific disciplines and required for building, erosion,
and rebuilding of the Earth. Climatic patterns on Earth as results from an interplay
of many factors (Earth’s topography, its rotation on its axis, solar radiation,
the transfer of heat energy where the atmosphere interfaces with lands and oceans,
and wind and ocean currents). Trace of changes in Earth’s climate, geological
activity, and life forms. Effects of different cycles on the biotic and abiotic
characteristics of the Earth (e.g., hydrologic cycle, life cycle of rivers,
lakes, and glaciers). Earth’s oceans with respect to sizes and composition,
ocean topography, sediments, ocean floor movements, currents, waves, tides,
ocean life and environments, resources, and pollution.
Layers
of energy-rich organic materials and their gradual conversion into great coal
beds and oil pools (fossil fuels) by the pressure of the overlying earth. Usage
of fossil fuels by humans. Unpredictable effects of the changes in a component
of an ecosystem on the entire system. Tendency of a system to react and restore
a state of equilibrium.
Climatic
patterns and zones on Earth as result from an interplay of many factors (Earth’s
topography, its rotation on its axis, solar radiation, the transfer of heat
energy where the atmosphere interfaces with lands and oceans, and wind and ocean
currents). Ways in which humans are placing their environmental support systems
at risk (e.g., rapid human population growth, environmental degradation, and
resource depletion). Composition and layers of the atmosphere. Weather patterns
formation with respect to high and low pressure air masses (cyclones), solar
radiation absorption and reflection, jet streams, winds, conduction and convection,
the Coriolis effect, water in the atmosphere, and weather fronts.
Interconnectedness
of the systems on Earth and the quality of life. Physical factors limiting the
productivity of world ecosystems. Small-scale models, computer simulations,
or analogous systems used for performance testing. Relationship between technological
problems and a demand of new scientific knowledge. Ways in which scientists
can bring information, insights, and analytical skills to matters of public
concern and help people understand the possible causes and effects of events.
Sources of funds for science research. Differences in the value of technology
for different people through time. Scientific knowledge used by those who engage
in design and technology to solve practical problems, taking human values and
limitations into account.