About the Course

This course, Earth Science, is intended for high school students who want to earn extra credits or are repeating the course. It highlights key concepts and discusses the Earth's processes, properties, structure, and biotic evolution. This course also touches upon key phenomena that are essential for the maintenance of life on our planet. All courses are written to the Common Core. 

The book offers two kinds of end-of-chapter questions for students:

• Review Questions: Basic recall questions from every module in the chapter are either in open-choice or MCQ format.

Critical Thinking Questions: Advanced-level conceptual questions allow students to showcase their understanding by applying their learnings from every module to the entire chapter. These questions require out-of-the-box reasoning and thinking about the concepts.

Earth Science Term 1

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – What is Earth Science?

• 1.1 The Scientific Study of Earth
• 1.2 Different Branches of Earth Science
• Astronomy
• Meteorology
• Oceanography
• Geology
• Environmental Science and Earth Science
• 1.3 The Importance of Earth Science
• 1.4 Science as a Process
• 1.5 Scientific Methods
• Asking Questions
• Creating a Hypothesis
• Testing the Hypothesis
• Forming Conclusions
• 1.6 Scientific Measurements and Analysis
• Precision and Accuracy
• Errors
• Observations and Models
• 1.7 Acceptance of Scientific Ideas
• Publication and Peer Review
• Formulating Theories
• 1.8 Society and Science
• Written Questions
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blanks

Chapter 2 – Earth as a System

• 2.1 Earth's Interior
• 2.2 Earth as a Magnet
• 2.3 Earth’s Gravity
• Weight and Location
• Weight and Mass
• 2.4 Energy in Earth’s System
• Earth’s Energy Budget
• External and Internal Energy Sources
• 2.5 Earth-System Science
• Closed and Open Systems
• Earth's Four Spheres
• 2.6 Different Cycles in Earth System
• Water Cycle
• Phosphorus Cycle
• Carbon Cycle
• Nitrogen Cycle
• 2.7 Ecology
• Ecosystems and Balancing Forces
• Ecological Responses to Change
• Food Chains and Food Webs
• Energy Transfer
• Human Stewardship of the Environment
• Written Questions
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blanks

Chapter 3 – Models of the Earth

• 3.1 Finding Locations on Earth
• Latitude and Longitude
• Great Circles
• Magnetic Declination
• GPS (Global Positioning System)
• 3.2 Mapping Earth’s Surface
• How Maps Are Made
• Map Projections
• Reading Maps
• 3.3 Different Map Types
• Soil Maps and Surveys
• Geologic Maps
• Topographic Maps
• Other Map Types
• Written Questions
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blanks

Chapter 4 – Earth Chemistry

• 4.1 Matter
• Properties of Matter
• 4.2 Elements
• 4.3 Atoms
• Atomic Mass
• Isotopes
• Atomic Number
• Atomic Structure
• Valence Electrons and Periodic Properties
• 4.4 Combination of Atoms
• Molecules
• Chemical Bonds
• Covalent Bonds
• Ionic Bonds
• Mixtures
• Written Questions
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blanks

Chapter 5 – Minerals Found in the Earth’s Crust

• 5.1 Different Types of Minerals
• Silicate and Non-Silicate Minerals
• 5.2 Crystalline Structure of Silicate Minerals
• Framework and Sheet Silicates
• Chain and Ring Silicates
• 5.3 Crystalline Structure of Non-Silicate Minerals
• 5.4 Physical Properties of Minerals
• Density
• Crystal Shape
• Hardness
• Fracture and Cleavage
• Luster
• Streak
• Color
• 5.5 Special Properties of Minerals
• Radioactivity
• Magnetism
• Double Refraction
• Chatoyancy and Asterism
• Fluorescence and Phosphorescence
• Written Questions
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blanks

Chapter 6 – Rocks and the Rock Cycle

• 6.1 Three Major Rock Types
• 6.2 The Rock Cycle
• 6.3 Properties of Rocks
• Physical Stability
• Chemical Stability
• Bowen’s Reaction Series
• 6.4 The Formation of Magma
• Partial Melting
• Fractional Crystallization
• 6.5 Igneous Rocks
• Intermediate, Mafic, and Felsic Rocks
• Textures (Fine-Grained, Coarse-Grained, Porphyritic, Glassy, Vesicular)
• Structures of Extrusive and Intrusive Rocks
• 6.6 Metamorphic Rocks
• How Metamorphic Rocks Are Formed
• Regional and Contact Metamorphism
• Classification: Foliated and Non-Foliated Rocks
• 6.7 Sedimentary Rocks
• How Sedimentary Rocks Are Formed
• Clastic Sedimentary Rocks
• Organic and Chemical Sedimentary Rocks
• Sedimentary Rock Features (Fossils, Mud Cracks, Ripple Marks, Cross-Beds, Graded Bedding, Stratification)
• Written Questions
• Multiple Choice
• Fill in the Blanks

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Earth Science Term 2

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – Resources and Energy

1.1 Mineral Resources

• Types of Minerals: Metallic vs. Nonmetallic
• Ores: Formation by Water, Contact Metamorphism, and Magma
• Uses of Mineral Resources

1.2 Renewable Energy

• Wind Energy
• Biomass Energy
• Hydroelectric and Tidal Energy
• Solar and Geothermal Energy

1.3 Nonrenewable Energy

• Fossil Fuels: Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas
• Nuclear Energy: Fission and Fusion
• Electricity Generation from Nuclear Power

1.4 Resources and Conservation

• Environmental Impacts of Mining
• Mine Reclamation and Regulations
• Fossil Fuel and Mineral Conservation
• Water Resource Conservation
• Written Questions
• Fill in the Blanks
• Multiple Choice Questions

