SYLLABUS FOR EARTH SCIENCE

MR. D. MADDEN
Dmadden3@schools.nyc.gov
First Semester - Fall 2014
Description of Class: Earth Science is the study of the Earth and all of the
processes that affect it. It includes the studies of Geology, Seismology,
Paleontology, Meteorology, and Astronomy.
Textbook(s) and Review Book: Earth Science: The Physical Setting, (2nd Edition),
Thomas McGuire (Text)
Lets Review Earth Science: The Physical Setting: Barrons (Review Book)
First Quarter/Marking Period 1 - September 4 to November 7
Units of Study to Cover
Introduction to Earth Science (Ch. 1 & 2)
a. Formulas for Rate of Change, Percent Deviation, and Density
b. The size and shape of Earth
c. Latitude and Longitude
d. The Seasons and Polaris
Topographic Maps (Ch: 3)
A. Rules of Mapping
B. How to calculate the gradient
C. How to create a profile
Quizzes
TBA (2 total quizzes (May be pop quizzes) on Introductory material and
Topographic Maps.)
Exam(s)
2 Exams (Dates TBA)(Introduction to Earth Science, and Topographic
Maps)
LABS
1. Safety
2. Density
3. Latitude and Longitude
4. 3-D Contour Models
5. Water Topographic Maps
6. Profiles and Gradients
7. Bear Mountain
Homework
All homework assignments are given weekly. (Vocabulary and Chapter
Review questions +worksheets.)
Second Quarter/Marking Period 2 NOVEMBER 10 TO JANUARY 23
MIDTERM EXAMS: JANUARY 20-23, 2015
REGENTS EXAM: JANUARY 26-29, 2015
Units of Study to Cover
Rocks and minerals (Ch: 4, 5, & 6)
a. Minerals and their Properties
b. How to identify Minerals
c. Igneous rocks and their Identification
d. Sedimentary Rocks and their Identification
e. Metamorphic Rocks and their Identification
Quizzes
TBA (May be a Pop Quiz on Rock and Minerals).
Exam(s)
One exam (Date TBA)(Rocks and Minerals)
One Midterm: Nov: 7
th
- 9
th
(Cumulative since September). (ESRT p.
1,3,6,7,16)
LABS
8. Mineral Identification
9. Igneous Rock Identification
10. Sedimentary Rock Identification
11. Metamorphic Rock Identification
Homework
All homework assignments are given weekly. (Vocabulary and Chapter
review questions +worksheets)
MARKING PERIOD 3 DECEMBER 3 J ANUARY 18
FINAL EXAM JANUARY 17TH
Units of Study to Cover
The Internal Earth (Ch: 14,15, &16)
a. Plate Tectonics
b. Sea Floor Spreading
c. The Interior of Earth
d. Earthquakes and Seismic Waves
Geologic Time (Ch: 17, & 18)
a. The Origin of the Earth
b. Relative Age Dating
1. Ordering Geologic Events
2. Fossil Correlation
c. Actual Age Dating
Quizzes
TBA (May be pop quizzes on The Internal Earth, and Geologic Time.)
Exam(s)
2 exams (Dates TBA)(The Internal Earth, and Geologic Time)
1 Final Exam: J an. 17
th
(Cumulative since September). (ESRT p.
1,3,5,6,7,8,9,10,11, &16)
LABS
12. The Spreading Sea Floor
13. Patterns of Crustial Activity
14. Finding the Epicenter
15. Interpreting Geologic Events
16. Findasaurus
17. Get a Half-Life
Homework
All homework assignments are given weekly. (Vocabulary and Chapter
Review Questions +Worksheets)