Earth Science 101 introduces students to the fundamental processes that shape the Earth and influence life on our planet. This course provides a basic overview of Earth’s structure, materials, and systems, including the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Students will explore topics such as plate tectonics, rocks and minerals, weathering and erosion, earthquakes, volcanoes, weather, climate, and the water cycle.

This week introduces Earth’s internal structure and the theory of plate tectonics, which explains how Earth’s surface changes over time. You will identify the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core, and compare how these layers differ. You will also learn what tectonic plates are, where they are found, and why most earthquakes and volcanoes cluster near plate boundaries.