About the Course
Earth Science explores the dynamic systems that shape our planet—from the molten core to the outer atmosphere. Students investigate geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy to understand how Earth works as an interconnected system.
Through hands-on experiments, interactive simulations, and field studies right here on Long Island, students develop scientific inquiry skills while exploring the forces that create mountains, drive weather patterns, and shape our coastlines.
Rocks, minerals, and plate tectonics
Weather systems and climate
Ocean currents and coastal processes
Earth's place in the solar system
Interactive Learning
Explore Earth's systems through interactive simulations and virtual field experiences
Analyze the historic February 2026 blizzard that buried Long Island. Examine weather maps, pressure systems, lake-effect snow, and Nor'easter dynamics.
Investigate how Hurricane Irene caused catastrophic flooding across New York State in 2011. Analyze storm tracks, river data, and real NYS Regents-style questions about natural disaster impacts.
Explore the 6 climate factors affecting NYS weather patterns. Analyze temperature and precipitation data, complete interactive map activities, and master regional climate concepts.
Explore carbon reservoirs, trace carbon through ecosystems, analyze climate data, and play the Carbon Journey game. Includes readings, activities, and quizzes.
Explore aquifers, porosity, and permeability. Study Long Island's aquifer system, investigate groundwater pollution, and analyze real-world case studies.
Investigate stream erosion, sediment transport, and deposition. Run simulations with different particle sizes and water velocities to understand landform development.
Explore how CO₂ absorption changes ocean chemistry. Investigate impacts on marine life, run pH simulations, and analyze real-world case studies.
Study surface ocean currents, thermohaline circulation, and pollution transport. Analyze ESRT maps and track the journey of the famous rubber ducks.
Explore world ocean currents, thermohaline circulation, and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Investigate how currents affect climate and pollution transport.
Explore river systems, dams, meanders, and watersheds across New York State. Investigate river ecosystems, pollution impacts, and data analysis.
Explore the geological richness beneath New York State — from Adirondack iron to Finger Lakes salt. Interactive ESRT map with resource data analysis.
Investigate open-pit copper mining, acid mine drainage, and environmental costs. Run mining simulations and analyze the trade-offs between resources and ecology.
Explore renewable vs nonrenewable energy sources. Run solar panel simulations, analyze energy data graphs, and examine real-world case studies.
Journey through 4.6 billion years of Earth history. Apply relative and absolute dating techniques, interpret half-life decay curves, and identify index fossils.
Virtual field trip exploring glacial landforms of Long Island. Use the Glacier Time Machine, visit field stops, and analyze moraines, outwash plains, and kettles.
Investigate mechanical and chemical weathering processes across NYS. Explore Letchworth Gorge, analyze weathering rates, and understand how climate affects rock breakdown.
Explore Kepler's Laws, lunar gravity, Earth's tides, and moon phases. Includes interactive simulations and the Moon Word Scrambler rescue game.
Investigate the Sun's 11-year activity cycle, analyze real solar data, and explore how sunspots affect life on Earth.
Learn to identify igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Test hardness, luster, streak, and crystal structure to classify mineral specimens.
Read weather maps, track air masses, and predict storms. Learn to interpret radar, satellite imagery, and weather station data.
Follow a water molecule through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. Explore groundwater, aquifers, and watershed systems.
Excavate virtual fossils, determine relative ages using stratigraphy, and build a timeline of life on Earth from the Precambrian to present.
Navigate through our solar system, compare planetary properties, and understand Earth's unique position in the habitable zone.
Master the Earth Science Reference Tables through interactive practice
Master Bowen's Reaction Series, mineral composition charts, and the rock cycle. Interactive diagrams with clickable minerals and rock types.
Explore Earth's interior, tectonic plate boundaries, continental drift, and seafloor spreading. Interactive cross-section models and boundary simulations.
Practice using formulas for density, gradient, rate of change, and eccentricity with interactive calculators and guided problems.
Learn to read topographic maps, calculate gradient, identify landforms, and create elevation profiles.
Course Content
Core concepts covered throughout the Earth Science curriculum