Geological Sciences: SCI 212 & 212L
EXPANDED COURSE OUTLINE
I. Catalog Description
SCI 212: Foundation in the science of Geology and Earth Science with emphasis on applications important in teaching. Lab sessions emphasize experiments useful for elementary school teachers. Three units lecture, 1 three-hour laboratory. Concurrent enrollment required.
II. Prerequisites
None
III. Objectives and Expected Outcomes
To provide an overview of modern scientific observations and interpretations of Earth systems. The students will become familiar with the basic concepts behind the scientific method, earth systems science, and the interpretation of geologic field data. They will learn about endogenic (internal) processes such as tectonic plate movements, volcanism, faulting, and earthquakes, as well as exogenic (external) processes such as climate, the hydrologic cycle, rock weathering, and erosion. Laboratory exercises will provide hands-on experience with geologic time, the laws of stratigraphy, mineral and rock identification, the use of maps and cross-sections, and the interpretation of seismologic, volcanologic, and hydrologic data. The field trip will introduce students to locally accessible geologic features and local natural resource and hazards issues that can be utilized in their future teaching careers. The students will also gain real-world classroom experience through a practical teaching exercise at a local elementary school. Written assignments on the field trip and the teaching experience will satisfy the course writing requirement.
IV. Method of Instruction
Lectures sessions will involve presentations by the instructor utilizing geologic illustrations and photographic images projected from overhead transparencies, slides, computer monitors, and video. Students will be expected to take detailed notes and to ask questions. Laboratory sessions will involve an initial presentation of background material, followed by a hands-on activity & assignment in which students will gain experience in the interpretation and analysis of geologic problems. Topical video presentations and readings from the news media will illustrate current societal applications of the geological sciences. A field trip will allow students to view local examples of geologic, tectonic, and hydrologic features studied in class. The practical teaching exercise will provide students an opportunity to design a geologic experiment or demonstration and present it to elementary school students in a local classroom.
Thompson, G. R. and Turk, J., 1999, Earth Science and the Environment, 3rd Edition Saunders College Publishing.
VI. Required Laboratory Manual
Nourse, J. A., Marshall, J. S., and Berry, D. R., 2003, Practical Earth Science Exercises, Kendall Hunt Publishing.
VII. Field Trip
The instructor will lead a required field trip during a combined lecture and lab session in the second half of the quarter. The students will visit a variety of related sites that illustrate local aspects of geology, tectonics, and hydrology. The students will observe hands-on field examples of many of the geologic features and concepts covered in the course. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the interrelationships between local earth processes and human society (resources and hazards). Locations will be chosen that future teachers can easily revisit with their classes.
VIII. Practical Teaching Experience
Each Science 212 student is required to participate in a Practical Teaching Experience during the quarter. Students will visit a local primary school and conduct an in-class demonstration or experiment that illustrates a basic principle of the Geological Sciences. The demonstrations should be easy to understand and they should be interactive, involving participation by the students in the classroom. Each SCI 212 student will work in a team with 1 or 2 others. Each team will work together in advance to plan their school visit and to design their classroom demonstration. Each team will submit a demonstration proposal before the school visit, and each individual student will submit a final report following the visit.
IX. Evaluation
The students will complete two exams (one covering the first half of the quarter, the other the second half). The exams will cover material from both the lecture and lab sessions as well as assigned readings. Each exam is worth 25% of the course grade. Laboratory exercises and homework assignments will constitute 30% and the practical teaching exercise will be worth 15%. In addition, 5% of the grade will be based on overall participation in class activities (e.g., students are expected to attend all class sessions, take notes, ask questions, and join in class discussion.)
X. Summary of Lecture and Laboratory Topics
(Sequence may be modified by individual instructor)
Week 1: Formation and Differentiation of the Solar System and Planet Earth
-Our Sun’s Position in the Universe
-Newton’s Law of Gravity and Solar Nebula Theory
-Formation of the Sun, Nine Planets, Asteroids, and Comets
-Composition and Arrangement of Earth’s Layers
-Daily Cycle of Earth Rotation; Longitude and Time Zones
-Earth’s Tilted Axis; Variations of Sun Energy, Temperature with Seasons and Latitude
-Phases of the Moon; Tidal Effects
Week 3: Introduction to Plate Tectonic Theory
-Alfred Wegener’s Continental Drift Hypothesis
-Modern Plate Boundaries Related to Forces Inside the Earth
-How and Where the Three Basic Rock Types Form
Week 4: Geologic Time, The Fossil Record, and Relative Ages of Rocks
-Deducing Time Sequence from Rock Relations
-Fossils as a Record of Evolution of Life on Earth
-The Geologic Time Scale
Week 5: Magmatic Environments and Igneous Rocks
-Magmatic Processes at Divergent and Convergent Plate Boundaries
-Intrusive and Extrusive Igneous Rocks
-Volcanoes and Volcanic Hazards
Week 6: Depositional Environments and Sedimentary Rocks
-Weathering, Erosion, Deposition, and the Sedimentary Rock Cycle
-Environments of Sediment Deposition on Earth’s Surface
-Sedimentary Rock Sequences as Earth History Books
Week 7: Metamorphism, Metamorphic Rocks, and Fold Mountains
-Pressure and Temperature Beneath Earth’s Surface
-Changed Rocks Resulting from Metamorphism
-Anticlines and Synclines Resulting from Compression and Folding
Week 8: Faults, Earthquakes, and Fault-Block Mountains
-Three Types of Faults; Corresponding Plate Boundary Settings
-Earthquakes and Their Measurement with Seismic Instruments
-Historical Earthquakes of Note; Resulting Mountains
Week 9: Oceans, Hydrology, and Groundwater
-The Water Cycle; Evaporation, Precipitation, Infiltration, and Runoff
-Distribution and Characteristics of Oceans, Lakes, Rivers, and Estuaries
-Circulation of Water in the Oceans and the Ground
Week 10: Weather, Climate, and Atmosphere Circulation
-Definition of Weather and Climate
-Sun’s Role in Evaporation and Atmosphere Circulation
-Earth’s Climate Belts
-Storms and Floods
(Sequence may be modified by individual instructor)
Lab #1: Continental Drift According to Alfred Wegener; Modern Plate Boundaries and Global Population Distribution
Lab #2: Sun-Earth Relations; Controls on Sun Angle, Temperature, and Time Zones
Lab #3: Identification and Classification of Minerals
Lab #4: Identification and Classification of Igneous Rocks
Lab #5: Identification and Classification of Sedimentary Rocks; Determination of Relative age Relationships
Lab #6: Identification and Classification of Metamorphic Rocks
Lab #7: Earthquake Epicenter Location; The Richter Magnitude Scale
Lab #8: Field Trip—Focus on Minerals, Rocks, Crosscutting Age Relationships, Earthquake Faults, and Hydrology
Lab #9: Interpretation and Construction of Topographic Maps; Topographic and Volcanic Profiles
Lab #10: Practical Teaching Experience (see Item VII in Expanded Course Outline)