Earth Science with Lab

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Credits: 1

Prerequisites: Pre-algebra. I kept most math out of the course, but it comes up in a few places.

Recommended: 9th or 10th

Test Prep: This course does not correlate well with any one test. It covers some topics on the AP Environmental Science test and some on the CLEP Natural Sciences test. You would need to get other resources and do additional study to be able to do well on these tests.

Course Description: The main topics covered include the earth’s origin, composition, and structure; plate tectonics and the Hydroplate Theory; rock cycle; landscape evolution; geologic time; earth history; environment relationships; weather and climate; matter and energy cycles; and human impact. The second semester will cover topics in the study of astronomy and cosmology. Topics covered include history of astronomy, telescopes and instruments of astronomy, the earth, the moon, our solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology including dark matter and origins of the universe. Students will study these topics from both an old and young Earth perspective. Students will answer questions, take quizzes, complete labs, and write reports. The course culminates in a scientific report on the origins of the universe. Main course materials: GVL Astronomy, The 4th Day Alliance, Answers in Genesis (esp. New Answers Books 1, 2, and 3), Evolution Exposed Earth Science, GVL Earth Systems

Notes: Hold onto all of your written work for this course as a record. When using the GVL site, you will not have access to the Discovery videos. Just follow the directions I give in the course. I provide links to other videos or readings. This course does have a lot of reading. Some of it is on a college level. You will also be weeding through two different points of view. Scientists will sometimes give completely opposite conclusions. Always be on the lookout for what is fact and what is assumption.

Materials needed: See Lessons 24, 60 and 67

Lesson 1(*) (Note that an asterisk * indicates that there is a worksheet on this lesson)

Welcome to your first day of school! I wanted to give you one important reminder before you begin. Many of your lessons below have an internet link for you to click on. When you go to the different internet pages for your lessons, please DO NOT click on anything else on that page except what the directions tell you to. DO NOT click on any advertisements or games. DO NOT click on anything that takes you to a different website. Just stay focused on your lesson and then close that window and you should be right back here for the next lesson. Okay?

  1. If you didn’t get here through My EP Assignments, I suggest you go there and create an account.
  2. (*)Print out the first quarter grading sheet or use the first quarter Excel version.
  3. Let’s start at the beginning. Read What Is a Biblical Worldview?
  4. This is the end of your work for this course for your first day. You are allowed to move at your own pace (this is homeschooling), but it’s intended you complete one lesson a day.

Lesson 2

  1. Read, “What’s the Best Proof of Creation?“

Lesson 3

  1. Read, “How Old Is the Earth?“

Lesson 4

  1. A little history…Read “Where Did the Idea of Millions of Years Come From?“

Lesson 5

  1. Read about a theory of the formation of our solar system.
  2. Look at the layers of the atmosphere.
    • Make observations. (Make sure to check out the temperature.) What do you notice?
  3. Look at the gases of the solar system. Or, read the “background” information.
  4. Take the little quiz. You’ll have to make some educated guesses.

Lesson 6

  1. You are going to read a chapter called Big Bang?, from the Answers in Genesis site.
  2. Scroll to the bottom and read the questions so that you can be thinking about them when they come up in the article.
  3. Then read the article. You can stop where it says 2.1, the summaries of reference articles, but you can read those if you find this stuff interesting and want to know more.

Lesson 7

  1. Answer the questions at the end of the chapter. Always answer in complete sentences.
  2. Record 18 points for completion. Lose a point for any answer that doesn’t answer the question completely. Lose a point for any answer not in a complete sentence.

Lesson 8

  1. Read the next chapter, Origins of the Solar System.
    • Start with the questions.
    • Stop, if you want, at the article summaries.

Lesson 9

  1. Answer the questions at the end of the chapter. Always answer in complete sentences.
  2. Record 12 points for completion. Lose a point for any answer that doesn’t answer the question completely. Lose a point for any answer not in a complete sentence.

Lesson 10

    1. Read about the formation of oceans.
  1. Read this page on the evaluation of theories.
  2. We will be learning an alternative theory on the formation of ocean trenches.

Lesson 11

  1. Read about the structure of the Earth.
  2. You can also read about the layers of the Earth here. Click on the Earth’s Structure tab.
  3. Draw/make a model of the Earth’s structure. Figure out the relative thicknesses of the different layers.
    • If you need a cheat for that…
  4. Do you know why the Earth’s center is solid even though it’s hotter than the outer core?
    • The inner core literally has the weight of the world on it. The pressure of it all holds those molecules in place.

Lesson 12

  1. Read about the Earth’s internal heat source on page 6.
  2. Read, “Could God Really Have Created Everything in Six Days?“

Lesson 13

  1. Today watch this video on the Earth’s radioactivity. I know this is hard stuff, but try to get the basic idea.

Lesson 14

  1. Read pages 2 and 3 on plate tectonics. You can use the activities on the page.

Lesson 15

  1. Read pages 4, 5, and 6 on plate boundaries. You can use the activities on the page, but you don’t have to do the word search. The videos aren’t working. You can see videos here, though.

Lesson 16

  1. Read through Ocean Trenches. Click on “Next Page” to move on.
  2. Click on “Next Page” after the picture and read through the first page on the origin of trenches.
  3. Write a paragraph or tell someone a general summary of how the author believes ocean trenches formed.
    • BTW, the author is an MIT graduate.

Lesson 17

  1. Read about different theories on the formation of trenches.
    • I know it’s a lot. Take what you can from it. Take your time to look at and understand the images.
    • Explain to someone what you learned from the page on the formation of ocean trenches.
  2. Take a look at the comparison chart on the following page.

Lesson 18

  1. Read “Did the Continents Split During the Days of Peleg?“

Lesson 19

  1. Read the next chapter, Geologic Column.
    • First, scroll down to the questions at the bottom of the page and read those.
    • Then, go back to the top and read until you get to “Reference Article Summaries.”

