Our catalog of courses is complete. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
The purpose of this course is to offer an opportunity for students to explore aspects of geology as it relates to the real world. Students will be exposed to activities related to mineral/rock identification, plate tectonics, oil/coal exploration, groundwater quality, geologic history and mapping techniques (Part Two).
Total classes: 8
Prerequisite: Basic understanding of high school level science
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
Suggested credit: 2/3 semester of Geology or Science. For a full credit add extra credit project or reading
Description
The purpose of this course is to offer an opportunity for students to explore aspects of geology as it relates to the real world. Students will be exposed to activities related to mineral/rock identification, plate tectonics, oil/coal exploration, groundwater quality, geologic history and mapping techniques (Part Two).
Outline
Week 1: Observing and Measuring Earth Materials and Processes.
Observing Earth Materials and Processes of Change. Measuring Earth Materials and Relationships. Density, Gravity, and Isostasy. Isostasy and Earth’s Global Topography.
Week 2: Plate Tectonics and the Origin of Magma.
Is Earth’s Size Increasing, Decreasing, or Staying About the Same? What Drives Plate Tectonics? The Origin of Magma. Measuring and Evaluating Plate Tectonics.
Week 3: Mineral Properties, Uses, and Identification.
Mineral Properties and Uses. Mineral Identification and Appreciation. Mineral Resources and Commodities.
Week 4: Rocks and the Rock Cycle.
Introduction to Rocks and the Rock Cycle. Rock Samples and the Rock Cycle.
Week 5: Igneous Rocks and Volcanic Hazards.
Igneous Processes and Rocks. Description and Interpretation of Igneous Rock Samples. Volcanic Hazards and Human Risks.
Week 6: Sedimentary Rocks, Processes, and Environments.
Sedimentary Processes and Rocks. Hand Sample Analysis and Interpretation. Sedimentary Structures and Environments. Interpretation of a Stratigraphic Sequence.
Week 7: Metamorphic Rocks, Processes, and Resources.
Metamorphic Processes and Rocks. Description and Interpretation of Metamorphic Rock Samples.
Week 8: Dating of Rocks, Fossils, and Geologic Events.
Determining Relative Ages of Rocks Based on Their Physical Relationships. Using Fossils to Determine Age Relationships. Determining Absolute Ages by Radiometric Dating. Infer the Geologic History of Two Field Sites. Construct and Interpret a Subsurface Geologic Profile.
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology, 6th Ed (www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0130463337/catholictreas-20 or bookfinder.com). We recommend purchasing used to save money.
Homework: Weekly vocabulary, reading, and quizzes. Expect to spend 1-2 hours/week on homework outside of class.
