Planet Earth: A Study of the Physical Geology of our Home Planet
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Week | Schedule of Topics and Assignments | Reading | Quiz/Test | ||||
I. UNDERSTANDING EARTH | |||||||
1 | Introduction to the Earth Sciences Origin and evolution of the planets Inside the Earth |
Introduction | Quiz 1 | ||||
2-3 | Minerals: Building Blocks of Rocks Atomic Structure of Matter Chemical and Physical Structure of Minerals Identification and Description of Minerals Lab: Minerals |
ch. 1 | Quiz 2 | ||||
4-5 | Rocks: Records of Geologic Processes The Rock Cycle Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Earth’s Natural Resources Lab: Mineral/Rock Identification |
ch. 2 | Quiz 3 TEST 1 |
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6 | Maps and Mapping Map Projections, Location, and Scales Topography, contours, and relief Lab: Quadrangle Maps |
Quiz 4 | |||||
7 | The Rock Record and Geologic Time Relative Dating Fossils Radiometric Dating Lab: Sequence of Events |
ch. 10 | |||||
II. SURFACE PROCESSES THAT SHAPE EARTH | |||||||
8 | Weathering, Soil, Mass Wasting | ch. 3 | Quiz 5 | ||||
9 | Water: Above and Below the Surface Hydrologic Cycle Groundwater Rivers and streams Lab: Groundwater Lab: Rivers |
ch. 4 | Quiz 6 | ||||
10 | Glaciers: The Work of Ice Formation and Movement The Glacial Landscape Ice Ages |
ch. 5 (pp. 129-149) |
Quiz 7 | ||||
11 | Wind: Desert Formation and Environment | ch. 5 (pp. 149-162) |
TEST 2 | ||||
III. INTERNAL PROCESSES, EXTERNAL EFFECTS | |||||||
12-13 | Plate Tectonics: Controversial Hypothesis to Respectable Theory Pangaea and Continental Drift Plate Boundaries
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ch. 7 | Quiz 8 | ||||
14 | Mountain Building and the Deformation of the Continental Crust Folds, Faults, and Joints |
ch. 9 | |||||
15-16 | Volcanism Internal Heat Release of Magma and Volcanic Deposits Global Pattern and Types of Volcanoes |
ch. 8 | |||||
17-18 | Earthquakes Movement from Stress beneath the Earth’s Surface Wave Motion, Location and Measurement Earthquake Destructiveness Lab: Earthquakes |
ch. 6 | TEST 3 |
Planet Earth: Guidelines & Expectations
We are partners in learning. During this course, you will have the opportunity to discover things about the origin and evolution of Earth that should amaze and fascinate you. I will make every effort to present this material in an interesting, informative, and provocative way. However, attending class and paying attention will probably not be all you need to do to achieve success here. I expect you to study at least 1 hour each day (7-10 hours/week), outside of class, so you may fully understand and assimilate this material. You need to make this effort.
Come to class on time. Students are expected to be in their assigned seat at the tone that marks the beginning of the period. Three or more unexcused tardies will result in disciplinary action. Each student is expected to exhibit appropriate classroom behavior. Disruptions and annoyances that interfere with students’ ability to learn will not be tolerated. The use of cell phones or other electronic devices will not be permitted during class.
Be prepared each day with your text (if requested), notebook, pen or pencil, calculator, and an active mind. Please don’t ask to borrow a pen, pencil, calculator, or mind.
If you miss a day, you miss a lot. It will be your responsibility to make up all work due to absence. Immediately upon your return to class, you should make an appointment with me to discuss what you have missed. Failure to do so may result in no credit (grade of 0) awarded for the assignments missed. Be sure to contact a responsible classmate to obtain notes you missed during your absence.
Assignments need to be completed on time. Work handed in late (except for absences noted above) will be marked down 50% for the first day late and will not be accepted beyond that time (grade of 0). You will be given sufficient time to complete your assignments. Many of these assignments require several days to complete. Do not wait until the night before the due date to attempt to complete your work.
Your submitted assignments must be just that...yours. Cheating, including plagiarism, will not be tolerated. Penalties for this type of infraction will be severe, up to and including an F in the course.
Grading Procedure: Students receive their grade based upon the total number of points earned from the following assessments:
Tests and quizzes: | 40% | Grading scale: | A | 93-100 | A- | 90-92 | |||
Laboratory exercises and observations: | 40% | B+ | 88-89 | B | 82-87 | B- | 80-81 | ||
Class activities (i.e. projects, reports, homework): | 20% | C+ | 78-79 | C | 72-77 | C- | 70-71 | ||
D+ | 68-69 | D | 62-67 | D- | 60-61 | ||||
F | < 60 |
This is an elective course. I am assuming you are here because you want to learn about the origin and evolution of our home planet. To do well, your work needs to be completed on time and be a reflection of your best efforts.
Please also take a moment to read this letter from the National Commission on Excellence in Education.