Earth and Environmental Science A

Content

Our Earth is a complex being with a story to tell. It results from a series of interactions between the spheres, including the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. It allows us to predict its past, present, and future. Students can engage in a hands-on approach to learning through laboratory and fieldwork, developing and extending their inquiry skills.

Topics may include:

• The Earth’s atmosphere: The composition of gases in the Earth’s atmosphere has varied over time. Students examine different theories to explain how the atmosphere was derived and explore reasons for its changing composition.

• The hydrosphere: Students investigate evidence that supports different theories about the origins of water on Earth. They also study water's properties and how these affect its role in biotic and abiotic environments.

• The biosphere: Students interpret and evaluate different types of fossil evidence and explore the connections of fossils to past environments and events.

Assessment

Investigations folio  40%

• SHE investigation 20%: 750 words if written or a maximum of 5 minutes for an oral presentation or the equivalent in multimodal form

• Design and deconstruct practical report 20%: 750 words

Skills and applications tasks  60% 

• Lab skills and application 30%: Written and practical: supervised 100 minutes

• Field skills and application 30%: 750 words if written or a maximum of 5 minutes for an oral presentation, or the equivalent in multimodal form

Additional Information