Course Syllabus

GLG101 Intro to Geology Course Start Date: 08/23/2010 Course End Date: 10/24/2010

Please print a copy of this syllabus for handy reference. Whenever there is a question about what assignments are due, please remember this syllabus is considered the ruling document.

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Facilitator Information
Todd Frost [email protected] (University of Phoenix) [email protected] (Personal) 612-310-6673 (CST) Facilitator Availability I am usually available between the hours of 9 am - 9 pm, Arizona time in your classroom. I do reserve Saturdays for my family so I will not be online during that time. I provide you with these times to make it easier to communicate with me, not to limit our contact. Should you need to contact me outside these time frames, you should not hesitate to do so. If you post a question to your Individual Forum I will respond to you the next time I check into class, with a goal of responding within 24 hours! If you would like to speak by phone, you may certainly call me. To ensure you reach me, please post a request for phone communication in your Individual Forum to set up a time for you to call me. Be sure to include your phone number and the time zone. I am here to help you succeed in any way I can. For emergencies, when you are not able to gain access to messages on the Online Learning System (OLS), please send a message to my personal email address. In the event a third party needs to contact me, please direct them to my contact information listed under "facilitator information." No third party should use your login credentials to gain access to the classroom.

Where to Go to Class
Main: This is the main forum for the class and is where discussion is conducted. It has read-and-write access for everyone. Chat-Room: This is a read-and-write access forum. It is designed as a place to discuss issues not related to the course content. This is the forum to which we will send our bios. Course-Materials: This is a read-only forum, which means you can read messages here but cannot send any. This is where I will post the course syllabus and materials. Individual Forum: You will see one forum with your name on it. This is a private forum, shared only by you and me, the facilitator. Your classmates will not have access to this forum. You can ask questions here. However, if you have general questions about instructions of assignments, please post those in the Main Forum as a reply to the Week Question Thread, since other students may benefit by that exchange as well.

Policies
For class policies, please see the Policies link on the left side of the Materials page for the course on eCampus. Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within that link. University policies are subject to change so please be sure to read them at the beginning of each class as it may have changed since your last class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities it is important you read the policies governing your current class modality.

Technical Support
Technical Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 1-877-832-4867, or use the e-mail support form. Answers to the most common issues are found in the Knowledge Base by clicking Help, found at the top of every student Web site.

Feedback
Each week, I will provide grades or scores and comments on your assignments. I will send feedback to your Individual forum.

Grading Formula

Points 95+ 90-94 87-89 84-86 80-83 77-79 74-76 70-73 67-69 64-66 60-63 <59

Grade A AB+ B BC+ C CD+ D DF

Course Description
This course gives an overview of physical geology by introducing concepts such as plate tectonics and geologic time. Students gain familiarity with the processes that shape the Earths surface and recognize the relevance of studying geology. Topics include the rock cycle, weathering, formation of geological features, and preservation of geological resources. The weekly labs add a practical component to the class. The labs build upon the concepts in the text and offer a chance to interact with the material and further their understanding.

Course Topics & Objectives

Week One: Introduction to Earth Describe the branches and systems of geology. Relate uniformitarianism to the evolutionary process of Earth and the solar system. Identify minerals according to crystalline structure and mineral properties. Distinguish between rocks and minerals. Identify pertinent information presented in topographic and contour maps.

Week Two: Geological Time Compare and contrast ways of evaluating geologic time. Distinguish the types of unconformities that occur in the geologic time record. Relate fossils to the development of the geologic column. Identify relative and absolute time of geologic events.

Week Three: Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes Describe the theory of plate tectonics. Relate plate tectonics to the formation of earthquakes. Summarize the nature and mechanics of seismic waves. Determine the origination and range of seismic events.

Week Four: Volcanoes and Igneous Rocks Relate plate tectonics to the formation of volcanoes. Describe how volcanic features arise. Describe the origin and characteristics of igneous rocks. Differentiate among various examples of igneous rocks.

Week Five: Weathering, Erosion, and Sedimentary Rocks Distinguish between the effects of weathering and erosion. Relate plate tectonics to sedimentation. Describe the origin and characteristics of sedimentary rocks. Differentiate among various examples of sedimentary rocks.

Week Six: Faults, Folds, Maps, and Metamorphic Rocks Compare and contrast faults and folds. Interpret structures from topographic and geologic maps. Describe the origin and characteristics of metamorphic rocks. Differentiate among various examples of metamorphic rocks.

Week Seven: Water, Desert, and Climate Explain the pathways of the hydrologic cycle. Summarize waters effect on land formation and stream flow. Generalize processes involved with creating desert landscapes. Outline the effects of glacial action on land formation. Hypothesize future climate effects on geological features.

