Dynamic Earth: Understanding the Processes Affecting the Earth's Crust, PLED 573
About this Course:
Among the most dramatic events on Earth are volcanic eruptions and earthquakes which are also among the most dangerous and damaging natural occurrences in human experience. While they seem instantaneous and limited in where they happen, volcanoes and earthquakes are actually the result of processes that take place over very long time spans and very great distances. In this course we will learn about the interactions among Earth systems that result in dynamic processes within and on the surface of our planet. We will explore online resources that can be used to teach about these Earth system interactions, as well as inquiry-based approaches to helping students understand them.
Prerequisites:
None
Who Should Attend:
This course is specifically designed to address the needs of middle school science teachers. Other K-12 teachers are also welcome to take part in the course. Please let the instructor know your specific professional motivations for taking the course so those can be accommodated to the extent possible.
Expected Outcomes:
Participants will be familiarized with:
- Basic geological principles, evidence and theories used to explain and study earthquakes and volcanoes , with an emphasis on Earth's structure, plate tectonics and Earth systems.
- Online and print materials and resources for teaching Earth science in general and the topics in Goal 1 in particular using an inquiry-based approach.
- Pedagogical approaches that promote student engagement, relevance and inquiry-based instruction.
- Methods for using current online tools, with an emphasis on user-generated content, in science instruction.
- Elements of the nature of science (e.g., reliance on evidence and an inductive approach to reasoning), especially as they apply to the topics in Goal.
Course Outline:
The Four Tasks are outlined as
| Task 1 | Earthquake Event Case Study (Due middle of week 2) |
| Task 2 | Dynamic Earth Measurements and Models (Due end of week 3) |
| Task 3 | Volcano Webquest (Due end of week 4) |
| Task 4 | Hands-on Inquiry of the Dynamic Earth (Due middle of week 6) |
| Culminating Final Project | Proposal due end of week 5: Project due end of week 7 |
Credit:
3 Graduate Credits
Instructor:
Dr. Edward Robeck, Dr. Norman Lederman