Evolution of the Earth

Kathryn Hoppe
,
http://www.instruction.greenriver.edu/khoppe/geo206/Default.htm

Green River Community College
a
Two Year College
.

Summary

Goals of class: To discuss the past history of Earth and its inhabitants. It examines how the geologic record can be used to reconstruct how we got where we are today, and how it can help us predict the future.

Course URL: http://www.instruction.greenriver.edu/khoppe/geo206/Default.htm
Course Size:

15-30

Course Context:

This is a sophmore-level class with Physical Geology as a pre-requisit. Typically about 1/3 of the class plans to become geology majors and the rest are completing an AA transfer degree.

Course Goals:

Students should gain general knowledge of key concepts including: 1) the immensity of geologic time, 2) how plate tectonics has changed (and will continue to change) our planet, and 3) how the geology of our planet has influenced organic evolution (& how the evolution of life has changed the geology of our planet.)

Students should be able to work efficiently with peers to solve problems and answer open-ended questions.


How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:

Students are assessed through their work on examinations, laboratory assignments, participation in classroom discussion and group exercises, and their work on a poster reflecting an independent research project.

Skills Goals

This class focuses on improving studetns critical thinking abiltiy


How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:

Students are assessed through their work on examinations, laboratory assignments, participation in classroom discussion and group exercises, and their work on a poster reflecting an independent research project.

Assessment

1. Exams 50%
2. In-class Laboratory Exercises and Field Trips 25%
3. In-class exercises, Group Discussion Problems, Homework & Quizzes 15%
4. Poster presentations 10%

Syllabus:

Evolution of the Earth Syllabus (Microsoft Word 110kB Jun4 09)