Week Eight: Earths Resources Discuss a historical event affected by depletion of natural resources. Distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable resources. Identify the sources of fossil fuels and minerals. Describe the effect of groundwater on the environment.

Week Nine: Geological Regions Museum of the Physical Earth Extrapolate the advantages of studying the physical Earth. Synthesize the factors and forces that create geological features.

Course Materials
Murck, B. W., Skinner, B. J., & Mackenzie, D. (2008). Visualizing geology. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. All electronic materials are available on your student Web site.

Point Values for Course Assignments

ASSIGNMENTS Week 1: Study of Earth CheckPoint: Study of Earth Assignment: Minerals Assignment: Topographic and Contour Maps Lab Week 2: Geologic Time Discussion Questions Participation CheckPoint: Fossils and the Geologic Column Assignment: Relative and Absolute Geologic Time Lab Week 3: Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes CheckPoint: Plate Tectonic Theory Assignment: Earthquakes Assignment: Earthquake Technology Lab Week 4: Volcanoes and Igneous Rocks Discussion Questions Participation CheckPoint: Igneous Rocks Assignment: Volcanic Products Lab Week 5: Weathering, Erosion, and Sedimentary Rocks CheckPoint: Weathering and Erosion Assignment: Sedimentary Rocks Assignment: Relative and Absolute Geologic Time Lab Week 6: Faults, Folds, Maps, and Metamorphic Rocks Discussion Questions Participation CheckPoint: Metamorphic Rocks Assignment: Metamorphic Rocks Lab Week 7: Water, Deserts, and Climate CheckPoint: Water Impacts Assignment: Deserts, Glaciers, and Climate Assignment: Deserts Lab 30 75 30 40 30 30 30 30 75 30 40 30 30 30 30 75 30 40 30 30 30 30 75 30 Points

Week 8: Earths Resources Discussion Questions Participation CheckPoint: Fossil Fuels and Minerals Assignment: Groundwater Lab Week 9: Geologic Regions-Museum of the Physical Earth Capstone CheckPoint Final Project: Factors and Forces of Geological Features Total 30 210 1300 40 30 30 30

Week One
Introduction to Earth Describe the branches and systems of geology. Relate uniformitarianism to the evolutionary process of Earth and the solar system. Identify minerals according to crystalline structure and mineral properties. Distinguish between rocks and minerals. Identify pertinent information presented in topographic and contour maps.

Weekly Reminders
All Assignments and CheckPoints should be submitted as a Word Document to the Assignments Section. All materials should be cited using the APA format. Visit the Center for Writing Excellence for assistance. All assignments are subject to a plagiarism and Academic Honesty check before grading.

Course Assignments
1. Course Preparation Read the course description and objectives. Read the instructors biography and post your own.

2. Readings Read Appendix A regarding the final project requirements Read Ch. 1 & 2 of Visualizing Geology.

3. CheckPoint: Study of Earth Resources: Ch. 1 of the text and Nebular Theory animation Review the animation at http://www3.interscience.wiley.com:8100/legacy/college/skinner/0471152285/animation s/animations/mod_1/nebular_theory.html Respond to the following in 200 to 300 words: According to the nebular theory, how did the solar system develop? How is uniformitarianism related to the evolution of Earth and the solar system? Post your response as a Word Document to the Assignment Section.

4. Nongraded Activities and Preparation: Building Towards the Final Project Identify a popular geological feature of your region. Which of the three major rock types does the feature consist of? Visit http://www.usgs.gov/ and http://www.nationalatlas.gov/ to help you with your research.

Add your results to the final project template. (You do not need to submit these.)

5. Assignment: Minerals Resources: Ch. 2 of the text, Virtual Mineral Lab, and Appendixes B & C Conduct the minerals lab by clicking on the following link: http://corptrain.phoenix.edu/ %5Cvirtual_lab/virtual_lab.html. Use the mineral worksheet found in Appendix C to record your observations and results in identifying different minerals. Write a summary answering the following: What are the four requirements for a material to be classified as a mineral? How do you differentiate between minerals? Briefly summarize the six methods to tell minerals apart. Summarize the major differences between minerals and rocks. Post your Mineral Identification Worksheets (Appendix C) and summary as a Word Document to the Assignment Section.

6. Assignment: Topographic and Contour Maps Lab Resources: pp. 3245 of Geoscience Laboratory and Appendix D Answer the following questions in the lab book: 2.10, 2.21, 2.24, 2.25, 2.29, 2.30, 2.31, 2.32, 2.33, & 2.37. Write your responses in Appendix D. Note that additional lab book questions and answers appear in the appendix to assist in your completion of the lab. Complete Appendix D. Post the completed Appendix D as a Word Document to the Assignments Section.