Lesson 20

  1. Answer the questions at the end of the chapter. Always answer in complete sentences.
  2. Record 12 points for completion. Lose a point for any answer that doesn’t answer the question completely. Lost a point for any answer not in a complete sentence.

Lesson 21

  1. Read the next chapter, The Fossil Record.
    • Start with the questions.
    • Stop, if you want, at the article summaries.

Lesson 22

  1. Answer the questions at the end of the chapter. Always answer in complete sentences.
  2. Record 12 points for completion. Lose a point for any answer that doesn’t answer the question completely. Lost a point for any answer not in a complete sentence.

Lesson 23

  1. Today you’re going to work on a little vocabulary.
  2. Work to learn any new vocabulary from the first page of the new unit on the rock cycle.
  3. You can also read page two on minerals. The links it tells you to read don’t work. Don’t worry about them.
  4. See what kinds of minerals are in your environment.
  5. Collect a couple of rocks to identify if you want.

Lesson 24 (Materials: steel nail, glass you can scratch a little-maybe a compact mirror or something like that)

  1. Read about rocks. Use the key to identify your rocks. And/or identify these…
    1. Basalt
    2. Sandstone
    3. Gneiss

Lesson 25

  1. Go through the rock cycle interactive.
  2. Keep moving through the whole thing through Test Your Skills.

Lesson 26

  1. Read about the formation of igneous rocks on page 3.
  2. Watch this video on the formation of igneous rocks.
  3. Read about sedimentary rocks on page 4 and try to answer the questions.
  4. Watch the video on sedimentary rocks.
  5. Read about metamorphic rocks on page 5. You don’t have to do the card deck classification at the bottom of the page.
  6. Watch the video on metamorphic rocks.

Lesson 27* (Materials: scissors and glue stick)

  1. Read about the rock cycle on page 6. If it’s working, you can do the drag and drop activity.
  2. *Cut out the pieces on page 2 and arrange (and glue if you can) them to show the rock cycle.
    • If you can’t stand the thought of cutting and pasting, you can do page one of this worksheet. Record one point for each blank and up to 5 points for each of the other two answers written in complete sentences. (No answer key)
  3. Check your answer. Record up to 15 points for each piece in the right place.

Lesson 28

  1. Read pages 1 and 2 on erosion and weathering. Be sure to learn the vocabulary.

Lesson 29

  1. Read page 3 on erosion and soil. Use the links about soil texture and erosion. The link on soil profile doesn’t work. You can read the first paragraph here about soil profile.
  2. This is a short article on erosion and some things that can help prevent soil erosion.

Lesson 30

  1. Look at this weathering assignment.
    1. Go through the activity and answer the questions. (Make the video full screen. Pause the video to read it and then play and I will scroll down to the next part and show you where you should be reading.)
    2. Score up to 4 points for each question answered with complete sentences.
  2. Add two points. (This assignment changed.) Record your total score out of 46 points.

Lesson 31

  1. Read ideas about the origin of the Grand Canyon.

Lesson 32

  1. Read the questions for chapter 18.
  2. Read the article on the formation of the Grand Canyon.

Lesson 33

  1. Answer the questions for chapter 18.
  2. Check your answers.
  3. Score up to 3 points for each complete answer written in complete sentences.
  4. Record your score out of 12.
  5. There’s lots more on this topic in the online textbook if you are interested in reading more.

Lesson 34

  1. Read page 4 on mass wasting and stop after the box with arrows and five flashcard things.
    • Where it asks, “Did you know,” you just need to click on “Show Answer” and read the info.
    • In the box, click on “show” or the box by “Definition” and read all of the information. Turn the pages to go through all five.
    • Stop here.
  2. Read through the presentation on mass wasting.
  3. Go back to page 4 and do the last six questions at the bottom of the page under the box with definitions. Answer before you check. Score one point for every correct answer.
  4. Record your score out of 5. (potential for one point extra credit)

Lesson 35

  1. Read the page on the water cycle.
  2. Read through the lesson on the hydrologic cycle.
  3. Why is the hydrologic cycle an important process for Earth? Maybe put another way, what’s the global impact of the hydrologic cycle?
    • Answer as a paragraph.
  4. Is there a beginning or end to the hydrologic cycle?
    • Answer in a sentence.
  5. Record up to 7 points. Score 3 points and 1 point for the content of the answer, and 2 points and 1 point for the structure of your answer.

Lesson 36

  1. Read about aquifers and ground water.
  2. Watch the pumps and make observations. Answer questions 1 and 3 on the page in short paragraphs.
  3. Read the answers.
  4. Record up to 12 points. You only get points for any answer written in complete sentences.

Lesson 37

  1. Read page 6 about glaciers. DO NOT use the links on the page. Just read the top of the page.
  2. Use the following links to answer the questions about glaciers.
  3. Links:
  4. Record up to 16 points. Score up to two points for each complete answer. A complete answer answers the question and is in a complete sentence. The answer should tell what the question was.

Lesson 38

  1. Read an article about the ice age.

Lesson 39

  1. Answer the questions for chapter 16 using the article you read on Lesson 38.
  2. Check your answers.
  3. Record up to 16 points for complete answers.

Lesson 40

  1. Read pages 1 and 2 on dating and work to learn the vocabulary.

Lesson 41

  1. Read “Aren’t Millions of Years Required for Geological Processes?“

Lesson 42

  1. Answer the questions for chapter 23 which you read on Lesson 41.
  2. Check your answers.
  3. Record up to 14 points for complete answers written in complete sentences.

Lesson 43

  1. Read about dating.
  2. Watch the dendrochronology presentation on the page.
    • The root “dendro” means tree.
    • The root “chron” means time.
    • The suffix “ology” means the study of.
    • What’s dendrochronology?
  3. Answer the questions at the bottom of page using the simulation at the beginning of the video on the page.
  4. Say something is a foot tall, and it is cut in half every 30 seconds (half life). Draw a graph (or make one online or on the computer) that shows its size versus time.
    • How would the graph change if it started at two feet?
    • How would the graph change if each half life was twice as long?

