Earth and Environmental Science

Earth and Environmental Science is the study of the Earth and its processes. The course aims to provide an understanding of systems and processes in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. It seeks to explore changes that have occurred during Earth's history, including changes in the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and biosphere, and the evolution of organisms since the origin of life on Earth.

The aim of the Earth and Environmental Science is to provide learning experiences through which students will:

• acquire knowledge and understanding about fundamental concepts related to planet Earth and its environments, the historical development of these concepts and their application to personal, social, economic, technological and environmental situations
• progress from the consideration of specific data and knowledge to the understanding of models and concepts and the explanation of generalised Earth and Environmental Science terms; from the collection and organisation of information to problem-solving and from the use of simple communication skills to those which are more sophisticated
• develop positive attitudes towards the study of planet Earth and its environments, and towards the opinions held by others, recognising the importance of evidence and critically evaluating differing scientific opinions related to various aspects of Earth and Environmental Science.

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of:

• the history of Earth and Environmental Science
• the nature and practice of Earth and Environmental Science
• applications and uses of Earth and Environmental Science
• the implications of Earth and Environmental Science for society and the environment
• current issues, research and developments in Earth and Environmental Science
• the resources of the Earth, particularly air, soil, water, minerals, their distribution and their role in supporting living systems
• the abiotic features of the environment
• models to explain structures and processes of change affecting the Earth and its environments
• Australian resources
• biotic impacts on the environment.

Students will develop further skills in:

• planning investigations
• conducting investigations
• communicating information and understanding
• developing scientific thinking and problem-solving techniques
• working individually and in teams.

Students will develop positive attitudes about and values towards:

• themselves, others, learning as a lifelong process, Earth and the environment.

A syllabus is a document that gives teachers an outline of what students are to be taught in a specific learning area.

The syllabus and other supporting material for Earth and Environmental Science 11-12 are available from the Board of Studies.