Honors
Syllabus
Since you are enrolled in Honors Earth Science, you will be challenged academically a bit more than if you were in a standard course. This will include these weekly mini projects as well as a Long Term Research Project that will be due at the end of the semester. These weekly projects will be a double Lab Grade and can be very helpful to you. They are due on the noted dates with out fail!! The only exception would be with an excused absence and they would be due the day you return from that absence. You will also have in-depth homework approx. once a week. It will be vital that you don’t neglect your homework and you don’t let things get ahead of you. Please use your time wisely and if you need help please let me know!
Week 1
Scientific Method lab (this can be hand written/drawn on notebook paper)
List the steps to the scientific method
Compare and contrast experimental variables and controls
Identify basic SI units
Explain how to write numbers using scientific notation
Week 2
Great circle lab
Draw a map (include and label all major continents and oceans) in color on white unlined paper; include the 5 great circles of latitude with labels. Describe on this map how these circles were arrived at. (you will need to use sources other than text to accomplish this; DO NOT WAIT TILL THE LAST MINUTE FOR THIS!
Week 3
Ecosystem Residents
Pick an animal of your choice; it can be anything other than a domesticated animal. (pets) Discuss it’s niche and habitat, and general ecosystem. Include a picture of your animal. Written work must be at least 5 paragraphs typewritten with font no bigger than 14. The picture is not part of the paragraphs!
Week 4
Local Erosion issues in NC essay
You will write a
standard 5-paragraph essay discussing a local erosion issue of your
choice. This is to be typewritten, font
size 14, and may be double-spaced. You
will include where you obtained information on this problem. (Include newspaper
clipping, printout from web, or magazine article) This must be in
Week 5
Weather Diary lab
In one paragraph, describe one case of extreme weather that has occurred this year. You may had write this and include this in diary described in the next paragraph.
You will also keep
a 7-day diary of weather conditions of an area other than in
Week 6
Hand drawn color world map including all major oceans and seas. You must include at least the following bodies; Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, Weddell Sea, Indian, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bering, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Aral Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and Gulf of Mexico.
Week 7
Proof of Continental Drift
You are to prove that continental drift occurs with accurate data obtained through web research. You are to document this proof in the form of a 5 paragraph essay. Include a web site in your report.
Week 8
Fossil Study lab
Pick a fossil from a reputable source (remember to cite your source!). Your first drawing will be a diagram of this fossil. Describe its type of fossil (chapt 21 can help) include what period it came from, region, and what would be a present day relative. This does not need to be more than 1 paragraph. Your second drawing will be what you think the present day relative will evolve into with labels and descriptions. Remember, drawing are on while unlined paper and in color.
Week 9
HR Diagram
You are to create an HR Diagram and include at least 10 stars in it. You should have Super Giants, Main Sequence and White Dwarfs in these 10. Make it colorful and remember to include xy values. It may be no bigger than a poster board and no smaller than standard print paper.
Week 10
Space exploration timeline
You are to make a timeline with construction paper that is at least 3 feet long. You may cut the construction paper in half (the long way) to help save paper and space if you wish. It will cover global space exploration of at least 20 space events starting with Sputnik.