PHYS 106/106L Earth and Space Science
This course introduces basic concepts of geology, meteorology, and astronomy. Topics will include minerals and rocks, plate tectonics, geologic time, weather, characteristics of celestial bodies, constellation identification, and stellar properties and evolution. In the laboratory, students will develop skills with basic equipment, laboratory techniques and procedures, and investigative skills to solve science-related problems. Field work will involve investigation of geology sites, constellation identification, and trips to local museums/planetariums.
Hours Weekly
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly
Course Objectives
- Communicate fundamental concepts in geology, meteorology, and astronomy using
appropriate vocabulary, units, symbols, and notations.
- Apply scientific principles, scientific reasoning, and appropriate mathematical techniques to solve quantitative problems pertaining, but not limited, to measurement, unit conversion, lithospheric velocity, isotopic dating and deep time, electromagnetic spectra, weather forecasting, and stellar properties.
- Use simplified, inexpensive lab materials/equipment properly for the study of geological, meteorological, and astronomical phenomena.
- Identify and describe local and current geological, meteorological, or astronomical phenomena.
- Evaluate and explain the reasonableness of solutions to problems involving earth and space science.
Course Objectives
- Communicate fundamental concepts in geology, meteorology, and astronomy using
appropriate vocabulary, units, symbols, and notations.
Learning Activity Artifact
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Questions on a quiz
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Scientific Reasoning Rubric
- Apply scientific principles, scientific reasoning, and appropriate mathematical techniques to solve quantitative problems pertaining, but not limited, to measurement, unit conversion, lithospheric velocity, isotopic dating and deep time, electromagnetic spectra, weather forecasting, and stellar properties.
Learning Activity Artifact
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Questions on a quiz
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Scientific Reasoning Rubric
- Use simplified, inexpensive lab materials/equipment properly for the study of geological, meteorological, and astronomical phenomena.
This objective is a course Goal Only
Learning Activity Artifact
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Laboratory activities for mineral and rock identification (using streak plates, glass hardness plates, hydrochloric acid, and other laboratory tools) and star and planet location using a Star and Planet locator tool..
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Quiz to assess ability to use glass hardness plates to identify mineral hardness or multiple choice questions using the Star and Planet Locator
- Identify and describe local and current geological, meteorological, or astronomical phenomena.
This objective is a course Goal Only
Learning Activity Artifact
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Real or virtual field trip(s) or observations of local earth science phenomena (eg., weather journal, moon phase journal, or study of NASA missions through NASA's missions websites and data portals).
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Real or virtual field trip with rubric or written essay with rubric
- Evaluate and explain the reasonableness of solutions to problems involving earth and space science.
Learning Activity Artifact
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Questions on a quiz
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Scientific Reasoning Rubric