Below is the general course outline for the Earth-Space Science course here at Anderson County High School for the 2023-2024 School Year. 

1^st Semester (August – December)

1. Scientific Method
   • Conducting a scientific experiment in the proper manner.
   • Refining the skills needed to analyze the results of an experiment.

2. Mapping Our Earth
   • Understanding the various ways to map the planet.
   • Analyzing and reading the various maps for important information

3. Weathering, Erosion, and Soil
   • Understanding how rock goes from solid bedrock to soil and the many ways rocks can change over the centuries.
   • Describing the importance of soil health and how critical that is to our well-being.

4. Plate Tectonics
   • Analyzing how the Earth’s surface has changed and moved based upon evidence found in various locations.
   • Describing how the processes that shaped the Earth have also changed the topography and locations of the continents.

5. Volcanism
   • Describe the interrelationship between plate tectonics and the location of volcanoes around the globe.
   • Explain the importance of volcanic activity in shaping the surface of the Earth and the dangers associated with proximity to active volcanoes.

6. Earthquakes
   • Explain and understand the forces within the Earth that drive the release of energy that are earthquakes.
   • Describe and analyze the sequence of events leading to an earthquake and the resulting data.

7. Mountain Building
   • Understand the effect that plate tectonics has on the mountain-building process.
   • Identify the types and relative ages of the various mountain ranges on the Earth.

2^nd Semester (January - May)

1. The Sun-Earth-Moon System
   • Describe the uses of some of the tools of Astronomy.
   • Explain the history of space exploration.
   • Describe and understand the origin and topography of the various lunar features.
   • Understand and analyze the interdependence of the Sun-Earth-Moon system and their importance to each other.

2. Our Solar System
   • Explain and understand the formation and history of the solar system.
   • Describe the relationship between gravity and the motions of objects in the solar system.
   • Compare and contrast the inner planets, the outer planets, and other objects outside the asteroid belt of the solar system.
   • Differentiate between comets, dwarf planets, meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites.

3. Stars
   • Utilize and analyze the types of star spectra to determine the make-up of distant stars.
   • List and explain the various properties used to classify stars.
   • Explain the effect on the universe of the life cycle of stars.

4. Galaxies and the Universe
   • Describe the contents and sizes of various galaxies, including our own.
   • Understand and analyze the processes and discoveries explaining the expansion of the universe.
   • Compare and contrast the different models of the universe.

5. Atmosphere
   • Compare and contrast the five layers of the atmosphere.
   • List the three main properties of the atmosphere and explain their importance and how they interact.
   • Explain and understand the formation of clouds and precipitation and the various types of each.

6. Meteorology
   • Compare and contrast weather and climate.
   • List and explain the five types of air masses, the three major wind systems, and the four types of fronts.
   • List and understand the uses of the main instruments used to collect and disseminate weather data throughout the world.

7. The Nature of Storms
   • Differentiate between the various types of thunderstorms.
   • Understand and explain how tornadoes and hurricanes form.
   • Compare and contrast heat waves and cold waves.