(Activity adapted from source)

Lesson 44

  1. Read about carbon dating.

Lesson 45

  1. Answer the questions for chapter 7 which you read on Lesson 44.
  2. Check your answers.
  3. Record up to 14 points for complete answers written in complete sentences.
  4. Figure your grade for the quarter. What can you do to improve your grade? Where did you lose points? Aim for a perfect score. Save all of your written work for your portfolio.

Lesson 46(*)

  1. (*)Print out the second quarter grading sheet or use the second quarter Excel version.
  2. We’ve already read the creationist perspective of the fossil record. Let’s learn more about it.
  3. Go through the fossil record activities: geologic time and fossil tour. Keep clicking on “More” and “Next.”
  4. Read page 4 on fossils. Answer the questions at the bottom of the page.

Lesson 47

  1. Choose one of the interactive maps and then click the globe icon on the far left side. Choose your state or a state from the list and click “Zoom.”
  2. Use the key to read the map.
  3. Write a paragraph describing the geological structure of the state. Look up any terms from the key you need to.

Lesson 48

  1. Read page 2 about Precambrian time. We’re going to read the other point of view. We’ll continue reading the alternative perspective as well.
    • Watch the video on the page about volcanoes.
    • Choose an article to read about volcanoes.

Lesson 49

  1. Read about Mount St. Helens.
  2. Answer the questions for chapter 26. (You should probably read these before you read the article so that you can be looking for the answers.)
  3. Check your answers.
  4. Record up to 6 points for complete answers in complete sentences.

Lesson 50

  1. Read page 3 on the Paleozoic Era.
  2. Read this article about biological evolution and answer the questions at the bottom of the page. You have today and Lesson 51 to complete this.

Lesson 51

  1. Finish reading the article about biological evolution and answering the questions at the bottom of the page.
  2. Record up to 22 points for complete answers in complete sentences.

Lesson 52

  1. Read about the Mesozoic Era on page four.
  2. Read about human and dinosaur fossils.

Lesson 53

  1. Read page 5 about the Cenozoic Age.
  2. Read this article about Genesis genealogies.

Lesson 54

  1. Read about biomes on page 2.
  2. Make the video at the bottom of the page full screen and read about each biome. You need the temperature and precipitation data from each biome.
  3. Make two graphs that show the temperature and precipitation of all the biomes. Use one color for each biome and use that same color on both graphs. Make sure to label your graphs and to make a key that shows what each color stands for.
  4. Record 20 points for your graphs. 10 points for each graph: 1 point for each biome included, 1 point for title, 2 points for labels

Lesson 55

  1. Learn about aquatic biomes on page 3.
  2. Use this website to make a chart about animals, vegetation, climate, and location in the following biomes: freshwater, marine.

Lesson 56

  1. What is the biome where you live? Write a one-page description of your area that includes vegetation, animals, climate, temperature, and location. You can use this link to help you.
  2. Record up to 10 points for including each of the five areas and for writing in proper sentences and with an introduction and conclusion.

Lesson 57

  1. Read this packet of info (from wikispaces) and review all the info in the charts. You don’t have to do any of the activities except on page 9. Write how the different levels are interdependent. How are organisms interdependent on the population and how is the population interdependent on the community, etc. ?

Lesson 58

  1. Read page one about weather and climate.
  2. Write down the vocabulary and all of the questions with room to answer. Your job by the end of this unit is to have written in answers to all of those questions.

Lesson 59

  1. Read pages 2 and 3 on climate and atmosphere. (As usual, don’t worry about the Discovery video. Don’t worry about the missing video on climate.)
  2. Watch the video on page 3 on the ozone.
  3. Read about the sun’s impact on weather.
  4. Don’t forget that you need to be answering the questions from Lesson 58.

Lesson 60(*) Materials: flashlight, ruler (if you can), graph paper

  1. Read page 4 about factors that affect climate.
  2. (*)Complete the lab on the angle of incidence. Print out the chart or make your own. Answer the questions.
  3. There are six blanks on the chart and four questions to answer. Score up to 2 points each for completion. Record your score out of 20.

Lesson 61

  1. Watch the video on the page about ocean currents.
  2. Read about the Coriolis Effect.
  3. Read about the Surface Ocean Currents.
  4. Read about Boundary Currents.
  5. Read about the Ekman Current.
  6. Are there any questions from Lesson 58 that you could answer today?

Lesson 62

  1. Go through this page on air masses and fronts.
  2. Read about wind belts. (You don’t have to do the activity).
  3. Scroll down on each page to skim the articles on El Nino and La Nina. You should know in general what they are and their effect.

Lesson 63

  1. Read about severe weather. Read about thunderstorms and then use the links on the right to learn about other severe weather.
  2. Any answers you can answer today? They are due on Lesson 64. You can research any answers you haven’t found in your reading.

Lesson 64

  1. On page 9, quiz yourself on the vocabulary using the flashcards at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Predict the weather.
  3. Finish answering any questions you haven’t yet from Lesson 58.
  4. There are nine questions. Record up to 18 points for complete answers.

Lesson 65

  1. Read about the oxygen cycle. No need to watch the suggested video.
  2. Watch this video on the hydrologic and carbon cycles.
  3. Draw a diagram of the carbon cycle.
  4. Record up to 10 points for including at least ten things on your diagram.

Lesson 66

  1. Watch the video on photosynthesis.
  2. Draw a diagram of the process of photosynthesis.
  3. Record up to 5 points for including at least five things on your diagram.

