Description A comprehensive study of the earth and the life it supports is the topic of the Earth-Life Sciences at QuantumCamp. Students begin the year probing the very nature of the structure of our Earth in the Tectonics course. Equipped with an understanding of the geologic transformations that have transpired over eons of time, students are prepared to conduct a similar analysis with regard to progressive changes in the nature of life on Earth in the second quarter course. In the final quarter, students work to develop a conception of the complex and delicate balances that define our global ecosystem. All of the features of the global balance are founded on the key concepts elucidated in the first two quarters. Students at this age are naturally beginning to examine large structures and function of the world around them. Most prevalent topics include earth formation, life formation, and the ecology of the interaction between life and earth. Ideas are acquired as they were acquired in history, through systemic experimentation and analysis. From a particular species of a tree to a lone rock outcrop, students work to piece together an all-encompassing picture of our earth. | Sequence Through a series of observations of rock types and patterns, a dynamic story of our earth emerges. Students discover plate tectonics - one of the greatest scientific theories ever, that aims to explain the shape continents and the nature of the landforms on them. topics include: earthquakes, continent shape, volcanoes, mid-ocean ridge, earth layers, continental drift, epicenter triangulation, stream and river erosion, ocean wave action, landslides, rock cycle, convection currents in the oceans and air, transfer of energy, epicenters, mountain formation Evolution Through detailed anatomical dissections of plants and animals from various ecosystems, students work to deduce the mechanism of survival of lifeforms on earth. Out of their analysis, Darwin's compelling theory of evolution is assessed. topics include: microscopic organisms, cell structure, anatomy and physiology of plants, anatomy and physiology of animals, Darwin's voyage, fossils and rock layers, evolution theory The Living Earth Students investigate the interactions amongst living things and the the earth and develop a deeper comprehension of the balance within the ecosystems of our earth. topics include: food web, population statistics, classification, plant and animal life over geological time, environmental factors on life, energy sources, energy and material resources, resources for common products, ecosystems, food web, erosion | Information The Earth-Life sequence consists of three 30-hour workshops for a total of 90 hours of in-class material. Academic year sequences are held in 10 week classes each 3 hours long. Summer camps are held in a single week and cover 30 hours of material. Classes consist of hands-on activities, practice problems, and concept synthesis. Academic year students are required to complete a minimal amount of practice problems. |
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QC Science >
Earth-Life Sequence |