This syllabus begins with a list of program objectives and performance criteria for the study of three general topic areas in earth science and a list of 22 science processes. Following this information is a listing of concepts and understandings for subtopics within the general topic areas: (1) the earth's surface--surface features, rock fragments and bedrock, minerals (identification, formation, economic uses), rocks (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic), oceans (extent/depth, shape of ocean floor, composition of sea water, economic importance of oceans), topographic maps (location/direction, distance, relief), and aerial photographs; (2) changes in earth's survace--destructional forces (weathering, erosion), constructional forces (earth movements, major landforms), and vulcanism (extrusive, intrusive); and (3) age of the earth-- the rock record (fossil content, rock sequence, crustal processes, radioactive dating) and the earth's history (age of the earth, earth's beginning, geologic history). Questions and activities corresponding to these concepts and understandings are keyed to a list of science activities presented in an appendix. These activities are also keyed to one or more of the processes listed at the beginning of the syllabus. Charts, tables, and diagrams (containing keys to common minerals and rocks and other information) are included in a second appendix. (JN)