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. 

 

Credits

4

Prerequisite

Pre- or corequisite: ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab

Course Objectives

1. Communicate fundamental concepts in geology, meteorology, and astronomy using
   appropriate vocabulary, units, symbols, and notations.
   
2. 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.
3. Construct and integrate simplified, inexpensive lab materials/equipment for the study of
   geological, meteorological, and astronomical phenomena.
4. Develop hands-on lab and demonstration activities that enable discovery learning and the
   development of science process skills, which are demonstrated by developing an
   earth/space science lesson plan or inquiry activity.
5. Develop activities for local astronomy (e.g. planetarium or night sky observation) and geology
   (e.g. museum or rock quarry) field trip sites through visitations.
6. Evaluate and explain the reasonableness of solutions to problems involving earth and space science.

Course Objectives

1. Communicate fundamental concepts in geology, meteorology, and astronomy using
   appropriate vocabulary, units, symbols, and notations.
   

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

   Scientific Reasoning

   • SR1
2. 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.

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

   Scientific Reasoning

   • SR2
3. Construct and integrate simplified, inexpensive lab materials/equipment for the study of
   geological, meteorological, and astronomical phenomena.
4. Develop hands-on lab and demonstration activities that enable discovery learning and the
   development of science process skills, which are demonstrated by developing an
   earth/space science lesson plan or inquiry activity.
5. Develop activities for local astronomy (e.g. planetarium or night sky observation) and geology
   (e.g. museum or rock quarry) field trip sites through visitations.
6. Evaluate and explain the reasonableness of solutions to problems involving earth and space science.

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

   Scientific Reasoning

   • SR3