Earth Science Courses

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - TECH PREP Recommended year: 9 Full year; 1 credit MLR: B, D, E, F, G, J, K, L, M This class is considered a college-prep class but is meant for students who do not have basic algebra skills. The class begins with an intensive unit on the metric system and then covers all earth science topics listed in the learning results as well as many special topics. Homework and a complete notebook are mandatory. Students will also be conducting two group studies and writing two research papers. Only academically motivated students should sign up for this class.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - COLLEGE PREP Recommended year: 9 Full year; 1 credit MLR: B, D, E, F, G,J, K, L,M This class is a college-preparatory earth science class meant for students who have basic algebra skills and the ability to think abstractly. The class begins with an intensive unit on the metric system and then covers several earth science topics. The difference between college prep and tech prep is that the topics will be covered in a little more depth in this class. Students who choose this class should be prepared to take notes, keep them organized in a notebook and use them as a study guide. Frequent quizzes and tests make up most of the evaluation for this dass.

HORTICULTURE I (PRACTICAL BOTANY) Recommended year: 9-10 May be followed by CP or TP courses Full year; 1 credit Satisfies 1/2 Life Science and 1/2 Earth Science requirement. Student MUST take 1/2 credit Earth Science course to complete an Earth Science credit and a 1/2 or full year Biology course to complete a Life Science credit. *Satisfies the Computer Proficiency requirement. MLR: A, B, C, D, E, F, J, K, M This course is for students interested in plants and greenhouse operation. It provides an introduction to all aspects of propagating, growing, and using plants and plant material. This course has a textbook as well as handouts which students keep in an organized notebook. Since the computer is used extensively in this class successful completion of this course will satisfy the computer proficiency requirement. This course can be an elective for juniors and seniors.

EARTH SCIENCE - CORE Recommended year: 10 One semester; 1/2 credit (Earth Science) MLR: F,G,J,K,L,M This course is designed for students to meet the Earth Science requirements of the Maine Learning Results. It will involve many hands-on activities. Subjects to be covered include the scientific method, weather, environmental problems, plate tectonics, rock and minerals, rock cycle, weathering and erosion, geologic time and astronomy. The class includes taking notes, reading, worksheets and labs, reports, tests and writing one page essays.