Earth Sciences

SACE Credits: 10

Teacher: Jacob Davison

Earth Sciences is designed to give students an appreciation and understanding of the way that the Earth’s natural processes occur and how these influence society and the environment around us. The key theme for this course in Semester 2 will be ‘How do natural disasters and Earth processes influence global climate and the environment in which we live?’

 

You can study Earth Sciences in Semester 2 if you did not study Earth & Environment in Semester 1. Topics explored in Semester 2 include plate tectonics, volcanic eruptions, asteroid impacts and other natural disasters. The circulation of the oceans and the impact that this has on the environment will also be explored, with particular focus on the El-Nino Southern Oscillation which has a significant effect on the Australian climate.

 

Students will complete an extended investigation involving the collection of data, which is designed to prepare students for Year 12 Earth & Environmental Science.

Assessment:

Assessment Type 1: Investigations Folio (70%)

Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications Tasks (30%)

Pathways:

This subject is not a prerequisite for Year 12 Earth & Environmental Science, however it is recommended. The topics in this course will also provide interesting knowledge and background for anyone who is interested in pursuing a science in Stage 2. Students wishing to pursue further study in Earth & Environmental Science in tertiary institutions can do so in a wide range of fields. Students may choose to study a Bachelor of Science to gain further knowledge of a range of concepts, and can pursue more specific areas of study in climate science, environmental science, mining, renewable energies, volcanology, meteorology and more.