Earth and Space Science for Ages 11 to 14 Course

What you will learn in 3 lessons

1. 1

   Solar System, Stars and Galaxies

   Start here

   The learner describes the planets and other bodies of the Solar System and how it formed, the Sun as a star, galaxies and the scale of the universe in light years, and how we explore space.

   6 learning goals

   What you will learn

   1. 1.Describe the Solar System and the bodies in it
   2. 2.Describe the Sun as a star
   3. 3.Explain how gravity shapes the Solar System and how it formed
   4. 4.Measure the universe and place Earth in it
   5. 5.Explain how we explore space
   6. 6.Judge where life could exist beyond Earth
2. 2

   Plate Tectonics

   The learner describes Earth's layers, explains continental drift and plate tectonics with evidence, and links plate boundaries to earthquakes, volcanoes, mountains and their hazards.

   6 learning goals

   What you will learn

   1. 1.Describe Earth's layered structure
   2. 2.Explain continental drift and how it became plate tectonics
   3. 3.Explain what tectonic plates are and why they move
   4. 4.Explain what happens at plate boundaries
   5. 5.Explain how earthquakes, volcanoes and mountains form
   6. 6.Describe how scientists monitor volcanoes and earthquakes
3. 3

   Earth Atmosphere and Weather

   The learner describes the composition and layers of the atmosphere, explains air pressure, winds, clouds and fronts, and reads weather maps and forecasts.

   6 learning goals

   What you will learn

   1. 1.Describe what the atmosphere is made of and how it is layered
   2. 2.Explain how uneven heating causes air pressure differences and wind
   3. 3.Explain how water vapor forms clouds and precipitation
   4. 4.Explain how air masses, fronts and pressure systems change the weather
   5. 5.Collect weather data, read weather maps and make forecasts
   6. 6.Explain how storms and extreme weather form