Learn all about geology, including what a geologist does, the rock cycle, plate tectonics, sediments, crystals, mines, rocks, volcanoes, quakes, and more. In this Middle School Science course, you will get excited about Earth Science as it relates to you and the world.

How to get the most out of Geology for Middle School with MacBeth Derham:

• First, read the course materials below before the first class meeting.

• Then have a notebook ready and available for class notes each recorded session.

• Read assignments before watching the recording

• Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that class

• Once the course is completed to the parent's satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Total Classes: 13

Duration: 45 minutes per class

Prerequisite: A love of rocks!

Suggested Grade Level: 6th to 8th grade

Suggested Credit: One full semester General Science or Earth Science

Instructor: MacBeth Derham

Course Description: A weekly look at the earth, its dynamic surface, rocks and minerals, volcanoes, etc. Have you ever had a rock collection? Wondered about God's creation? Been intrigued by how that creation is connected to everything else? Did you know that rocks tell many stories, not only about creation but also about history and science? This brief introduction to the geological wonders of the earth will include an emphasis on the properties of matter. Each week, we'll take a look at the earth, its dynamic surface, rocks and minerals, volcanoes, and MORE! We'll have some in-class demonstrations and explore the history of geology. Mrs. Derham may even share some ideas for fun-yet-educational geology field trips for your family.

Course Outline:

Class 1: Introduction
Class 2: What a geologist does
Class 3: Properties of matter
Class 4: The Rock Cycle
Class 5: Plate Tectonics
Class 6: Folds, Faults, Formations
Class 7: Volcanoes
Class 8: The Sediments
Class 9: A Quake! A Quake!
Class 10: Rivers, Glaciers, and Time
Class 11: The Fossil Record
Class 12: Crystals, Caves, and Mines
Class13: Places to go, things to do

Course Materials: The Practical Geologist: The Introductory Guide to the Basics of Geology and to Collecting and Identifying Rocks by Dougal Dixon, ISBN: 0671746979 or ISBN-13: 978-0671746971 (www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0671746979/macbethsopinion-20 or bookfinder.com)
For students who want to explore the subject more deeply, see optional reading list. below.

Homework: Students should expect to spend a minimum of 1 hour per week outside of class on homework. There are automated quizzes for immediate feedback. All lab and notebook work should be show to parents for evaluation.

Technical Help: If you have any technical trouble or questions about course content, please email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com.

©2023 Homeschool Connections and MacBeth Derham. All rights reserved. This course is designed by MacBeth Derham.

• This material is only to be used for its intended purpose by active subscribers of Homeschool Connections. Any other use without explicit permission is in violation of the seventh commandment (yes, the 7th commandment) and in violation of US and International copyright laws.

• You may print or download to local hard disk extracts for your personal homeschool and non-commercial use only. This is not to be used for homeschool co-ops without express written permission from Homeschool Connections.