GEOLOGY

Revised 1998 by: Anita Honkonen

FROM THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES:

Very few areas of the world show as much geologic diversity as the northeastern United States. Within a few hundred miles one can find fossil dinosaur footprints, glacial valleys, and evidence for massive continental collisions. Students taking this course will study the formation of these and other major crustal features. Topics to be covered will include rock formation, how rocks are alterd by physical processes, glaciers, hydrology, interpretation of geologic maps and the geological resources of this area.

An emphasis will be placed on the geologic development of the northeast and the continuing changes occurring in the region. The impact of humans on the environment and the role that geology plays in the decisions around land use, waste disposal, and water use will be integrated into the course.

This course is for the general science student wanting to take a science elective beyond the requirement for graduation.

RATIONALE:

This course is designed for a heterogeneous grouping of students that enter it with a wide range of knowledge and scientific background. Students may take this as their only science course or along with a full year science course. Geology enables a student to study topics that are touched on in Earth Science in more depth Throughout the semester connections with the local geology are emphasized.

COURSE OUTLINE:

I. Historical geology

Geologic time

Structural geology

II. Plate Tectonics

Continental Drift

Evidence for plate tectonics

III. Volcanoes and Earthquakes

IV. Minerals

Characteristics

Families

Gemstones

V. Rocks

Rock cycle

Igneous

Sedimentary

Metamorphic

VI. Glacial Geology

Ice ages

Formation of glaciers

Erosional features

Depositional features

Glacial history of the Sudbury area

VII. Local Geology

Mountain formation - plate tectonics

Rock types

Rivers

METHODS:

This is an activity intensive course. Information may be presented in lecture, through the use of audiovisual material, or through reading. It is through the use of laboratory investigations and other activities however that students learn the most about geology. During a typical class a student will be exposed to two or more methods of instruction - for example, a brief lecture and then a lab.

LABS AND ACTIVITIES:

Each of the topics covered in this course is reinforced through the use of hands on activities. These activities can include laboratory investigations, mapping exercises, computer simulations, and utilization of the geologic features in the local area in studing geologic concepts.

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS:

Each student is expected to be an active participant in class. All required work (lab reports, homework, projects, etc.) are to be completed on time. The ability to work well with others in small groups is necessary.

SKILLS TO BE DEVELOPED:

Students will work on developing their skill at piecing together past events by using various pieces of evidence. Using marine fossils at the top of Mount Everest to recreate the history of that mountain would be an example. They will also build their ability to visualize three dimensional features when they are represented in two dimensional form. Geology is often referred to as the historical science - students must be able to read the evidence that is seen in the world now to put together the puzzle of the Earth's history.

WRITTEN MATERIALS:

Current magazine articles, United States Geological Survey publications, and portions of "Earth Science" by Tarbuck will be utilized to suppliment work done in class.

OTHER MATERIALS:

Audiovisual materials

Library materials

Prepared laboratory investigations

Computer software

Topographic and geologic maps

SAMPLE ASSIGNMENTS:

Assignments will vary in length and complexity. Most homework, whether it is a reading assignment or the completion of a lab report, should not take more than half an hour for most students. A long term project will be assigned each quarter. This project will require out-of-class work by students.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS:

The evaluation of students is based on the following:

Assignments: Homework given on the average of once every

two class meetings

Projects: Minimum of one project per quarter

Testing: Tests given at the end of each unit. Quizes may

be utilized for some units.