7. Assignment: Posting Final Project Topic Review Appendix A and choose a region or state that you plan to research for your final project. Submit your chosen region or state to your instructor in your Individual Forum.

Summary of Week 1 Deliverables

Assignment CheckPoint: Study of Earth Post Location CheckPoints submitted as a Word Document to Due Thursday

the Assignments Section

Assignment: Minerals

Assignments submitted as a Word Document to

Saturday

the Assignments Section

Appendix B and C Assignment: Topographic and Contour Maps Lab Appendix D Labs submitted as a Word Document to the

Assignments Section
Complete Appendix D and Post to the Assignments Section

Sunday

Week Two
Geologic Time Compare and contrast ways of evaluating geologic time. Distinguish the types of unconformities that occur in the geologic time record. Relate fossils to the development of the Geologic Column. Identify relative and absolute time of geologic events.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion question responses will not count towards the class participation requirement and will be evaluated separately. Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score. All Assignments and CheckPoints should be submitted as a Word Document to the Assignments Section. All materials should be cited using the APA format. Visit the Center for Writing Excellence for assistance. All assignments are subject to a plagiarism and Academic Honesty check before grading.

Course Assignments
1. Readings Read Ch. 3, 4, & 5 of Visualizing Geology.

2. CheckPoint: Fossils and the Geologic Column Resource: Ch. 3 of the text and p. 12 of Geoscience Laboratory Respond to the following: Review Figure 3.6 on p. 68 of the text. How do fossils help in determining the relative age of strata? Are the three different localities around the same relative age? Explain your response. Reference p. 12 of the lab book. What periods are the fossils from in Figure 3.6? What does this say about the area in Figure 3.6?

Post your response as a Word Document to the Assignment Section.

3. Nongraded Activities and Preparation: Building Towards the Final Project Determine the age of your chosen geological feature. Go to http://tapestry.usgs.gov/ for assistance with your research. Add your research to the final project template (You do not need to submit these.)

4. Assignment: Relative and Absolute Geologic Time Lab Resources: pp. 420 of the lab book and Appendix E Answer the following questions in the lab book: 1.4 A & B, Cross-section 2 on p. 7, 1.7, 1.9, 1.13, 1.24, and 1.25. Write your responses in Appendix E. Complete Appendix E. Note that additional lab book questions and answers appear in the appendix to assist in your completion of the lab. Post the completed Appendix E as a Word Document to the Assignments Section.

5. Discussion Questions 1. Your instructor will assign you one of the following methods of evaluating geological time: Absolute Dating and Numerical Age or Relative Dating. Post your response in 200 to 300 words to the following as a reply to the DQ post: Describe your assigned method and how it is used to evaluate geologic time. Review another students method different from yours. Reply to another student who describes a different method than yours and comment on which method you think is more reliable or accurate. 2. Scientists debate about the use of fossils as a tool to determine records of various events, such as the vanishing of the dinosaurs or the origin of our ancestors. Post your response in 200 to 300 words to the following: Discuss the role of fossils in helping scientists develop accurate records of the geologic history of the Earth based on what you know of fossils from your textbook and other sources. In your discussion address important discoveries such as the 3.3-million-year-old fossilized remains of a child in the Dikika region of Ethiopia. Accounts can be found at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/ Note: Click on the above link to go to the MSNBC Web site. In the search bar type oldest baby fossil found to locate information. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ Note: Click on the above link to go to the National Geographic Web site. In the search bar type oldest baby fossil to locate information. http://www.newscientist.com/ Note: Click on the above link to go to the New Scientist Web site. In the search bar type in old baby fossil Ethiopia to locate information. Please remember that we are discussing the curriculum from the text. This discussion may differ from your personal beliefs. In an attempt to keep everyones views safe, I ask that you discuss what is covered in the readings. I do not want to limit participation but instead assure that all people with different beliefs are able to discuss this topic within the realm of current scientific beliefs. This is my area of study and I may not do justice to any other area that you may feel contradict these ideas. Thanks in advance. Should you have any questions about this, please let me know.

Summary of Week 2 Deliverables

Assignment Discussion Question #1

Location Discussion Questions are to be submitted as a reply to the Main Forum post.

Due Tuesday

Discussion Question #2

Discussion Questions are to be submitted as a reply to the Main Forum post.

Thursday

Participation

Participation requires 8 substantial posts (2 per day, on 4 different days) each Read and Discuss Week. Participation should be as a reply to others posts in the Discussion Forums.

