Earth & Environmental Science
This ATAR course explores our planet as a dynamic global system involving interactions between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and the biosphere.
|
A multidisciplinary approach, including geological and environmental sciences, encourages students to be curious about the world around them and to apply scientific principles to develop a balanced view of the benefits and challenges presented by the utilisation of resources.
|
-
![qxio-university]()
Earth & Environmental Science ATAR
WACE Breadth & Depth Requirement:
List B
Prerequisite
65% in Science Standard and 50% in Science Extended
Unit 1
Earth Systems
The Earth consists of interacting systems, including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. Students explore the Earth’s formation, its internal and surface structure, as well as the processes that formed the oceans and atmosphere. They review the hydrological cycle, and the environments influenced by water, in particular, the oceans, ice sheets and groundwater. Students explore evidence from the fossil record that demonstrates the interrelationships between major changes in Earth’s systems and the evolution and mass extinction of organisms. They investigate how changes in Earth’s systems influence the distribution and diversity of life on Earth.
Unit 2
Earth Processes
Students explore the transfer and transformation of energy from the Sun and Earth’s interior, and how this influences tectonic plate movement, global weather patterns, and ecosystem processes. They conduct a series of practical and field activities, using their science inquiry skills to make inferences about the factors causing changes to movements of energy and matter in Earth systems.
