Earth Science

Cost of class:
$60.00 / month - this includes the use of textbooks, lab materials, and field trips.

Class times: Mondays and Tuesdays at 8:00am – 10:00am (Sept 13 to May 17)
This class is geared for 8th-9th grades.

Class description: This class begins by studying maps of various kinds, learning what each is used for, and then we progress to learn how to navigate with topographic maps, learning about various land forms, latitude, longitude, compasses and magnetism, and GPS units. Other topics covered during the year include:
1. Rocks & minerals
2. How Noah’s flood shaped the land we see today
3. Fossils
4. Geologic history of the earth (discuss creation and evolution)
5. Astronomy and the age of the universe
6. Rocket science including building and launching rockets
7. Weather

Examples of Labs & Field Trips:
1. Trip to the mountains to practice map and compass reading (fall)
2. Trip to Butte Mineral Museum and Seismology Station (winter)
3. Mapping magnetism
4. 2 Star parties using telescope
5. Building two kinds of volcanoes with eruptions

Books used:
1. Exploring Planet Earth by John Tiner
2. The Geology Book by Dr. John D. Morris
3. The Weather Book by Michael Oard