All Week

CheckPoint: Fossils and the Geologic CheckPoints submitted as a Word Document to Column the Assignments Section

Thursday

Assignment: Relative and Absolute Geologic Time Lab Appendix E

Labs submitted as a Word Document to the

Assignments Section
Complete Appendix E and Post to the Assignments Section

Sunday

Week Three
Plate Tectonics & Earthquakes Describe the theory of plate tectonics. Relate plate tectonics to the formation of earthquakes. Summarize the nature and mechanics of seismic waves. Determine the origination and range of seismic events.

Weekly Reminders
All Assignments and CheckPoints should be submitted as a Word Document to the Assignments Section. All materials should be cited using the APA format. Visit the Center for Writing Excellence for assistance. All assignments are subject to a plagiarism and Academic Honesty check before grading.

Course Assignments
1. Readings Read Ch. 4 & 5 of Visualizing Geology. Review the Born of Fire video at http://www.wiley.com/college/murck/0471747270/ngs_videos/born_of_fire/index.html

2. CheckPoint: Plate Tectonic Theory Resources: Ch. 4 of the text and Continents of the Past animation Respond to the following scenario: Your younger brother is in fifth grade. He comes home and tells you to look at an animation his teacher showed him in geology class. Review the animation at http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch13_animations/animation3.html After viewing the animation, your brother has a look of disbelief on his face, Cmon, really? Our whole continent moves? Thats bogus! Instead of blowing him off like you usually do, you decide to sit down and educate him about plate tectonics. First, you provide him an overview about two historical figures that contributed to the plate tectonic theory. Then you decide to show him how the plates move by boiling a pot of water, which is shown on p. 108, and relating it to mantle convection and plate movement.

Write a 200- to 300-word summary about the two historical figures and the process of mantle convection and plate movement as it ties to a pot of boiling water. Post your summary and response as a Word Document to the Assignment Section.

3. Nongraded Activities and Preparation: Exercise Building Towards the Final Project

Determine how the geological feature of your chosen region was formed. Did earthquakes influence its development? Explain your answer. Use http://www.usgs.gov/ to help with your research. Add your results to the final project template. (You do not need to submit these.)

4. Assignment: Earthquakes Resources: Ch. 4 & 5 of the text and online animations Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper that distinguishes the types of plate margins and how they move. Also, discuss why earthquakes are common along plate margins or boundaries. Respond to the following in your paper: When the Earth does quake and shake, how does it move? What are the events that cause the Earth to quake and shake? How are earthquakes measured? Briefly describe the two types of body waves an earthquake creates.

Provide an example, in your paper, of an area that is prone to earthquakes. Review the Ring of Fire animation at http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch14_animations/walk_ring_fire.html if you need assistance with locating an area. Review the following animations to assist in research for your paper. Divergent Boundaries: http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch13_animations/div ergent_plates.html Convergent Boundaries: http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch13_animations/su bduction_zone.html Transform Fault Boundaries: http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch13_animations/tra nsform_fault.html Seismic Waves: http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/murck/0471747270/geodiscoveries/ch0 5/seismic_waves.htm

Post your paper as a Word Document to the Assignments Section.

5. Assignment: Earthquake Technology Lab Resources: pp. 156170 of Geoscience Laboratory and Appendix F Answer the following questions from you lab book: 9.1, 9.3, 9.5, 9.6, 9.10, 9.14, 9.17 (Longitude), and 9.20. Write your responses in Appendix F. Complete Appendix F.

Note that additional lab book questions and answers appear in the appendix to assist in your completion of the lab. Post the completed Appendix F as a Word Document to the Assignments Section.

Summary of Week 3 Deliverables

Assignment CheckPoint: Plate Tectonic Theory Location CheckPoints submitted as a Word Document to Due Thursday

the Assignments Section

Assignment: Earthquakes

Assignments submitted as a Word Document to

the Assignments Section

Saturday

Assignment: Earthquake Technology Labs submitted as a Word Document to the Lab Assignments Section Appendix F Complete Appendix F and Post to the Assignments Section

Sunday

Week Four
Volcanoes & Igneous Rocks Relate plate tectonics to the formation of volcanoes. Describe how volcanic features arise. Describe the origin and characteristics of igneous rocks. Differentiate among various examples of igneous rocks.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion question responses will not count towards the class participation requirement and will be evaluated separately. Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score. All Assignments and CheckPoints should be submitted as a Word Document to the Assignments Section. All materials should be cited using the APA format. Visit the Center for Writing Excellence for assistance. All assignments are subject to a plagiarism and Academic Honesty check before grading.

Course Assignments
1. Readings Read Ch. 6, 7, & 8 of Visualizing Geology.

