Earth Science Magnet

Audition/Assessment Guidelines

The Earth Science magnet offers students a technological platform for increasing their skills in math and science. Students learn to use computers as tools for learning and reporting information, conducting scientific experiments, and collecting, analyzing, and reporting data. Students learn how to use and create spreadsheets, databases, multimedia presentations, and web pages. Additionally, they learn to use scanners, digital cameras, and other peripherals. All computers have Internet access with a 2:1 student computer ration in each class. Seventh grade Earth Science students begin earning one high school science credit during the final quarter of the seventh grade year. Eighth grade Earth Science students will continue with Earth and Space Science. Earth Science students who successfully pass the course and final exam will earn one high school science credit toward high school graduation.

A rigorous high school curriculum is applied at the middle school level for students, incorporating a wide variety of topics in mathematics and science, as well as thorough knowledge of computer technology. At Deer Park Middle Magnet School, all students in the Earth Space Science Magnet Program will have the opportunity to take the high school exam at the end of their eighth grade year. Students who are successful will receive high school credit for the Earth Space Science course.

The Earth Space Science Magnet Program provides a foundation for students who wish
to continue in a high school magnet program in Biomedicine, Environmental Science,
Allied Health, Engineering, or any of the computer related magnet high school programs
in Baltimore County Public Schools.

The Earth Space Science Magnet Program involves students in instructional activities concerning geology, erosive forces, seismic activity, volcanology, oceanography, astronomy, meteorology and geologic time. Activities will include rock and mineral study, refinement of mapping skills, presentation of origins of the universe, investigating earthquakes and volcanoes, catastrophic weather events, i.e. hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards; ocean currents and tides, space exploration, and recent space technology advancements, i.e. radio telescopes, space probes, satellites.