Lesson 67 (*) Materials: Chocolate chip cookies (two different brands), milk, toothpick

  1. Read through page two on the oxygen and carbon cycles. Don’t worry about videos on the page. Make sure to read the questions and answers at the bottom of the page.
  2. (*)Complete the Cookie/Mining Lab.
  3. Record up to 36 points. Score up to 2 points for each question (24 points) and 1 point for each blank in the chart and for each cookie drawing (12 points).

Lesson 68

  1. Read about the nitrogen cycle.
  2. Watch the video from the page on the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles.
  3. Complete the matching activity.
  4. Then play the nitrogen cycle game.
  5. Record up to 5 points for completion.
  6. Answer the questions.
  7. Record up to 10 points for figuring out the answers to the five questions.

Lesson 69

  1. Draw a diagram of the nitrogen cycle.
  2. Record up to 5 points for including at least five items.
  3. Write a paragraph about the phosphorus cycle. You can use page four to help you out.
  4. Record up to 5 points for five sentences in paragraph form (intro, detail, detail, detail, conclusion).

Lesson 70

  1. Read page two about fossil fuels. Write down all of the orange words and their definitions. Their definitions are in the text or show up when you hover on the word.
  2. Watch the video on the formation of fossil fuels. (video source)
  3. Study these two charts. Write a paragraph or explain to someone what they show.

Lesson 71

  1. Read about natural gas.
  2. What are the pros and cons of using gas?

Lesson 72

  1. Read about oil.
  2. What are the pros and cons of using oil?

Lesson 73

  1. Learn about the greenhouse effect by watching the video.
  2. Work your way through this page on the sun’s energy. Stop after you do the “Checking In” questions.
    • Record up to 5 points for correct answers to the five questions.

Lesson 74

  1. Complete the virtual lab on greenhouse gases. Finish the page. There’s a table to complete and four questions for you.
  2. What would it take to stabilize CO2?
  3. Record up to 28 points for completing the assignment.

Lesson 75

  1. Watch the video on What is Global Warming?
  2. Read “What is Global Warming?“
  3. Watch the video on climate change.

Lesson 76

  1. Read “The Inconsistencies of Climate Change Alarmists.”

Lesson 77

  1. On Lesson 78, you need to have complete-sentence answers to the questions for chapter 16.
  2. Today read the article, “Should We Be Concerned About Climate Change?”

Lesson 78

  1. Write complete-sentence answers to the questions for chapter 16, using the article, “Should We Be Concerned About Climate Change?”
  2. Record up to 7 points for 7 complete answers.

Lesson 79

  1. Watch the short video on hydropower.
  2. Read about hydroelectric energy.
  3. Use some of the links to learn more.

Lesson 80

  1. Read about solar power. Stop at Solar Power Tower.
  2. Watch the video on solar-powered cars.
  3. On Lesson 82, you’ll be building something. Decide today what you’ll build and get what you need collected.
  4. On Lesson 86, you’ll need up to 7 clean Ziploc bags of any size that would fit an index card inside, petroleum jelly, and up to 7 index cards.
  5. On Lesson 85, you’ll need three Ziploc bags, a few paper towels, 15 lima beans, and vinegar.

Lesson 81

  1. Read about wind power.
  2. Take the wind power quiz.
  3. Build a wind farm. This requires a Flash Emulator. This is optional.
  4. What are some troubles with sun and wind power?

Lesson 82

  1. Go through the review on page 7.
  2. Build something using alternative energy. Below are just some ideas. You can find your own project idea if you like.
  3. Record 20 points for completion and take a look at Lesson 83’s assignment now!

Lesson 83

  1. Complete a science lab report on your project.
  2. Use this grading guideline to know what you should include. You can use a description instead of a photograph if you want.
  3. Use the rubric linked in #1 to score your project. Record up to 20 points.

Lesson 84

  1. Read primary air pollutants and the causes of air pollution on page 3.
  2. Read just the top intro part about the Great Smog.
  3. SOAK your 15 lima beans overnight in warm water.

Lesson 85

  1. Complete the lab on the effects of acid rain. You have all week, but you will be working on another lab as well.

Lesson 86

  1. Today you’re going to do a lab on air pollution. You don’t have to do seven locations. Do at least five, including the control.
  2. Today set it up. You will have to leave this for 24 hours. Then come back to fill in your data chart and write your lab report as described.
    • You need ziplock bags, index cards, petroleum jelly, magnifying glass.
    • If you can’t do this lab, you can do this online virtual lab, but warning: this is harder. (Click on Step 1 in the menu. Use the simulator linked on the page.)
  3. You can start your lab report today.

Lesson 87

  1. Go through page four on the effects of air pollution.
  2. You’ll need all the parts of your labs complete on Lesson 90.

Lesson 88

  1. Continue work on your labs. (acid rain and air pollution)
  2. Make each part complete. You can always go back and see the assignments by clicking on the Lesson link, if you are using My EP, and scrolling up through the lessons. These labs start on Lesson 85.
  3. Can you add to either conclusion about it’s application, how you could study it further, or what other experiments might give additional information (or how changing the experiment might change the outcome). Do you have any questions?

Lesson 89

  1. Continue work on your labs. (acid rain and air pollution)
  2. The reports should end with well-written paragraphs.
  3. You can always go back and see the assignments by clicking on the Lesson link, if you are using My EP, and scrolling up through the lessons. These labs start on Lesson 85.
  4. Can you add to either conclusion about it’s application, how you could study it further, or what other experiments might give additional information (or how changing the experiment might change the outcome). Do you have any questions?

Lesson 90

  1. Complete your labs.
    • Score up to 6 points for completing a thorough introduction to the lab report. Score up to 16 points for completing your table. Take a point off for any blank.
  2. Score up to 6 points for completing a thorough introduction to the lab report. Score up to 16 points for completing your table. Take a point off for any blank.
  3. Score up to 25 points for your conclusions. Take off 3 points for any question left unanswered.
  4. You can use the spots for Lesson 85 (lab), 87 (lab), and 90 (report) to record your scores. The totals work out to the same thing.

