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| "Green"
Environmental Geology |
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Honors level course, semester-long
"Green" Environmental Geology
blends environmental science and geology together to examine Earth processes,
how humans change Earth processes, and how Earth processes have changed
humans. Students will leave with a better understanding of the real science
and hype behind the "green" or
environmental-friendly movement.
While Earth Science is often taught as a very basic science course in 8th and 9th grade, this in-depth course prepares students with an understanding of the true complexity of geology and how principles of chemistry, biology, and physics explain how your world works. It focuses more closely on principles and applications of geology than an environmental science course. Most professional geologists and researchers are employed in managing environmental issues or locating resources for society and this course provides a good overview of college programs in or related to environmental or earth sciences.
This course uses a standard college level textbook, and covers the material in one semester. The course syllabus in brief includes:
- the scientific method and how its applied in the real world.
- how politics and religion shape how the public uses or understands
science and scientists.
- basic principles of geology and the geologic history of North
Carolina.
- natural hazards, including coastal erosion, floods, earthquakes,
and landslides.
- resources, including water, energy, atmosphere, and minerals/rocks.
- waste, including pollution, recycling, and waste disposal, and human influence on the environment.
- understanding geologic time, climate change, and relating
human time scales to both.
Prerequisites:
No course prerequisite
Assessments/On-Campus Components:
Students will complete a major investigative research assignment in this course that focuses on a North Carolina environmental issue. Additionally, problem-based homework assignments and group assignments will supplement tests and quizzes. When students visit the NCSSM campus, we will take local field trips to focus on the geologic history or environmental problems of the Piedmont and study geologic materials in the laboratory. The course will include instructor-led video field trips to focus on the geology of other areas of North Carolina.
Communication:
So that an effective community environment can be developed, students are expected to participate in discussion boards, ask questions online and chat/instant message with classmates and the instructor. Online tutorials/class discussions will be held occasionally by web video conference. Private communication with the instructor can occur during or after the school day by instant message at scheduled times, or phone or email as needed.
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Course Instructor
- Mr. Chris Thomas
Mr. Chris Thomas recently joined NCSSM, after four years as a faculty member at IUPUI (Indiana University) where he taught in the classroom and developed online science courses and laboratories. He earned his Masters in Geology at Vanderbilt University by studying the geologic history and chemistry of former sea-floor and volcanic rocks near Franklin and Hayesville, North Carolina. He also has a Masters degree in Technical and Science Communication from Miami University and is very interested in news media, curriculum development, science communication, and of course, geology. His interests are in exploring parks and natural areas.
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