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The laboratory component to the essentials of Earth Science including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and solar system. This course focuses on the physical and chemical systems of the Earth such as the tectonic cycle, rock cycle, hydrologic cycle, weather and climate.

Earth Science (120)

None

(Laboratory activities must cover at least 10 of the listed topics)

1. The Scientific Method
2. Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes and Volcanoes
3. Faults and Folds
4. Mineral Properties and Identification
5. Rock Properties and Identification
6. Groundwater and Subsidence
7. Surface Processes
8. Astronomy
9. Relative and Absolute Dating and Geologic Time
10. Oceans
11. Fossil Properties and Identification
12. Weather Systems and Atmospheric Moisture
13. Field Trips

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1)   Practically apply the concepts and principles of Earth’s systems including:

• Hydrologic Cycle
• Rock Cycle
• Plate Tectonics Cycle
• Solar System
• Geologic Time
• Weather and Climate

2)  Describe the basic properties of minerals and rocks and be able to identify samples

3)  Identify the processes that shape the Earth and how they change over geologic time

4)  Practically apply the principles of the Scientific Method

5)  Communicate complex course concepts effectively in writing and diagrams

Shall include multiple measures of performance that may include, but are not limited to:

• Lab reports and activities
• Quizzes
• Exams
• Field Trip reports

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (Pearson - Tarbuck, Lutgens and Pinzke)

Earth Lab:  Exploring the Earth Sciences (Brooks Cole - Owen, Pirie and Draper)