ILTS Earth and Space Science (241) study plan

Diagram the internal layered structure of Earth (crust, mantle, outer core, inner core) and label the physical properties that change at each boundary

Classify igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks by formation process and give two named examples of each with their diagnostic features

Explain how the rock cycle redistributes material and identify at least three pathways that convert one rock type into another

Sketch and label the three plate boundary types (divergent, convergent, transform) and describe the stress regime and typical landforms at each

Interpret the evidence set for plate tectonics (paleomagnetic striping, seafloor age patterns, fossil and rock-type matches across oceans, earthquake and volcano distributions) and explain what each line of evidence supports

Distinguish the mechanisms of mantle convection, ridge push, and slab pull, and argue which is the dominant driver of plate motion

Compare the tectonic settings and hazard profiles of divergent, convergent (ocean-ocean, ocean-continent, continent-continent), and transform boundaries

Locate the major plates and describe the tectonic setting of the nearest plate boundary to your teaching region

Distinguish weathering (physical, chemical, biological) from erosion and identify the transport agent responsible for each depositional landform in a set of examples

Trace the development of a stream system from youth to maturity, including channel shape, gradient, and floodplain formation

Explain how groundwater moves through the zone of aeration and zone of saturation and describe the formation of caves, sinkholes, and karst topography

Compare landforms produced by alpine and continental glaciation and identify the erosional versus depositional features (cirque, moraine, drumlin, esker)

Relate mass wasting types (creep, slump, debris flow, rockfall) to slope angle, moisture, and triggering events

Apply the principles of superposition, original horizontality, cross-cutting relationships, and inclusions to order events in a synthetic stratigraphic column

Construct a simple geologic time scale and place the major boundaries (Precambrian-Cambrian, Paleozoic-Mesozoic, Mesozoic-Cenozoic) with approximate ages in millions of years

Distinguish relative dating from absolute dating and explain how radiometric decay and index fossils are used for each

Explain the conditions required for fossil preservation and contrast body fossils, trace fossils, molds, and casts

Use the fossil record to describe at least three major extinction events and the evidence used to date them

Describe the origin and composition of ocean water and explain how salinity varies with latitude, evaporation, and freshwater input

Explain the forces that drive surface currents (wind, Coriolis effect, continental deflection) and deep currents (thermohaline circulation) and their effect on regional climate

Diagram the profile of a passive continental margin (shelf, slope, rise, abyssal plain) and a active margin (trench, volcanic arc) and contrast them

Explain the causes of tides (gravitational pull of Moon and Sun, alignment effects) and distinguish spring and neap tides

Relate the water cycle components to groundwater recharge, runoff, and watershed behavior

Diagram the vertical structure of the atmosphere and identify the temperature trend and key phenomena in each layer

Explain how solar radiation, albedo, greenhouse gases, and latent heat transfer drive atmospheric heating and the greenhouse effect

Distinguish the conditions that produce convection, stability, and instability, and predict cloud type and precipitation likelihood from a sounding description

Interpret station models and surface weather maps, including fronts, pressure systems, and isobars, to forecast short-term weather changes

Explain the formation conditions and hazards of thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes and identify the regions where each is most common

Compare the formation, scale, and orbital characteristics of terrestrial and Jovian planets, moons, asteroids, and comets

Explain the nebular hypothesis and identify the evidence (solar composition, planetary densities, orbital regularities, meteorite ages) that supports it

Describe the Sun's internal structure and the nuclear processes that generate its energy, and relate solar activity to space weather effects on Earth

Distinguish the apparent motions of stars and constellations caused by Earth's rotation and revolution, and explain the cause of seasons and moon phases

Apply scientific inquiry principles (hypothesis testing, controls, distinguishing correlation from causation, evaluating pseudoscience claims) to an astronomy or Earth science scenario

Design a 5E or inquiry-based lesson for one Earth or space science concept that includes a phenomenon, a student investigation, and a formative check

Write three assessment items (one multiple choice, one constructed response, one performance task) aligned to a specific standard and include a scoring rubric

Identify common student misconceptions in at least three domains and describe an instructional strategy that addresses each

Explain how to select and safely use lab materials and models (stream tables, rock kits, star charts, weather instruments) for Earth and space science instruction

Build a personal review plan that prioritizes the two domains with the lowest practice-test scores