High School Earth & Space Science Course

Question 1: How do Earth's systems interact and change over time, and what is humanity's role in those changes? 

Question 2: How do we understand and interact with the dynamic systems of Earth and the Universe? 

Resources for Science Learning

Arizona Earth & Space Science Standards - High School (PDF)

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We’ll begin this year with a dive into earth science and learn how scientists study our planet using different tools and techniques. We’ll explore how maps are made, and the important role technology plays in modern cartography. How are maps important to understanding the Earth?  We'll also take a look at the geologic time scale to understand how Earth's history is organized and learn how scientists determine the age of rocks and fossils. How has Earth’s history been preserved for so long? By the end, we’ll discover how Earth's history is captured in rocks, trees, and ice, and how fossils provide clues about life from long ago. Why was life so different millions of years ago? Ultimately, we'll gain a deeper appreciation for the dynamic and ever-evolving story of our planet, and how its past continues to shape our present. 

Next, we'll be embarking on a journey to answer some truly fascinating questions. How does rainwater disappear into the earth, carving out hidden caves? We'll follow the path of raindrops, tracing their journey through soil and rock. How do clouds and mist form, seemingly out of thin air? We'll delve into the atmosphere, exploring the dance of temperature and humidity. How do satellites help us predict the weather, keeping us safe and informed? We'll become weather detectives, using cutting-edge technology to understand complex weather systems. And finally, what exactly is climate, and how do natural forces and human actions shape it? We'll explore the vast and intricate workings of our planet, uncovering the secrets of our changing world. It's a year of discovery, where we'll learn to see the world with new eyes, asking questions and finding answers in the science that surrounds us. 

We’ll investigate the tiny world of atoms and molecules to understand: What's really in our drinking water? We'll learn how these building blocks create everything around us, including water itself. Then, we'll journey to the mountains, exploring the power of ice to carve vast valleys, asking: How does ice shape the land? We'll discover how glaciers act like giant bulldozers, moving rock and creating soil. Next, we'll uncover the secrets of sparkling diamonds, learning: What makes them so special? We'll explore the amazing world of minerals and how they're used. We'll also follow the incredible journey of rocks, asking: How do rocks change over time? We’ll learn about the fiery birth of igneous rocks, the layered stories of sedimentary rocks, and the transformed beauty of metamorphic rocks. Finally, we'll tackle real-world challenges, exploring: What happens when resources like lakes disappear? We'll learn about renewable and nonrenewable resources, how they're distributed, and how we can find sustainable solutions for our energy needs. It's a year of hands-on learning, where we'll discover the science behind everything from the water we drink to the mountains we admire. 

Finally, we'll be asking big questions, starting with: Why seaweed over corn? We'll dive into the challenges of population growth, sustainable farming, and how our choices impact the Earth, learning to find innovative solutions. Next, we'll look to the sky, wondering: Why not a monthly solar eclipse? We'll journey through the history and mechanics of our Moon, understanding its dance with Earth and the Sun. Then, we'll venture further, asking: Why satellites for Jupiter? We'll explore the vastness of our solar system, discovering planets, moons, and the tools we use to see them. Peering even deeper, we'll ask: How do telescopes reveal star secrets? We'll learn about light, spectra, and the life cycles of stars, unlocking the composition of distant suns. Finally, we'll ponder: Why were other galaxies hidden for so long? We'll travel beyond our Milky Way, discovering the vast universe and the tools that revealed its history. It's a year of exploring both the wonders of the cosmos and the critical challenges facing our planet, empowering them to become informed and responsible citizens of Earth and the universe.