2. CheckPoint: Igneous Rocks Resource: Ch. 6 of the text and the Igneous Rock animation View the animation at http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch12_animations/animation1.html Respond in 200 to 300 words to the following questions: Where do igneous rocks originate? How are they formed? What are the two categories of igneous rocks? What are the distinguishing characteristics between the two categories of rocks?

Post your response as a Word Document to the Assignment Section.

3. Nongraded Activities and Preparation: Building Towards the Final Project Research the geological feature of your chosen region. Did volcanic activity contribute to its formation? Explain your response. Visit http://www.usgs.gov/ for assistance with your research.

Add your results to the final project template.

4. Nongraded Activities and Preparation: Building Towards the Final Project Research the following for your final project: Are igneous rocks prevalent in your region or state? Why? Are the rocks volcanic or plutonic? Visit: http://www.usgs.gov/ and http://www.volcano.si.edu/ to help with your research.

Add your results to the final project template.

5. Assignment: Volcanic Products Lab Resources: pp. 6986 of Geoscience Laboratory and Appendixes G & H Identify and classify the rock examples in Appendix G. Answer the following questions from your lab book: 4.9, 4.11, 4.15, 4.23, and 4.25. Write your responses in Appendix H. Complete Appendix H. Note that additional lab book questions and answers appear in the appendix to assist in your completion of the lab. Post completed Appendixes G & H as a Word Document to the Assignments Section.

6. Discussion Questions 1. Review the Hot Spot animation at http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch14_animations/hot_sp ot.html. Post your response to the following in 200 to 300 words: Describe how plate tectonics is related to the formation of volcanoes. Which type of plate margin commonly forms volcanoes? Name one of the most popular volcanoes in the United States or the world. Review http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch14_animations /walk_ring_fire.htm l or http://nationalatlas.gov/dynamic/dyn_volcano.html if you need assistance. Discuss whether the volcano is active and how it has affected the area.

2. Review the Volcanoes video at http://higheredbcs.wiley.com/legacy/college/murck/0471747270/geodiscoveries/ch06/V olcanoes.htm. Post your response to the following in 200 to 300 words: What types of volcanic features are discussed? What caused these volcanic features? What do you think the future of the Hawaiian Islands is from the geologic point of view?

Summary of Week 4 Deliverables

Assignment Discussion Question #1

Location Discussion Questions are to be submitted as a reply to the Main Forum post.

Due Tuesday

Discussion Question #2

Discussion Questions are to be submitted as a reply to the Main Forum post.

Thursday

Participation

Participation requires 8 substantial posts (2 per day, on 4 different days) each Read and Discuss Week. Participation should be as a reply to others posts in the Discussion Forums.

All Week

CheckPoint: Igneous Rocks

CheckPoints submitted as a Word Document to

the Assignments Section

Thursday

Assignment: Volcanic Products Lab Appendix G & H

Labs submitted as a Word Document to the

Assignments Section
Complete Appendices G & H and Post to the Assignments Section

Sunday

Week Five
Weathering, Erosion, & Sedimentary Rocks Distinguish between the impacts of weathering and erosion. Relate plate tectonics to sedimentation. Describe the origin and characteristics of sedimentary rocks. Differentiate among various examples of sedimentary rocks.

Weekly Reminders
All Assignments and CheckPoints should be submitted as a PowerPoint Presentation or a Word Document to the Assignments Section. All materials should be cited using the APA format. Visit the Center for Writing Excellence for assistance. All assignments are subject to a plagiarism and Academic Honesty check before grading.

Course Assignments
1. Readings Review Ch. 7 & 8 of Visualizing Geology.

2. CheckPoint: Weathering and Erosion Resource: Ch. 7 of the text Create a five- to seven-slide Microsoft PowerPoint presentation of the following: Description of difference between weathering and erosion. Graphical representation of the following: mechanical weathering chemical weathering water erosion wind erosion ice erosion

Include a references slide for the graphical images you use. Post your response as a PowerPoint Presentation to the Assignment Section

3. Nongraded Activities and Preparation: Building Towards the Final Project Discuss the types of weathering and erosion that has affected the physical appearance of your selected geologic region, Visit http://education.usgs.gov/ to help you with your research. Add your results to the final project template.

4. Nongraded Activities and Preparation: Building Towards the Final Project Respond to the following: Are sedimentary rocks prevalent in your region or state? What category of sedimentary rock is most significant? Discuss their relevance to the area.

Use the National Atlas Web site at http://nationalatlas.gov/articles/geology/types/sedimentary.html for assistance. Add your results to the final project template.

