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1. Define the nature of geology as a science.
2. Utilize Plate Tectonic Theory to summarize the relationships among the rock cycle, tectonic setting, geologic structures, volcanism and earthquake activity, and provide examples illustrating these relationships.
3. Differentiate various layers of Earth's interior.
4. Distinguish between rocks and minerals, and classify common minerals.
5. Describe the lithology and formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
6. Use classification charts to identify major rock types and sub-types.
7. Quantify geologic time and use relative and radiometric dating methods to interpret Earth's history. Describe the use of fossils in constructing the geologic time scale.
8. Classify and illustrate volcanic landforms, and locate significant volcanic features on Earth.
9. Explain the causes, effects, and measurement scales of earthquakes.
10. Describe surface processes and identify the landforms associated with each process.
11. Evaluate the effects of geologic hazards on humans, and the human impact on these phenomena.
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I) Introduction to Science and Geology
A) The scientific method
B) The history of geology
C) Major spheres of Earth
D) Earth's internal structure
II) Plate Tectonic Theory
A) Development of the theory
1) Continental Drift
2) Seafloor Spreading
3) Paleomagnetism
4) Supporting evidence
5) Mantle convection
B) Plate boundaries: formation and evolution of associated structures
C) Intraplate activity
III) Earth Materials
A) Matter and Minerals
1) Elements and the Periodic Table
2) Atoms and atomic structure
3) Bonding
4) Silicate and non-silicate minerals
5) Physical properties of minerals
B) Igneous rocks
1) Definition
2) Common textures and compositions
3) Formation of magma
4) Magmatic differentiation and Bowen's Reaction Series
5) Tectonics and igneous processes
C) Sedimentary rocks
1) Formation of sediment: weathering and erosion
2) Definition
3) Common textures and compositions
4) Sedimentary (depositional) environments
5) Sedimentary structures
6) Tectonics and sedimentary processes
D) Metamorphic rocks
1) Definition
2) Causes of metamorphism
3) Common textures and compositions
4) Metamorphic environments
5) Tectonics and metamorphic processes
IV) Geologic Time
A) Relative and absolute dating methods
B) The fossil record
C) The geologic time scale
V) Volcanic Processes
A) Properties and composition of magma/lava
B) Eruptive styles
C) Volcanic landforms
D) Volcanic hazards
VI) Structural Geology
A) Deformation
B) Geologic structures
VII) Earthquakes and Seismology
A) Seismic waves
B) Earthquake measurement scales
C) Epicentral location and triangulation
D) Seismic hazards
VIII) Geologic Resources
A) Renewable and non-renewable resources
B) Ore deposits
IX) Surface Processes (at least 3 of the following topics):
A) Mass wasting
1) Causes/ triggers
2) Classification
3) Mitigation of landslide hazards
B) Stream processes
1) The hydrologic cycle
2) Stream channels and flow
3) Erosional and depositional landforms
4) Flooding and surface water management
C) Groundwater
1) The hydrologic cycle
2) Storage and flow
3) Extraction and human impact on groundwater
D) Glacial processes
1) Types of glaciers
2) Formation and movement
3) Erosional and depositional landforms
E) Desert processes
1) Characteristics
2) Formation and location of deserts
3) Erosional and depositional landforms
a) Water
b) Wind
F) Coastal processes
1) Wave formation and characteristics
2) Erosional and depositional landforms
3) Emergent and submergent coastlines
4) Longshore processes
5) Mitigation of coastal change
| Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing. | Writing
10 - 40% |
| Written homework, research papers, essays, in-class activites, online activities | |
| Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills. | Problem Solving
10 - 40% |
| Problem solving exercises, in-class activities, group work, discussions | |
| Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams. | Skill Demonstrations
0 - 0% |
| None | |
| Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams. | Exams
50 - 80% |
| Exams: essay, multiple choice, true/false, matching items, completion, short answer; quizzes | |
| Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories. | Other Category
0 - 10% |
| Class participation and attendance | |
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The Essential Earth, Jordan and Grotzinger, 2nd ed, W.H. Freeman and Company (2012)
Essentials of Geology, Lutgens, Tarbuck and Tasa, 11th ed, Pearson/Prentice Hall (2012)
Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology, Tarbuck, Lutgens and Tasa, 10th ed, Pearson/Prentice Hall (2010)
Physical Geology, Plummer, Carlson and Hammersley, 13th ed, McGraw Hill (2010)
Understanding Earth, Grotzinger and Jordan, 6th ed, Freeman Bedford and Worth Publishers (2010)
GEOL, Wicander and Monroe, 1st ed, Brooks/Cole Publishers (2010)
Essentials of Geology, Marshak, 3rd ed, Norton and Co. (2009)