20806247Earth Science Lab
Course Information
Description
This is a one-credit introductory science lab course that investigates the physical aspects of the Earth System.  This lab course is offered as a compliment to the 3-credit Earth Science lecture course (20-806-241).  The course focuses on the interactions between the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere.  Students will complete labs that focus on understanding landscape evolution and human interactions with the environment.
Total Credits
1
Course Competencies
  1. Integrate the scientific process into the understanding of the Earth sciences
    Assessment Strategies
    Quizzes, concept check tutorials, written lab reports, verbal and written summary reports
    Criteria
    Utilize scientific vocabulary accurately
    Comprehend various types of documents on Earth Science topics
    Using the scientific method, collect data and analyze current Earth events

  2. Discuss the interrelationships between the earth system’s spheres (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere)
    Assessment Strategies
    Written lab reports, verbal and written summary reports
    Criteria
    Explain how spheres (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere) interact
    Predict how a change in one sphere will affect and be affected by the other spheres

  3. Integrate samples, data and maps to make interpretations about the Earth and its processes
    Assessment Strategies
    Written lab reports
    Criteria
    Identify major features of the Earth
    Use different types of samples, data and maps to solve Earth Science problems
    Use maps to calculate distances and plot data

  4. Interpret and explain the key features of the Earth’s materials, landscapes and processes, and how they affect the human population
    Assessment Strategies
    Quizzes, concept check tutorials, written lab reports, verbal and written summary reports
    Criteria
    Explain how the global patterns are created by the interaction of Earth’s four spheres (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere) (things like precipitation, wind patterns, soils, etc.)
    Identify major geographical features of the Earth utilizing various formats (maps, website, etc.)
    Explain how humans affect and are affected by Earth events and processes
    Explain how climatic changes affect Earth events and processes

  5. Report your understanding of the course concepts and topics in written and oral methods
    Assessment Strategies
    Written lab reports, verbal and written summary reports
    Criteria
    Assemble a scientific laboratory report that meets established guidelines
    Present laboratory results in multiple formats (written, oral)