Course: Geology

Earth's Place in the Universe
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life span of the sun and the role of nuclear fusion in the sun's core to release energy that eventually reaches Earth in the form of radiation.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on astronomical evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and composition of matter in the universe.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their life cycle, produce elements.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient Earth materials, meteorites, and other planetary surfaces to construct an account of Earth's formation and early history.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Earth's Systems
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Develop a model to illustrate how Earth's internal and surface processes operate at different spatial and temporal scales to form continental and ocean-floor features.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth's surface can create feedbacks that cause changes to other Earth systems.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Develop a model based on evidence of Earth's interior to describe the cycling of matter by thermal convection.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth systems result in changes in climate.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Develop a quantitative model to describe the cycling of carbon among the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Construct an argument based on evidence about the simultaneous coevolution of Earth systems and life on Earth.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Earth and Human Activity
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationships among management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations, and biodiversity.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate change and associated future impacts to Earth systems.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science

Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
Education Level: 12
Subject: science