Earth Sciences

This course takes students on a journey through Earth's dynamic systems and processes, fostering an understanding of how energy flows and matter cycles shape our planet. By exploring topics such as geologic time, the structure of the Earth, weather phenomena, and the fundamentals of plate tectonics, students will appreciate the forces that have sculpted Earth across millennia. Engaging in hands-on experiments and simulations, students apply the scientific method and engineering principles to real-world scientific questions. The curriculum, enriched with cross-curricular links to social studies and mathematics, encourages students to synthesize knowledge and think critically about Earth's past, present, and future.

To successfully complete this course, students will need access to a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection and a working webcam and microphone.

In addition, this course may require purchase of texts or other course materials.

CLI partner schools observe a wide range of calendars, including academic years which begin both before and after Labor Day. To accommodate this, yearlong courses are offered with both “August start” and “September start” options. For more information and to assist us in matching your school’s calendar, please reach out to your CLI contact.

This Fixed-Paced course incorporates a blend of synchronous and asynchronous elements. Students and teacher meet live via zoom on a regular weekly schedule. In addition, students complete coursework including guided readings, interactive videos, text and video-based discussion threads, problem sets, individual and collaborative projects, and so on. While these activities are time-flexible, teachers sequence them with weekly deadlines to help students keep on track and encourage and support the development of productive time management skills.

During the course orientation period, CLI asks students to complete a survey on their availability for live class meetings. Teachers set individual class meeting times based on student responses.