Earth Science and Laboratory

Course Description:
An introduction to basic earth science concepts and methodology including geology, meteorology, physical geography, and astronomy. Special emphasis will be placed on how the physical characteristics of the earth affect our environmental problems. Laboratory includes field and computer experience. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Objectives:

  1. Recall basic earth science information and explain the theories of the rock cycle, water cycle, plate tectonics, weather prediction and the big bang.
  2. Participate in the process of science by asking questions, conducting experiments, analyzing data and interpreting the results. 
  3. Connect the effects of geological, meteorological, and astronomical forces with the distribution or culture of people throughout the world, especially the relationship between people and the physical characteristics of the earth.
  4. Able to identify useful information to make intelligent decisions as inhabitants of the earth based on basic geology, meteorology, physical geography, and astronomy. 
  5. Evaluate statements using critical thinking skills.  Critical thinking will involve:
    1. Analyzing data
    2. Analyzing different conclusions based on the same data
    3. Realizing that all opinions are usually NOT equally valid

 

There are no prerequisites, but I do expect you to demonstrate an understanding of the material presented in class.  On tests, homework, and papers you will be expected to clearly and logically present the evidence (data) and to apply your synthesis of the data to make decisions.  Grading of your work will reflect this philosophy, by requiring you to memorize, synthesize, and apply knowledge from lecture, discussion, and readings.   

The course has four areas of emphasis:

  1. Basic Geology of rocks and minerals
  2. Physical Geography resulting from internal and surface processes
  3. Climatology and meteorology
  4. Astronomy

We will investigate each of these areas of emphasis as we study the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of earth and the solar system.  Thus we will emphasize a hands-on and minds-on approach to class with little formal lecture but a lot of activity, discussion, reading, writing, and thinking.