Outcomes
In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:
1. Explain the difference between physical and historical geology.
2. Describe the development of geology as a science.
3. State the difference between catastrophism and uniformitarianism.
4. Understand that scientific evidence places the age of Earth at ~4.6 billion years.
5. List and briefly discussthe four "spheres" that comprise the Earth System:
6. Briefly describe the events that lead to the formation of the solar system.
7. Differentiate between absolute and relative geologic time.
8. Discuss the concept that "one rock is the raw material for another."
9. Explain the difference between the theories of Continental Drift and of Plate Tectonics.
10. Explain the steps that were taken to develop the theory of Plate Tectonics and why, in the twentieth century, this theory revolutionized our understanding of Earth.
11. Describe the relationship between sea-floor spreading and magnetic reversals.
12. Compare the formation of continental lithosphere with oceanic lithosphere and identify where lithosphere is being formed or destroyed.
13. Define what is meant by lithospheric plate.
14. Differentiate between the three different types of plate boundaries and the land features that are produced at each of these boundaries.
15. Use real data to support the theory of Plate Tectonics.
16. Briefly discuss the three models proposed to explain the driving force(s) behind plate movement.
17. Define mineral and apply this definition to Earth materials.
18. Understand that the building blocks of minerals are elements. Describe the structure of an atom and explain how atoms bond to form compounds.
19. Use tests to determine the physical properties of minerals in order to identify common minerals.
20. Differentiate between silicate and non-silicate mineral families.
21. Identify minerals based on chemical or physical properties.
22. Determine the occurrence of common minerals.
23. Understand that rocks are composed of minerals and that the two main characteristics for identification of rocks is texture and mineral (chemical) composition, no matter which rock family it belongs to.
24. Explain how lava differs from magma.
25. Describe the process of igneous rock formation from different types of magma.
26. Connect the type of igneous rock with its origin and location with respect to plate boundaries.
27. Use physical and chemical properties to identify common igneous rock types.
28. State that the most abundant rock on the planet is basalt and explain that it forms by direct partial melting of Earth’s mantle.
29. Describe the formation of both volcanic and plutonic landforms and their relation to plate tectonics.
30. Surmise how volcanic activity can alter our planet’s climate.
31. List and describe the three agents of metamorphism.
32. Contrast contact metamorphism with regional metamorphism.
33. List the evidence for mountain building as preserved in metamorphic rocks.
34. Use physical and chemical properties to identify common metamorphic rock types.
35. Identify both modern and ancient mountain ranges preserved on the continents.
36. Contrast the opposing views on the origin of the continental crust.
37. List and describe the main crustal structures and relate them to the processes of deformation.
38. Characterize earthquake behavior and describe how earthquakes allow us to "see" into Earth’s interior.
39. Sketch the various layers of Earth and describe their chemical and physical differences
40. Draw the features of the ocean floor and explain how they are formed.
41. Contrast the formation of ocean floor with that of continental formation.
42. Understand the compositional differences between oceanic and continental crust.
43. Define weathering, mass wasting and erosion.
44. Contrast mechanical with chemical weathering processes.
45. Describe how climate and rock type control the formation of soil.
46. Examine how human activity affects natural forces at Earth’s surface.
47. Compare and contrast the origin of the two major types of sedimentary rocks.
48. Use physical and chemical properties to identify common sedimentary rock types.
49. Use USGS topographic maps to determine location and landscape.
50. Recognize running water as the single most important agent sculpting Earth’s land surface.
51. Measure stream characteristics using topographic maps.
52. Contrast regional floods with flash floods and describe three basic types of flood-control strategies.
53. Reflect on how culture impacts the value placed on surface water and water use.
54. Describe the Hydrologic Cycle and explain the impact of drought or flood on this cycle.
55. Understand that groundwater is the number one source of drinking water on Earth.
56. Compare and contrast the formation of caves and cave decorations.
57. Explain why karst topography is a potential hazard to an area’s inhabitants.
58. Compare and contrast climatic influences on glaciers and deserts.
59. Compare and contrast depositional versus erosional surface features.
5a. Lithosphere
5b. Hydrosphere
5c. Atmosphere
5d. Biosphere
60. Describe seashore features and their formation.
61. Identify several types of geologic resources and briefly describe their formation.
62. Compare and contrast Earth with other planets in the Solar System.
63. Use Earth science to become an informed and responsible citizen of the planet.
64. Analyze the impact of physical geology on societal problems, history and culture.