Course+Objectives

=    __Inquiry__     = Design and conduct scientific investigations. Formulate and revise scientific explanations and models using logic and evidence. Communicate and defend a scientific finding.

__ Standard 1 – Earth Systems __
** __Course Level Expectations__ ** Explain how earth’s position in the solar system causes global climate patterns. Use the theory of plate tectonics to explain the occurrence of earthquakes, volcanism, and tsunamis. Differentiate between the hydrosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere. Explain the rock cycle and relate it to soil formation

__Standard 2 – The Living World__
__** Course Level Expectations **__ Explain energy flow within ecosystems. Summarize the importance of diversity within ecosystems. Infer using temperature, latitude, and altitude the types of animal and plant life found in each of Earth’s major biomes. Distinguish between primary and secondary succession using common plants and animals. Explain biogeochemical cycling in ecosystems (water, nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon). 

__Standard 3 – Human Population__
__** Course Level Expectations **__ Show how human population growth over time has been affected by improved food production, healthcare, sanitation and industrial advances. Research demographics and economic status of different countries to infer ecological and economic consequences of human population growth. Explain how various social and economic factors affect the fertility rate, and life expectancy of a population 

__ Standard 4 – Water and Land Resources __
** Differentiate between renewable and nonrenewable resources. Examine land use practices. Explore best management practices related to water and soil resources. Compare and contrast preservation and conservation. Evaluate the impact of human activities on natural resources. 
 * __Course Level Expectations__

__ Standard 5 – Energy Resources and Consumption __
__** Course Level Expectations **__ Compare and contrast various energy resources. Analyze the past and present use of energy resources. Predict future trends in energy resource use.

__Standard 6 - Pollution and Waste__
Investigate the causes, environmental effects and methods for controlling/preventing land, air and water pollution. Survey case studies relating to land, air or water pollution to human health issues. Explore methods used for remediation of land, air and water pollution. Research local and national environmental legislation related to protecting land, air and water resources. Research local and state methods used for solid waste reduction, recycling and disposal; compare them to methods used in other developed countries.
 * Course Level Expectations**

__Standard 7 - Global Change and Civic Responsibility__
Explain how consumer choices her in Tennessee impact jobs, resources, pollution and waste. Compare and contrast methods used by various governments to protect biodiversity. Explain the connection between huma activity and ozone depletion. Describe the current scientific explanation for average global temperature increase.
 * Course Level Expectations**

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