Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: apply the scientific method and conduct scientific inquiry and analysis; describe the structure of the Earth’s interior and explain how different layers are identified; identify the composition of various types of rocks and minerals; explain the processes of weathering, erosion and deposition and their impacts on surface features; relate plate tectonics and the dynamic earth to earthquakes, volcanoes and the formation of mountains; interpret data relating to earthquakes, such as p and s waves and Richter scale values; explain the structure and composition of the atmosphere; identify the effects of air pressure, temperature, moisture, wind and other meteorological data on weather and weather patterns; interpret the effects of moving air masses and fronts on weather and on producing weather disturbances such as hurricanes and tornadoes; describe the characteristics of various types of climates; discuss the impact of human activity on the weather and climate, including the concepts of greenhouse gas emission and global climate change.