Figure out your second quarter grade. Save your written work for your portfolio.

Lesson 91(*)

  1. (*)Print out your third quarter grading sheet or use the third quarter Excel version.
  2. Now we’re going to switch our attention from the Earth to space.
  3. For our introduction, we’re going to watch a documentary on astronomy. Today watch this video on the inner planets.

Lesson 92

  1. Watch part 2 on the Earth, Moon, and stars.

Lesson 93

  1. Watch part 3 on Jupiter and the outer planets.

Lesson 94

  1. Watch part 4 on going into space.

Lesson 95

  1. Watch part 5 on the history of astronomy.

Lesson 96

  1. Watch part 6 on telescopes.

Lesson 97

  1. Watch part 7 on constellations.

Lesson 98

  1. Watch part 8 on constellations.

Lesson 99

  1. Before we go further, let’s go back to the Bible.
  2. Read “Does the Bible Say Anything about Astronomy?“
  3. Answer these questions on the article. Go to chapter 4.
  4. Check your answers.
  5. Record up to 9 points. Score up to 3 points for each answer.

Lesson 100

  1. Read “Does the Big Bang Fit with the Bible?“
  2. Answer these questions on the article. Go to chapter 5.
  3. Check your answers.
  4. Record up to 12 points. Score up to 3 points for each answer.

Lesson 101

  1. Read “Does Distant Starlight Prove the Universe Is Old?“
  2. Explain to someone or write a paragraph about the different thoughts on the origins of the universe.

Lesson 102

  1. Answer these questions on the article. Go to chapter 19. Make sure you answer in complete sentences.
  2. Check your answers.
  3. Record up to 14 points. Score up to 2 points for each answer.

Lesson 103

  1. Read the introduction to the new unit.
    • We have all heard how the Mayan calendar has predicted the end of the world in 2012. Do you know it is because the calendar stops in the year 2012 and goes no farther? Do you know that a lot of other ancient civilizations also developed complicated calendars and observations about the planets and stars? Then in the 1500s a man named Nicolas Copernicus started a revolution by calculating that the Sun was the center of the solar system. That made a lot of people angry who believed that the Earth was the center of the Universe and that everything revolved around it. Eventually people like Johannes Kepler and Sir Isaac Newton went on to show that not only is the Earth not the center of the Universe, but we are a tiny planet revolving around a minor star on the edge of a pretty average galaxy. This module will explore some of the ancient astronomers and the contributions of Copernicus, Kepler, and Newton. -Edited from (source)
  2. Read the key terms for this unit.
    • Please try to understand some of the root words at work here. That will make the astronomy terms easier to understand. Helio (as in aphelion, heliocentric, and perihelion) refers to the sun, from the Greek word for sun, “helios.”
  3. Learn the terms using the flashcards.
  4. Read about the early astronomers.

Lesson 104

  1. Read about myths people believe about space.
    • I had heard the one about the Great Wall of China, so I did a little looking around. It can be seen from space, but only under certain conditions.
  2. Write a paragraph on one that you believed or that you know people believe, and why it’s not true.

Lesson 105

  1. List at least two contributions to astronomy by each of the following civilizations: Mayans, Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians. Do your own research.
  2. Record your total number of points out of 8. Score up to 1 point for each one listed. (Don’t record more than 10 points. There’s a chance of earning 2 extra points.)

Lesson 106

  1. Read The Copernican Revolution.
  2. Little note: It’s rather silly to say that the sun was rotating around the earth because Joshua told the sun to stand still. Joshua wouldn’t know the science of how the world worked. He just wanted it to stay light. God gave him all the light he needed and all that he had asked for. It’s also rather silly to say that the Bible is unscientific because it says the sun stood still. Despite all we know today, we still talk that way. For example, all of us, even scientists, describe the sun’s movement across the sky in terms of “rising” and “setting.”
  3. Read about retrograde motion.

Lesson 107

  1. Read about Galileo. You can skim down to where it talks about him.
  2. Read about Galileo from a Christian astronomy site.

Lesson 108

  1. Read about Kepler and Brahe.
  2. Write out the math equation that states Kepler’s third law.
  3. Read about Kepler.

Lesson 109(*)

  1. (*)Complete this lab on Kepler’s Laws of Motion.
  2. This is the simulation you are using.
  3. Record your score out of 50. (Potential for 3 points extra credit.) Answer everything in complete sentences and don’t leave any data blank. Label your graphs.

Lesson 110

  1. Do the self-check. (Questions from GVL)
  2. Read about Isaac Newton.
  3. Watch the presentation on Newton and gravity.
  4. Go through the gravity presentation.

Lesson 111

  1. Go through this page on gravity through the first two practice problems. If you are a scientist in the making, try more problems, because it’s fun to solve problems.

Lesson 112(*)

  1. (*) Complete this lab on gravity.
  2. Use this interactive to follow the directions linked above.

Lesson 113

  1. Take the quiz on gravity.
  2. Record your score out of 10.
  3. Do you know your vocabulary?
  4. On Lesson 115, you need to have completed a timeline that includes ten astronomers. Include several pieces of info for each, all written in complete sentences.
  5. Make your timeline on paper, on the computer, or online.

Lesson 114

  1. Work on your timeline. Add images of the astronomers.
    • You will score up to 10 points for including up to ten astronomers.
    • You will score up to 10 points for including an image of each astronomer.
    • You will score up to 10 points for creating the timeline in order and with the appearance of a timeline, with appropriately labeled and spaced dates.
    • You will score up to 20 points for including up to twenty correct entries about their discoveries.

Lesson 115

  1. Complete your timeline.
  2. Record your score out of 50.
  • Score up to 10 points for including up to ten astronomers.
  • Score up to 10 points for including an image of each astronomer.
  • Score up to 10 points for creating the timeline in order and with the appearance of a timeline, with appropriately labeled and spaced dates.
  • Score up to 20 points for including up to twenty correct entries about their discoveries.