5. Assignment: Sedimentary Rocks Resources: Ch. 8 of the text and the Clastic Sedimentary Rocks animation View the animation at http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch12_animations/animati on2.html Write a 700-word paper that provides an overview of how plate tectonics affects sedimentation. Answer the following questions: Where do sedimentary rocks originate? How are they formed? What are the three categories of sedimentary rocks? What are the distinguishing characteristics between the three categories of rocks?

Post your paper as a Word Document to the Assignments Section.

6. Assignment: Relative and Absolute Geologic Time Lab Resources: pp. 89104 of Geoscience Laboratory and Appendixes I & J Identify and classify the rock examples in Appendix I. Answer the following questions from your lab book: 5.1 A & B, 5.3, 5.4, 5.7, & 5.10. Write your responses in Appendix J. Complete Appendix J. Note that additional lab book questions and answers appear in the appendix to assist in your completion of the lab. Post completed Appendixes I and J as a Word Document to the Assignments Section.

Summary of Week 5 Deliverables

Assignment CheckPoint: Weathering and Erosion Location CheckPoints submitted as a PowerPoint Due Thursday

Presentation to the Assignments Section

Assignment: Sedimentary Rocks

Assignments submitted as a Word Document to

the Assignments Section

Saturday

Assignment: Relative and Absolute Geologic Time Lab Appendix I & J

Labs submitted as a Word Document to the

Assignments Section
Complete Appendices I & J and Post to the Assignments Section

Sunday

Week Six
Faults, Folds, Maps, & Metamorphic Rocks Compare and contrast faults and folds. Interpret structures from topographic and geologic maps. Describe the origin and characteristics of metamorphic rocks. Differentiate among various examples of metamorphic rocks.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion question responses will not count towards the class participation requirement and will be evaluated separately. Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score. All Assignments and CheckPoints should be submitted as a Word Document to the Assignments Section. All materials should be cited using the APA format. Visit the Center for Writing Excellence for assistance. All assignments are subject to a plagiarism and Academic Honesty check before grading.

Course Assignments
1. Readings Read Ch. 9, 10, 11, 12, & 13 of Visualizing Geology.

2. CheckPoint: Metamorphic Rocks Resource: Ch. 10 of the text. Respond to the following questions in 200 to 300 words: Where do metamorphic rocks originate? How are they formed? What are the two categories of metamorphic rocks? What are the distinguishing characteristics between the two categories of rocks?

Post your response as a Word Document to the Assignment Section

3. Nongraded Activities and Preparation: Building Towards the Final Project Research metamorphic rocks in your region or state. Are they prevalent? Discuss their relevance to the area. Visit http://www.usgs.gov to help with your research, Add your results to the final project template.

4. Assignment: Metamorphic Rocks Lab Resources: pp. 108116 of Geoscience Laboratory and Appendixes K & L Identify and classify the rock examples in Appendix K.

Answer the following questions from your lab book: 6.1, 6.3, 6.6, 6.8, & 6.9. Write your responses in Appendix K. Complete Appendix K & L. Note that additional lab book questions and answers appear in the appendix to assist in your completion of the lab. Post completed Appendix K & L as a Word Document to the Assignments Section.

5. Discussion Questions 1. View the Understanding Faults animation at http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch14_animations/faults. html. Describe in 200 to 300 words the different types of faults and discuss at least one similarity and one difference between a fault and a fold. If the San Andreas Fault in California is to continue its activity, what does the future look like for that area? What precautions must be taken? 2. Post your response to the following in 200 to 300 words: What are the major differences between topographic and geologic maps? Refer to Figure 9.21 on p. 264 of the text. How do you determine the slope of the land surface in this figure? If you consider building a house in a location in this area, what is the best location for your house? Why? Refer to Figure 9.22 on p. 265 and locate at least three main structural features. Discuss why the Canmore community is established on the northeast side of the map.

Summary of Week 6 Deliverables

Assignment Discussion Question #1

Location Discussion Questions are to be submitted as a reply to the Main Forum post.

Due Tuesday

Discussion Question #2

Discussion Questions are to be submitted as a reply to the Main Forum post.

Thursday

Participation

Participation requires 8 substantial posts (2 per day, on 4 different days) each Read and Discuss Week. Participation should be as a reply to others posts in the Discussion Forums.

All Week

CheckPoint: Metamorphic Rocks

CheckPoints submitted as a Word Document to

the Assignments Section

Thursday

Assignment: Metamorphic Rocks Lab

Labs submitted as a Word Document to the

Assignments Section

Sunday

Appendix K & L

Complete Appendices K & L and Post to the Assignments Section

Week Seven
Water, Desert, & Climate Explain the pathways of the hydrologic cycle. Summarize waters impact on land formation and stream flow. Generalize processes involved with creating desert landscapes. Outline the effects of glacial action on land formation. Hypothesize future climate impact on geological features.

