Course Syllabus

Syllabus Earth Science B

Welcome

Welcome to Earth Science B! We’re so glad you’re here.

Every lesson is designed to help you grow as a thinker, problem solver, and global learner. As a Mizzou Academy global student, you will complete lessons and assignments on your own schedule, interacting with course content, participating in interactives, and completing practice activities, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams.

To stay on track, we recommend using a pacing guide. You can find more information about pacing in the Course Resources section, along with helpful tools, technology support, and tips for online learning success.

As you begin, remember that online learning requires both independence and communication. Be curious, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher if you need support.

We’re excited to learn with you, and we’re happy you’re part of our Mizzou Academy community! 

Pacing

This course can be completed in as few as six weeks or take up to 6 months (180 calendar days). The six weeks are counted from the date of the first lesson submission and not the date of enrollment.

This course is asynchronous, meaning you can complete lessons and assignments at your own pace.

Most students spend approximately 10 hours per lesson interacting with course content, participating in interactive activities, and completing practice exercises, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams. Your time may vary depending on your goals and learning style. 

We encourage you to work at a consistent pace, allowing time to absorb new ideas, build skills, and reflect on what you’ve learned. Use a pacing guide to plan ahead, stay organized, and finish strong. 

Course Description

Earth Science B is a conceptual science course that teaches about Earth's structure, properties, and processes by using crosscutting concepts that link all branches of science. The concepts include patterns; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; systems and system models; energy and matter; structure and function; and stability and change.  In this course, students will explore topics such as water on Earth, weather and atmosphere, features of the ocean, and astronomy. Each lesson also explores the human impact on Earth's processes. 

Course Essential Questions


Essential Question 1

What is climate change?

Essential Question 2

How does Earth’s location in space and its ocean affect energy flow on Earth

Course Overview

Lesson

Objectives

Quiz

Assignment

1: Water
  • 1.1: Analyze how water moves through the water cycle and impacts Earth’s surface.
  • 1.2: Describe the properties of water.
  • 1.3: Identify sources of surface water on Earth’s surface.
  • 1.4: Identify sources of groundwater on Earth’s surface.
  • 1.5: Analyze the human impact on water supply, distribution, and pollution.

25 multiple-choice questions 

No Assignment

2: The Atmosphere
  • 2.1 Describe the importance of the atmosphere for life on Earth.
  • 2.2 List the matter that composes the Earth’s atmosphere as well as how it is organized. 
  • 2.3 Explain how heat energy moves through the atmosphere.
  • 2.4 Describe air movement through the atmosphere.
  • 2.5 Identify the causes and effects of air pollution.
  • 2.6 List ways to reduce air pollution.

25 multiple-choice questions 

Assignment: Earth Science 2-Day Field Study

3: Weather
  • 3.1: Explain the factors used to describe weather.
  • 3.2: Identify the types of fronts, pressure systems, and air masses and the weather they cause.
  • 3.3: Explain the causes and effects of severe weather.
  • 3.4: Describe how to use weather maps to analyze the weather.

25 multiple-choice questions 

No Assignment

4: Climate
  • 4.1: Identify world climates and where they are found.
  • 4.2: Explain how latitude and topographic features affect climate.
  • 4.3: Give examples of adaptations of plants and animals to different climates. 
  • 4.4: Outline how Earth’s climate has changed over geologic time.
  • 4.5: Describe short-term climate changes such as seasons, El Niño and La Niña.

25 multiple-choice questions 

Assignment: Climate and Weather Journal

5: Climate Change
  • 5.1: Identify causes of climate change.
  • 5.2: Identify the effects of climate change.
  • 5.3: Create solutions to climate change with an advocacy plan.

25 multiple-choice questions 

Assignment: Climate Change ECR

Midterm Exam

6: Ocean Motion
  • 6.1: Describe how the oceans formed.
  • 6.2: Explain the significance of the oceans.
  • 6.3: Describe the properties of ocean water.
  • 6.4: Map the major ocean currents and explain how they work.
  • 6.5: Define waves and explain their formation.
  • 6.6: Describe what causes tides.

25 multiple-choice questions 

No Assignment

7: Oceanography
  • 7.1: Describe seafloor geological features.
  • 7.2: Describe the methods scientists have for studying the seafloor.
  • 7.3: List the living and non-living resources that people use from the seafloor.
  • 7.4: Define the parts of the water column and oceanic divisions.
  • 7.5: Describe different types of marine organisms and their adaptations.
  • 7.6: Analyze the human impact on the ocean.

25 multiple-choice questions 

Assignment: Coastal City ECR

8: Exploring
  • 8.1: Explain how astronomers use the electromagnetic spectrum to study the universe beyond Earth.
  • 8.2: Identify different types of telescopes.
  • 8.3: Outline the history of space exploration.
  • 8.4: Describe recent space exploration.

25 multiple-choice questions 

Assignment: Spinoff Technology One-Pager

9: Earth, Sun, and Moon
  • 9.1: Explain the locations of the Earth, Moon, and Sun and describe their relationship.
  • 9.2: Compare Earth’s rotation on its axis and revolution around the Sun.
  • 9.3: Relate Earth’s movement as the cause for the seasons. 
  • 9.4: Describe the phases of the Moon and explain why they occur.
  • 9.5: Explain the layers and features of the Sun.
  • 9.6: Compare solar and lunar eclipses.

25 multiple-choice questions 

No Assignment

10: The Solar System, Stars, and Galaxies
  • 10.1: Describe the motion of planets around the Sun. 
  • 10.2: Explain how the solar system formed.
  • 10.3: Compare the main features of the planets and dwarf planets.
  • 10.4: Compare asteroids, comets, meteors, meteoroids, and meteorites.
  • 10.5: Describe stars, galaxies, and the universe.

25 multiple-choice questions 

Assignment: Rover Design Project

Final Exam

 

Grades

Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on submitted work and exams. The available points are distributed as follows:

Source Available Points
Lesson Assignments 156
Lesson Quizzes 250
Midterm Exam 300
Final Exam 300
Total 1,006

 

Textbook & Technology Requirements

To fully participate, make sure you have:

  • A computer that meets our Mizzou Academy technology requirements
  • A microphone and webcam for recording audio and video assignments
  • Any other required textbooks or materials for the course

Textbook

No textbook is required for this course.

Materials

No special materials are required, however, some common household items may be needed for supplemental activities.

Technology

The most up-to-date requirements can be found here: 

Additional requirements for the course are below: 

  • audio and video recording capabilities (e.g., smartphone, camera)

If you ever have trouble accessing course materials or recording tools, reach out to your teacher for support. We are here to help!

Accessibility

If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.

Canvas Technical Support

Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.