Lesson 116

  1. Read through the vocabulary for the new unit on the instruments of astronomy.
  2. Read, “What is electromagnetic radiation?”
  3. Read more on electromagnetic radiation.
  4. Watch the presentation about electromagnetic radiation. Write down definitions of:
    1. refraction
    2. reflection
    3. diffraction
  5. Record up to 6 points for three definitions in complete sentences.

Lesson 117

  1. Write out the practice problem.
  2. Match the types of electromagnetic radiation. (source)
  3. Answer the wavelength problems. (source)
    1. Red light has a wavelength of 720nm. What is its frequency? (Answer: 4.2 x 10^14hz)
    2. A radio signal has a frequency of 102 x 10^6 Hz. What is its wavelength? (Answer: 2.9m)
    3. A violet light with the frequency of 7.1 x 10^14 Hz is shot through a diamond and has a wavelength of 1.75 x 10^-7 m. What is the speed of the light in the diamond? (Answer: 1.2 x 10^8 m/s)
  4. Record up to 5 points for up to ten correct, half a point each.

Lesson 118

  1. Read about light. Keep moving through all those pages. You don’t need to watch the videos.
  2. Take brief notes on the development of our ideas on light.

Lesson 119

  1. Read about the Variable Speed of Light. That’s all you have to do. Take your time and do your best.

Lesson 120

  1. Look at the diagram about the electromagnetic spectrum.
  2. Answer the questions. You can look up any information you feel you need to in order to answer.
  3. Check your answers. Score up to 2 points each.
  4. Record your score out of 20.

Lesson 121

  1. Watch the presentation on the page about light and spectroscopy. (Definition of spectroscopy)
  2. Watch the video on the signatures of light.
  3. You don’t need to read all of this one, but look for applications of spectroscopy. How can it be used?

Lesson 122(*)

  1. (*)Complete the Emission Spectrum Lab.
  2. Use this video of the simulation to complete the lab. (source)
  3. Score up to 30 points: 20 points for following all the directions and completing it, 10 points for answering completely the last two questions.
  4. Record your score out of 30.

Lesson 123

  1. Watch the video on spectroscopy. (Take notes to stay focused.)
  2. Answer the self-check questions. (source)

Lesson 124

  1. Read about the development of telescopes.
  2. Take notes on the timeline of its development.

Lesson 125

  1. Read about how telescopes work (pages 2 to 7, this links to 2) OR watch the video.
  2. Read about the Hubble Space Telescope.

Lesson 126

  1. Research discoveries made by the Hubble telescope and write a paragraph on what you think is one of the most important or exciting discoveries and why.
  2. Record up to 5 points for writing at least five sentences that completely answer the question. (It must begin with an introduction sentence that tells what the paragraph is going to be about.)

Lesson 127

  1. Pretend you’re using a telescope today and explore images in space.
  2. You could also use videos and images from Hubble’s site.

Lesson 128

  1. Learn about the Earth’s tilt and the seasons by watching the video.
  2. Now study this simulation. Write out at least three observations of what it shows.
  3. Record up to 6 points for up to six observations. Record your score out of 3. (Potential for extra credit. Study the simulator!)

Lesson 129

  1. Answer the questions.
    • Of the four seasonal equinoxes, which marks the longest, shortest, and equal-length days of the year? (Answers: summer – longest, winter – shortest, autumnal and vernal equinoxes – equal)
    • What determines the seasons? (Answer: the tilt of the Earth and the angle the Sun’s energy hits it, not the Sun’s distance to Earth)
  2. Make a sundial.
  3. Record up to 10 points for having up to 5 hours accurately labeled on it.
  4. While you’re waiting on the next hour, write down some consecutive sunrise/sunset times and moonrise/moonset times. Make observations. How does it change each day?

Lesson 130

  1. Read about observing the Moon, the planets and the Sun. (Only some of the planets are available for reading more about.)

Lesson 131

  1. Read about getting started observing the night sky.
  2. Go through the stargazing terminology.
  3. And read the top and bottom of this page on constellations.

Lesson 132

  1. Watch the video on the cycles of the sky. How and why do the stars move across our sky?
  2. Now work your way through this page on understanding the motion of stars. How can you use your hands to measure degrees of angles in the sky? You don’t have to use the applet. You can type in answers, and when you hit enter, it will tell you if you were correct.

Lesson 133

  1. Look at the constellations for the month you are in right now.
  2. Tonight, or on the next clear/clearish night, go outside and sketch what you can see.
  3. Label the drawing with the time and weather conditions. Draw everything you can see and label what you can.

Lesson 134*

  1. Click on each of the listed months and look at the shown constellations. Move your mouse to make the pictures disappear and then try to find the constellations in the picture.
  2. *Follow the directions to label the winter constellations. (Source)
    • Fill in the star map with the outlines of the winter constellations (in Red), the
      names of the winter constellations (in Blue), and the names of at least five bright stars (in Green). You will need to do some research to find them. There are drawing tools in most word processing programs that will allow you to draw on the image above, or you can print out this sheet and draw them by hand.
  3. Record your score up to 30 points. Score up to 2 points each for up to 5 constellations drawn, 5 constellations named, 5 stars named.

Lesson 135

  1. Watch the video on meteors, meteoroids, and meteorites.
  2. Read about comets, asteroids, and meteors.
  3. Explain to someone the difference between them.

Lesson 136(*)

  1. (*)Print out your fourth quarter grading sheet or use the fourth quarter Excel version.
  2. We’re back to our online Creation textbook today. Do your best to work through this page on the origin of asteroids and meteoroids.
  3. Write or tell a summary of his point about the origins of these things.