Weekly Reminders
All Assignments and CheckPoints should be submitted as a Word Document to the Assignments Section. All materials should be cited using the APA format. Visit the Center for Writing Excellence for assistance. All assignments are subject to a plagiarism and Academic Honesty check before grading.

Course Assignments
1. Readings Review Ch. 11, pp. 353-361 of 12, and 13 of Visualizing Geology.

2. CheckPoint: Water Impacts Resources: Ch. 11 of the text, Sinking England video, and online animations Review the following Ch. 12 video, Sinking England: http://www.wiley.com/college/murck/0471747270/ngs_videos/sinking_england/index.html Review the following Web sites: Wave Refraction land forms: http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch19_animations/animation2.html Coastal Landforms: http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471669695/interactivities/flash/waves_wind/waves_wind 2.htm

Summarize the hydrologic cycle in 200 to 300 words. How important is this cycle to Earth? Post your response as a Word Document to the Assignment Section.

3. Nongraded Activities and Preparation: Building Towards the Final Project

Research the main source of drinking water in your region. Is it surface or groundwater? Is the aquifer in your region confined or unconfined? What are the potential sources of contamination in your region? Visit http://water.usgs.gov/ to help with your research.

Add your findings to the final project template.

4. Nongraded Activities and Preparation: Building Towards the Final Project Research your geological feature. Was it formed from desert or glacial processes? Discuss any relevance to the area, if applicable. Visit http://www.usgs.gov/ to help with your research. Add your results to the final project template.

5. Assignment: Deserts, Glaciers, and Climate Resources: Ch. 13 of the text, China Desert video, and online animations Review the following Ch. 13 video, China Desert: http://www.wiley.com/college/murck/0471747270/ngs_videos/china_desert/index.html Review the following animations: Types of Dunes: http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch19_animations/ani mation4.html Glacial Landforms: http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch20_animations/gla ciers.html

Compare and contrast the geological features of a desert landscape and glacial landscape. Describe at least one process that creates the resulting landforms of each. Review pp. 402410 on Global Climate Change. Respond to the following: Summarize the climate changes that have occurred from the past to the present. Predict what you think the Earth will look like into the 21st century. Consider the weather and changes in geological features. Post your responses as a Word Document to the Assignments Section.

6. Assignment: Deserts Lab Resources: pp. 265276 of Geoscience Laboratory and Appendix M Answer the following questions from your lab book: 15.4, 15.8, 15.16, 15.17, 15.18, 15.19, & 15.22 A & B. Write your responses in Appendix M. Complete Appendix M. Note that additional lab book questions and answers appear in the appendix to assist in your completion of the lab. Post completed Appendix M as a Word Document to the Assignments Section.

Summary of Week 7 Deliverables

Assignment CheckPoint: Water Impacts Location CheckPoints submitted as a Word Document to Due Thursday

the Assignments Section

Assignment: Deserts, Glaciers, and Climate

Assignments submitted as a Word Document to

the Assignments Section

Saturday

Assignment: Deserts Lab Appendix M

Labs submitted as a Word Document to the

Assignments Section
Complete Appendix M and Post to the Assignments Section

Sunday

Week Eight
Earths Resources Discuss a historical event impacted by depletion of natural resources. Distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable resources. Identify the sources of fossil fuels and minerals. Describe the impact of groundwater on the environment.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion question responses will not count towards the class participation requirement and will be evaluated separately. Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation score. All Assignments and CheckPoints should be submitted as a Word Document to the Assignments Section. All materials should be cited using the APA format. Visit the Center for Writing Excellence for assistance. All assignments are subject to a plagiarism and Academic Honesty check before grading.

Course Assignments
1. Readings Read Ch. 15 of Visualizing Geology.

2. CheckPoint: Fossil Fuels and Minerals Resources: Ch. 15 of the text and Web sites on fossil fuels Respond to the following in 300 to 350 words: Where do fossil fuels and minerals come from? Describe how at least one fossil fuel and mineral is formed from its sources. Navigate to the following Web sites to help in your research: http://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au Note: Click on the link above to go to the South Australian Museum Web site. Click on the heading Whats on and select online galleries from the drop down menu. For information on fossils, click on the Origin Energy Fossils Gallery. o http://www.energy.gov/index.htm
o Note: Select the link listed above to go to the U.S. Department of Energy Web site. Type Fossil Fuels in the Search bar located on the top right side of the screen. Click on the first article listed, Department of Energy Fossils Fuels. Once it opens, you will find a list of fossil fuels that you may select to find more information.

Post your response as a Word Document to the Assignment Section.

