Course Description
This is a one semester Earth Science course for grades 6-8. Fifth graders will be considered with prior instructor approval. When combined with Earth Science 2: From the Surface to the Sky (second semester), these courses, which both include a lab component, will provide one middle school science credit. Both one semester courses can be taken together as a year long course, Earth Science 1 and 2, for a reduced rate.
Earth Science 1: From the Surface to the Core
You walk around on the surface of the earth every day, but how well do you know it? From rocks and minerals to earthquakes and volcanoes to fresh water and salt water, we have an amazing planet. In Earth Science 1 First Semester, you will gain a deeper understanding of the processes that are constantly at work to change the surface of the earth. You will learn about the layers below the surface as well as the soil and water that form Earth’s crust. This can be used as a stand-alone semester course or students can take the full year Earth Science course here.
Course Structure
The live classes are a combination of game-based reviews of topics from the previous week, introductions to the upcoming week or case studies to support the course materials. Although it is always best for students to attend the live classes, I will post the recording of the class so that students who can’t attend can watch later.
Lessons will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and will include an online introduction as well as a section to read in the textbook. I use many audio and video recordings to help students learn the correct pronunciation of new terms as well as to reinforce content from the book.
Who should enroll?
Earth Science 1: From the Surface to the Core is for curious students in grades 6–8 (and pre-approved 5th graders) who have a strong desire to understand the earth and its place in our solar system.
Technology Requirements
- High speed, broadband Internet
- Headset, microphone, and webcam (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
Evaluation and Feedback
I use “learning checks” at the end of most lessons to assure both the student and teacher that students understand the concepts presented in the lessons. Many of the learning checks are automatically graded by the computer. For the essay questions and projects, I generally grade every day, sending feedback to the students to help them understand questions they may have missed. The final grade will be based on the scores from learning checks, participation in activities and experiments, and attendance and participation in live classes. A Certificate of Completion with the final grade will be given at the end of the course.
Communication
I welcome any and all communication from parents. My goal is to partner with you in your student’s education, so if at any time you have questions or concerns, my virtual door is open. I will send periodic progress reports to let you know how your student is doing.
Horiana Grosu –
Dr. Joseph is amazing and my daughter enjoys the class very much. She is always telling us what she learned and she’s looking forward to each lesson.
Claire Ludwick –
I have really enjoyed my science classes with Dr. Joseph. I am learning a lot this year. I would recommend this class to anyone! Thank you Dr. Joseph!
Jen Ludwick –
My daughter has learned so much in Earth Science. Dr. Joseph does a fantastic job of making the class engaging and fun. This is our second class with Dr. Joseph and we would not hesitate to sign up for more classes with her!