Lesson 137

  1. Try to answer the self-check questions. (source)
  2. By the end of Lesson 138, complete one of the Astronomy Project ideas.
  3. Keep track of your sources! Any pictures used should be cited unless they are in the public domain.

Lesson 138

  1. Work on your astronomy project.
  2. Don’t forget to keep a record of your sources.

Lesson 139

  1. Record your score out of 50 points.
    1. Score up to 4 points for each one included. There are four pieces of information expected for each one: picture, description, and the specific info requested in the assignment.
    2. Score up to 10 points for including a bibliography with at least 5 sources listed in an appropriate way.

Lesson 140(*) Materials: flour, cake pan, cinnamon, magnifying glass, tweezers

  1. (*)Complete this lab on craters. You can print out the chart, or just make your own to fill in. You DO NOT need to take pictures.
    • Score up to 25 points for a completed chart.
    • Score up to 20 points for completed answers in complete sentences.
    • Score up to 5 points for a complete conclusion.
  2. Record your score out of 50.

Lesson 141

  1. Read through the key terms.
  2. Then do the crossword puzzle. (Hint: FULLMOON is one of the answers. Moon is included and there are no spaces between words.)
  3. Watch the video on the Moon’s phases.

Lesson 142

  1. Watch the video on the Moon surface, insides, and formation.
  2. Read about the Moon’s atmosphere.
  3. Read from a creationist scientist on the formation of the Moon.

Lesson 143

  1. Read another creationist scientist’s views on the Moon.
  2. Learn about lunar eclipses.

Lesson 144

  1. Read about the solar system.
  2. Here’s one more introduction to the solar system. Don’t worry about all the links on the page. Just go through the page.
  3. Here’s a video on the relative size of the planets. (This is directly on YouTube. Do not watch any related videos.)

Lesson 145

  1. Watch this video on the relative size of the distances between planets. (This is directly on YouTube. Please make the video full screen and do not play related videos.)
  2. Read about the origin of the solar system.
  3. Tell someone about the origin of the solar system.

Lesson 146

  1. Read this article on astronomy confirming a young universe.
  2. Write a paragraph on the age of the universe and give proof of your position.

Lesson 147

  1. We’re going to learn about the planets. Think of how you can take and organize notes on the planets that will allow you to compare and contrast them. Don’t just take notes on each planet. You could take notes on size, on atmosphere, etc., and put the information for each planet together on that topic so you can compare them.
  2. Learn about Mercury.
  3. Watch a video on Mercury.

Lesson 148

  1. Learn about Venus. Continue taking organized notes.
  2. Watch a video on Venus.

Lesson 149

  1. Learn about Mars. Continue taking organized notes.
  2. Watch a video on Mars.

Lesson 150

  1. Learn about Jupiter. Click the buttons for stats and facts.
  2. You can learn your weight on Jupiter here. You can write it down for the rest of the planets as well.
  3. Watch a video on Jupiter and its moons.

Lesson 151

  1. Learn about Saturn. Continue taking organized notes and click for stats and facts.
  2. Watch a video on Saturn.

Lesson 152

  1. Learn about Uranus. Learn about Neptune. Continue taking organized notes.
  2. Watch a video on Uranus and Neptune.

Lesson 153

  1. What is the order of the four inner planets from the closest to the sun to the farthest? Also order them according to the speed of their orbit. (Answers: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars – same for both)
  2. Record your score out of 10.
  3. Take the quiz on page 8 on Jupiter and Saturn. You can use your notes.
  4. Record your score out of 10. Score up to two points each (including the last set). You can award partial credit.
  5. Take the quiz on page 10 on Neptune and Uranus. You can use your notes.
  6. Record your score out of 6.
  7. Read about the Kuiper Belt.
  8. Try the self assessment on page 13.
  9. I don’t think those quizzes should have taken a lot of time. If you have time, check out this video on the Oort Cloud.

Lesson 154(*)

  1. (*)Complete this activity on moon rock density. Please use this website to get the equations and graphs.
  2. Record your score for completing all the parts and answering all the questions completely out of 30.

Lesson 155

  1. Work through the key terms and definitions for the new unit on stars.
  2. You can use the matching activity to help you learn the definitions.
  3. Go through the three pages on the formation of stars, the life cycle of stars, and fusion in stars.
  4. Try the Test Byte.

Lesson 156

  1. Read about fusion energy.
  2. Read about the challenges of using fusion energy.
  3. Write a paragraph on the benefits and challenges of having a fusion power plant.
  4. Record up to 5 points for 5 sentences written in paragraph form that include benefits and challenges of having a fusion power plant.

Lesson 157

  1. Go through the page on the fusion process. Don’t click on any links. You won’t be doing any of the quizzes and things like that. You are just reading for information.
  2. Now read this page on fusion.
  3. Watch the video to read and answer the questions. Record the correct answers for all five steps.
  4. Complete the page on helium burning. (Don’t click on the interactive.)
  5. Watch the video to read and answer the questions. Record the correct answers for all five steps.
  6. Score up to 10 points for recording 10 correct answers.
  7. Compare the equilibrium cycle with the helium burning process. Also discuss what determines if a star eventually burns other fuel besides hydrogen. (This “question” is edited from GVL Astronomy.)
  8. Score up to 10 points for complete answers in complete sentences.
  9. Record your score out of 20.

Lesson 158

  1. Read this article on speedy star changes.
  2. Read the Faint Young Sun Paradox.
  3. Answer the questions about fusion. (source)
  4. Tell someone (or write) about the problems with old stars and stars evolving over millions of years.

Lesson 159

  1. How about another video? Watch the video on stars.
  2. Read about the life cycle of a star.

Lesson 160

  1. Here’s a list showing the life cycle of a star.
  2. Then go through this page and do the student activities at the bottom of the page.
  3. Record your score out of 45 points.
    • Score up to 15 points each for your diagram
    • Score up to 2 points for each of 15 definitions.

