C978 Science Methods: Secondary Earth Science is a Western Governors University course on teaching Earth and space science in high school.
WGU describes it as focusing on science teaching methods for graduate students seeking an endorsement in secondary Earth science. You design standards-based lessons using the three dimensions of science, integrate technology appropriately, and evaluate, enhance and plan instruction within your content area.
The course includes laboratory safety training and certification, with previous coursework in curriculum, instruction and assessment as a prerequisite. Earth science teaching has a distinctive problem: most processes are too large, too slow or too far away to bring into the classroom, so models and data carry the lesson.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Western Governors University (WGU) |
| Course code | C978 |
| Level | Graduate, endorsement in secondary Earth science |
| Prerequisite | Prior coursework in curriculum, instruction and assessment |
| Includes | Laboratory safety training and certification |
| Typical work | Earth science lesson evaluation, enhancement and planning |
Three Dimensions in Earth and Space Science
| Dimension | Earth science example |
|---|---|
| Practice: analyzing and interpreting data | Plotting earthquake locations to find plate boundaries |
| Practice: developing and using models | Modeling the seasons with a lamp and globe |
| Crosscutting: scale, proportion and quantity | Comparing geologic time with human timescales |
| Crosscutting: systems and system models | Interactions of the geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere |
| Core ideas | Earth's place in the universe, Earth's systems, Earth and human activity |
Phenomenon-Driven Lessons with Real Data
A strong approach is to anchor a lesson in a real, observable phenomenon, then let students use data and models to explain it. Public scientific data makes this practical.
Example lesson, grades 9 to 12: Based on NGSS HS-ESS2-1 (developing a model of how Earth's internal and surface processes operate at different scales to form continental and ocean-floor features).
The anchor is a map of a recent earthquake. Students download a month of global earthquake locations from the U.S. Geological Survey, plot them with volcano locations and seafloor depth, and notice the patterns. In groups they build a cross-section model of one boundary (for example, an ocean trench beside a volcanic mountain range) and explain how subduction produces both features. The final task asks them to use the model to predict where the next large earthquakes in that region are most likely.
The lesson combines data analysis and modeling (practices), patterns and scale (crosscutting) and plate tectonics (core idea).
Lab and Field Safety in Earth Science
The course's safety certification covers safe practices, classroom procedures and personal protective equipment. Earth science safety has some particular features:
- Rock and mineral work: eye protection when breaking samples; care with streak plates and acids used in mineral tests.
- Heat sources: hot plates and burners in density and convection demonstrations.
- Field trips: risk assessments, permissions, supervision ratios, weather checks and first aid planning.
- Sun observation: never let students look at the Sun directly; use proper solar filters or projection.
Earth and Human Activity
Earth and human activity is a core idea in secondary Earth science standards. It covers natural resources, natural hazards, human impacts on Earth systems and global climate change. These topics connect science to students' lives and to decisions communities make.
Lessons work best when students evaluate evidence and solutions, for example comparing flood-risk maps with land-use plans, or analyzing local temperature records. Present the scientific evidence clearly and let students practice engaging in argument from evidence.
Technology and Data Tools
Earth science benefits greatly from technology: online maps and geographic tools, satellite imagery, live weather data and planetarium software let students study processes they can never see in person. The key is that students analyze and explain, not only view. Check that any online data source is reliable and that students can access it on school devices.
Typical Tasks and How to Approach Them
| Task type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Lesson analysis | Three-dimensional alignment | Look for real data and models |
| Lesson enhancement | Practice-based learning | Replace textbook diagrams with student-made models |
| New lesson plan | Standards and phenomena | Anchor in a local or current event |
| Safety plan | Lab and field safety | Cover the room and any field setting |
Where Students Get Stuck
- Scale. Plan activities that make geologic time and planetary distances concrete.
- Misconceptions. Address common ones, such as seasons caused by distance from the Sun.
- Static lessons. Diagrams alone rarely meet three-dimensional expectations; add data or models.
- Weak systems thinking. Ask students to trace a change through several Earth systems.
Tips for C978
- Use local landforms, rocks or weather events as phenomena.
- Keep a bank of reliable data sources such as USGS and NOAA.
- Include a modeling task in every unit.
- Check NSTA safety guidance, especially for fieldwork.
How We Help with C978
Send the task instructions, rubric, standard and evaluator comments. A science education writer with a geoscience background reviews your lesson, explains three-dimensional design, or prepares a model lesson plan to learn from. Our education assignment help guide covers other teaching work.
GradeEssays is independent of Western Governors University. Our material is for study and reference: plan and submit your own lessons under WGU's academic integrity policy. We never complete safety certifications or access student accounts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Methods for teaching secondary Earth science: three-dimensional, standards-based lessons, appropriate technology and laboratory safety training and certification.
Use models, simulations and real scientific data, and ask students to explain patterns rather than just observe them.
Public agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey and NOAA publish earthquake, weather and climate data suitable for classrooms.
Rock breaking, acids in mineral tests, heat sources, field trips and solar observation all need specific precautions.
A lesson anchored in a real event or observation that students work to explain using science practices and ideas.
Yes. We check it against your rubric and explain how to strengthen it.