Chapter 2 – Plate Tectonics
2.1 Continental Drift

• Wegener’s Hypothesis
• Evidence: Rocks, Fossils, Climate
• Mid-Ocean Ridges and Seafloor Spreading
• Paleomagnetism and Magnetic Symmetry

2.2 Plate Tectonics Theory

• Lithosphere and Asthenosphere
• Types of Crust and Plate Composition
• Volcanoes and Earthquakes at Plate Boundaries

2.3 Plate Boundary Types

• Divergent, Convergent, and Transform Boundaries
• Examples: San Andreas Fault, Andes, Himalayas

2.4 Reasons for Plate Motion

• Mantle Convection
• Ridge Push
• Slab Pull
• Written Questions
• Fill in the Blanks
• Multiple Choice Questions

Chapter 3 – Deformation of the Crust
3.1 How Rock Deforms

• Isostasy and Isostatic Adjustments
• Types of Stress: Compression, Tension, Shear
• Strain: Brittle vs. Ductile
• Folds and Faults: Normal, Reverse, Strike-Slip

3.2 The Formation of Mountains

• Mountain Ranges, Systems, and Belts
• Volcanic, Dome, Fault-Block, and Folded Mountains
• Plateaus and Their Relation to Mountains
• Written Questions
• Fill in the Blanks
• Multiple Choice Questions

Chapter 4 – Earthquakes

4.1 Where and How Earthquakes Occur

• Faults and Earthquake Mechanics
• Elastic Rebound Theory
• Seismic Waves: P, S, Surface
• Earthquake Focus, Epicenter, and Depth
• Interior Layers and Shadow Zones
• Earthquakes at and Away from Plate Boundaries

4.2 Society and Earthquakes

• Destruction of Property and Tsunamis
• Earthquake Prediction: Seismic Gaps, Foreshocks, Rock Changes
• Forecasting Reliability
• Written Questions
• Fill in the Blanks
• Multiple Choice Questions

Chapter 5 – Volcanoes

5.1 Plate Tectonics and Volcanoes

• Magma Formation and Plate Boundaries
• Intrusive Activity and Pluton Formation
• Volcanic Zones: Subduction, Ridges, and Hot Spots

5.2 Volcanic Eruptions

• Magma Composition and Viscosity
• Types of Lava and Pyroclastic Material
• Types of Volcanoes: Shield, Composite, Cinder Cone
• Calderas and Volcanic Hazards
• Predicting Eruptions: Seismic, Deformation, Gas
• Written Questions
• Fill in the Blanks
• Multiple Choice Questions

 

Earth Science Term 3

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Weathering

Key Topics:

• Chemical & Mechanical Weathering
• Agents of Weathering
• Weathering Rates
• Human Impact on Weathering
• Written Questions:
•  Fill in the Blanks:
• Multiple Choice Questions:

Chapter 2: Soil Erosion

Key Topics:

• Soil Formation & Horizons
• Types of Soil (Pedalfer, Pedocal, Laterite)
• Topography & Climate Influence
• Erosion Types: Sheet, Gullying
• Soil Conservation Methods
• Written Questions
• Fill in the Blanks:
• Multiple Choice Questions:

Chapter 3: The River Systems

Key Topics:

• The Water Cycle & Budget
• River System Components
• Erosion, Discharge, Load
• Braided & Meandering Streams
• Floodplains, Deltas, Alluvial Fans
• Flood Control & Lake Life Cycle
• Written Questions
•  Fill in the Blanks
• Multiple Choice Questions

Chapter 4: Glaciers

Key Topics:

• Glacier Formation & Types
• Glacier Movement: Internal Flow, Basal Slip
• Erosion: Cirques, Arêtes, Horns, U-Shaped Valleys
• Deposition: Moraines, Drumlins, Eskers, Kettles
• Great Lakes & Salt Lake Formation
• Written Questions
• Fill in the Blanks
• Multiple Choice Questions

Chapter 5: Erosion through Wind and Waves

Key Topics:

• Wind Erosion & Deposition (Loess, Dunes, Ventifacts)
• Dune Types and Migration
• Wave Erosion (Sea Cliffs, Arches, Stacks)
• Coastal Deposition (Beaches, Spits, Barrier Islands)
• Sea Level Changes: Absolute vs. Relative
• Coastal Protection & Pollution
• Written Questions
• Fill in the Blanks
• Multiple Choice Questions

Chapter 6: The Ocean Basins

Key Topics:

• Global Oceans & Oceanography History
• Sonar & Submersibles
• Ocean Floor Features (Ridges, Trenches, Plains)
• Sediment Types: Biogenic, Chemical, Inorganic
• Deep-Sea Ecosystems
• Written Questions
• Fill in the Blanks
• Multiple Choice Questions

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Earth Science – Term 4

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Movements of the Ocean

• 1.1 Ocean Currents
• 1.2 Ocean Waves
• 1.3 Tides
• 1.4 Written Questions
• 1.5 Fill in the Blanks
• 1.6 Multiple Choice Questions

Chapter 2: The Atmosphere

• 2.1 Characteristics of the Atmosphere
• 2.2 The Atmosphere and Solar Energy
• 2.3 Atmospheric Circulation
• 2.4 Written Questions
• 2.5 Fill in the Blanks
• 2.6 Multiple Choice Questions

Chapter 3: Water in the Atmosphere

• 3.1 Atmospheric Moisture
• 3.2 Clouds
• 3.3 Written Questions
• 3.4 Fill in the Blanks
• 3.5 Multiple Choice Questions

Chapter 4: Weather

• 4.1 Air Masses
• 4.2 Weather Instruments
• 4.3 Weather Forecasting
• 4.4 Weather Control
• 4.5 Written Questions
• 4.6 Fill in the Blanks
• 4.7 Multiple Choice Questions