Lesson 161

  1. Read about the brightness of stars.
  2. One way to mathematically figure a star’s brightness is by using the inverse square law. Here’s another explanation.
  3. Answer the questions about stars. If you don’t know the answers, learn them when you check each answer. (source, pages 8 and 10)

Lesson 162(*)

  1. (*)Complete the Absolute and Relative Magnitude virtual lab on the magnitude of stars. (source)
  2. Here are the links you are told to go to.
    1. one
    2. two
  3. Record your score out of 26.

Lesson 163

  1. Then take the Crash Course.
  2. How far it is from the Earth to the edge of the Milky Way? (Find the answer.) How long would it take to get there?

Lesson 164

  1. Watch this video on galaxies and part 2.
  2. Read about the number of stars.

Lesson 165*

  1. *Complete the Milky Way lab by completing these worksheets. (There are parts of the worksheets whited out. That’s because I took out those questions. The last question on the last page is just for fun for those who want to try it. It’s not on the answer key.)  (Use the first link to complete it. You don’t have a model, but you don’t need it for your worksheets.)
  2. Check your answers.
  3. Record your score out of 40. Score points for completing each portion, including answering in complete sentences.

Lesson 166(*)

  1. (*)Follow the directions and create a classification for these galaxies. Fit the galaxies into four categories.
    • Describe each category so that others would place the galaxies into the proper category.
    • List the category name or number, its description, and which galaxies from the link would belong in that category.
    • Score up to 15 points for fitting each galaxy into a category.
  2. Now place the galaxies according to Hubble’s categories.
    • Score up to 15 points for fitting each galaxy into a category.
  3. Compare the two sets of categories. Which is better? Why?
    • Score up to 5 points for your conclusion (in a complete sentence!)
  4. Record your score out of 35.

Lesson 167

  1. You can read more about different types of galaxies here. On the bottom of the page, you can click to read more about the different types.
  2. Take the quiz. Did you learn anything new? (source, pages 5 and 8)

Lesson 168

  1. Watch this video on dark matter.
  2. Read about dark matter.
  3. Now read about it from a Christian perspective.
  4. Write a paragraph or explain to someone about dark matter and why it matters.

Lesson 169

  1. Watch the video on the Big Bang. You need to know what this is even if you don’t agree with it. It’s a part of our culture.
  2. And here are two articles from a Christian perspective.

Lesson 170(*)

  1. (*)Follow the directions and do your best to decide if each card is an observation or a guess and for which theory.
  2. Write a short paragraph summary as described.
    1. Score up to 5 points for a complete paragraph telling which you think is most based on evidence.
  3. Record your score out of 15.

Lesson 171

  1. Does the Bible refer to life in outer space?
  2. Evidence for Alien Life?
  3. Aliens are not something to get fascinated about. There are many testimonies of people who do believe they were visited or abducted by aliens. In some cases where this happened to Christians, they were able to get rid of them by calling on the name of Jesus. The “aliens” fled like demons do in such instances. I feel we have to believe the testimonies of Christians who say they have faced this terrifying ordeal and not just dismiss aliens as nonsense. Many may have brought it on themselves by getting “into” aliens. I personally believe that aliens are just one more deception of Satan. I just want to warn you to not seek info on them, etc. I, of course, don’t believe in aliens as real extraterrestrial beings. I think they are demons trying to deceive people, and I don’t want to see one!

Lesson 172

  1. Choose a creationist astronomer to write a short report on. Do research and complete a report by the end of Lesson 175. Keep track of your sources. You must have more than one!
  2. You will score up to 25 points for at least five paragraphs. Is the person’s contribution to astronomy and creation perspective clearly shown? Does the report have a conclusion and introduction? Score another five points for including a quote. Make sure you show where it is from.

Lesson 173

  1. Continue working on a report on a creationist astronomer.
  2. Make sure to list your sources. Here’s a site to help you list your sources in the proper format.

Lesson 174

  1. Continue working on a report on a creationist astronomer.
  2. Make sure to list your sources. Here’s a site to help you list your sources in the proper format.

Lesson 175

  1. Finish your report on a creation astronomer. Here’s a site to help you list your sources in the proper format.
  2. Record up to 30 points for at least five paragraphs and including a quote (5 points). Questions to consider when scoring: Is the person’s contribution to astronomy and creation perspective clearly shown? Does the report have a conclusion and introduction?

Lesson 176

  1. Look through the 15 evidences of a young universe.
  2. Decide which you think are the most convincing. Think over all you have learned this year, not just about astronomy but about our earth as well.
  3. Write one last report. Write on the origins of the universe. Use scientific fact to show your points. Keep track of your sources.
  4. You will be scored out of 50 points. You must have at least 25 sentences (25 points). You must have at least five sources (5 points). You must have specific information in each main body paragraph (15 points). You must have the proper structure including an introduction, conclusion, main idea sentences, transitions, and good grammar (5 points).
  5. Make sure you show where it is from.

Lesson 177

  1. Continue to write on the origins of the universe. Use scientific fact to show your points. Keep track of your sources!

Lesson 178

  1. Continue to write on the origins of the universe. Use scientific fact to show your points. Keep track of your sources!

Lesson 179

  1. Continue to write on the origins of the universe. Use scientific fact to show your points. Keep track of your sources!

Lesson 180

  1. Present your report. I suggest reading it out loud to an audience (5 extra credit points).
  2. Record your score out of 50 points. You must have at least 25 sentences (25 points). You must have at least five sources (5 points). You must have specific information in each main body paragraph (15 points). You must have the proper structure including an introduction, conclusion, main idea sentences, transitions, and good grammar (5 points).
  3. Congratulations on finishing the course. Don’t forget to stop and look up! And don’t forget to think for yourself and to always trust the all-knowing, ever-faithful and true God.
  4. Take the polls.

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Here is a site about getting started with astronomy and studying the skies if you want to pursue it further on your own.