Contents

PHYS 106 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

Hours Weekly

3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab weekly

Course Objectives

  1. 1. Communicate fundamental concepts in geology, meteorology, and astronomy using
    appropriate vocabulary, units, symbols, and notations.
  2. 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. 3. Construct and integrate simplified, inexpensive lab materials/equipment for the study of
    geological, meteorological, and astronomical phenomena.
  4. 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. 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. 6. Evaluate and explain the reasonableness of solutions to problems involving earth and space
    science.

Course Objectives

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

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Exam problems

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR1
  2. 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.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Exam problems

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR2
  3. 3. Construct and integrate simplified, inexpensive lab materials/equipment for the study of
    geological, meteorological, and astronomical phenomena.
  4. 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.

    This objective is a course Goal Only

  5. 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.

    This objective is a course Goal Only

  6. 6. Evaluate and explain the reasonableness of solutions to problems involving earth and space
    science.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Exam problems

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

    Scientific Reasoning

    • SR3