GL 111 - Earth Science

1. Assess the risk of natural hazards including earthquakes, volcanoes, weather and climate-related hazards using scientific methods and discuss various mitigation methods and predict outcomes
2. Describe the theory of plate tectonics and use scientific data to identify phenomenon and geographic features associated with the three types of plate boundaries (GELO 3)
3. Use observable and testable properties of common minerals and rocks to identify them and describe their environment of formation
4. Analyze data from maps to identify the processes that shape the Earth’s surface, including weathering, erosion and deposition of sediment controlled by, gravitational, fluvial and glacial processes
5. Explain the nature, occurrence, and vulnerability of Earth resources, including water, mineral resources, and fossil fuels
6. Outline Earth’s weather patterns and distinguish between weather and climate
7. Identify the major climate controls and investigate the impact and mitigation of climate change (GELO 7)
8. Name the objects in the Solar System and describe how they move relative to each other.
9. Evaluate data from fossils and rock outcrops to compile a geologic and biologic history of an area and its place in the geologic timescale.

II. Plate Tectonics

III. Earthquakes

IV. Minerals and Mineral Resources

V. Igneous Rocks

VI. Volcanoes

VII. Sedimentary Rocks and Energy Resources

VIII. Metamorphic Rocks

IX. Topographic Maps

X. Running Water

XI. Groundwater 

XII. Glaciers and Glaciation

XIII. Global Climate Change

XIV. Weather

XV. Stars and Galaxies

XVI. Star Evolution

XVII. Solar System

XVIII. Geologic Time

XIX. Earth’s Evolution through Geologic Time

XX. Fossils and Evolution

Laboratory exercises: 30-50%

Class discussion, including collaborative learning: 5-20%
Mandatory Course Components:
None
Equivalent Courses:
None