3. Nongraded Activities and Preparation: Building Towards the Final Project

Research the resources in your region. Is there an abundance of resources in your region that contributes to the nations economy? Add your results to the final project template.

4. Assignment: Groundwater Lab Resource: pp. 213227 of Geoscience Laboratory and Appendix N. Answer the following questions in your lab book: 12.2 A & B, 12.11, 12.18, 12.19, 12.20, 12.21, & 12.25. Write your responses in Appendix N. Complete Appendix N. Note that additional lab book questions and answers appear in the appendix to assist in your completion of the lab. Post completed Appendix N as a Word Document to the Assignments Section.

5. Discussion Questions 1. Post your response to the following in 200 to 300 words: Geologic events, such as volcanic activity, play an important role in forming many of our valuable resources, such as fossil fuel, lead, copper, and gold. For example, fig. 15.21 on p. 476 of the text shows the role of basaltic magma in forming one of the most valuable ores to our civilization, chromium. Select an important ore mined in your state or region, and discuss how geologic events played a role in forming this ore. Discuss the importance of this ore in the economy of your selected area and the U.S. as a whole. 2. Post your response to the following in 200 to 300 words: Discuss a nonrenewable resource that you think will have the most significant effect to our lives if it is depleted. Explain your choice. Are there current efforts to conserve it? Provide an example of a person, place, or thing that utilizes a renewable resource.

Summary of Week 8 Deliverables

Assignment Discussion Question #1

Location Discussion Questions are to be submitted as a reply to the Main Forum post.

Due Tuesday

Discussion Question #2

Discussion Questions are to be submitted as a reply to the Main Forum post.

Thursday

Participation

Participation requires 8 substantial posts (2 per day, on 4 different days) each Read and Discuss Week.

All Week

Participation should be as a reply to others posts in the Discussion Forums. CheckPoint: Fossil Fuels and Minerals CheckPoints submitted as a Word Document to

the Assignments Section

Thursday

Assignment: Groundwater Lab Appendix N

Labs submitted as a Word Document to the

Assignments Section
Complete Appendix N and Post to the Assignments Section

Sunday

Week Nine
Geological RegionsMuseum of the Physical Earth Extrapolate the advantages of studying the physical Earth. Synthesize the factors and forces that create geological features.

Weekly Reminders
All Assignments and CheckPoints should be submitted as a PowerPoint Presentation or a Word Document to the Assignments Section. All materials should be cited using the APA format. Visit the Center for Writing Excellence for assistance. All assignments are subject to a plagiarism and Academic Honesty check before grading.

Course Assignments
1. Capstone CheckPoint Resource: Visualizing Geology Discuss in 200 to 300 words, the importance of the science of geology to us as a civilization. Provide at least two examples. For example, the ability to predict earthquakes and other disasters, or understanding mining and the use of natural resources. Post your response as a Word Document to the Assignment Section.

2. Final Project: Title Factors and Forces of Geological Features Resources: U.S. Geological Survey Web site and Appendix A Choose a state or one of the following regions: o o o o o Region 1: Interior Plain Region 2: Appalachian Highlands Region 3: Rocky Mountain System Region 4: Pacific Mountain System Region 5: Atlantic Plain

Review the different regions at: http://tapestry.usgs.gov/ Create a 12- to 15-slide Microsoft PowerPoint presentation for your selected state or region. Address the following in your presentation: o o Describe the various geologic events that have occurred in your region. Describe the geological features and various types of rocks that formed in the area. Examples are mountains, craters, canyons, volcanoes, fault lines, or folds.

o o o o o o o o o o

Choose one of these geological features to research. What is the most prevalent rock type of the feature? Describe the mineral composition of the rock type. How old is your geologic feature? Estimate the absolute age of the geological feature, and discuss methods used to determine the age. What geologic event created your chosen geological feature? Discuss the process of plate tectonics related to the formation. Discuss the significance of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks in your region. Discuss the types of weathering and erosion processes that has most likely affected the physical appearance of your geological feature. Discuss any significant water, ocean, desert, or glacial features associated with your region, and the process involved with creating one of them. Discuss resources that are abundant in the region and the importance and economic value of this resource to the region or nation. In conclusion, discuss why you selected this geological feature for your written assignment. Include graphics Include details in speaker notes

Format your presentation according to APA guidelines. Post your Final Project as a PowerPoint Presentation to the Assignments Section.

Summary of Week 9 Deliverables

Assignment CheckPoint: Capstone CheckPoint Location CheckPoints submitted as a Word Document to Due Thursday

the Assignments Section

Assignment: Final Project

Final Projects submitted as a PowerPoint Presentation to the Assignments Section

Sunday