Geology of the British Isles for Wizards
This self-paced course covers the geology of the British Isles (England, Scotland, Ireland) as found in the Harry Potter books. This course is an excellent introduction to geology, the rock cycle, plate tectonics, volcanoes, and glaciers.
Lauren James
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(3,161)
What's included
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentMastery Evaluation
Students can post their answers to any "Expand Your Knowledge" challenge to receive feedback from the teacher.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 12
This four lesson course is packed with information about the geology of the British Isles, using locations from the Harry Potter books as a framework. How did they form? When did they form? Along the way, we'll learn basic geologic principles and terminology. See the course syllabus for more detailed information about what is covered in each lesson. This is a self-paced course, which means there is NO live component. Each lesson includes a video recording, plus extension activities to expand your learning beyond the lecture. All extension activities are optional and at the discretion of the parent. Need a discount? Sure thing! All of my self-paced courses are "pay what you can afford." To get the discount you need, sign up for the course first, then message me with the discount you would like, and I will apply a partial refund. This must be done before the end of the first week of class.
Learning Goals
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
• Explain basic plate tectonics
• Identify several igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks
• Describe the rock cycle.
• Describe how different types of rocks are formed.
• Explain what happens at convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries.
• Describe the basic geologic history of the British Isles.
• Name several wizard world film locations and their significance in geology.
• Describe how glaciation contributed to the valleys found near the wizard school, as well as the formation of the English Channel.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Overview, Plate Tectonics
In this 16 minute recording, we'll discuss the major events that formed many of the mountains and valleys of the British Isles. This includes an overview of plate tectonics. Lesson 2:
Convergent Boundaries
This 26 minute recording includes:
• Convergent boundaries and volcanic activity
• Locations: Glen Nevis (Quidditch pitch) and Glen Coe (Hagrid's hut)
• Metamorphic and Igneous rocks
• Transform boundaries and the formation of Scottish lochs
• Locations: Loch Shiel (Black Lake) and Loch Arkaig (Where Harry rides the Hippogriff) Lesson 3:
Deposition and Sedimentation
This 21 minute recording includes:
• Deposition and sedimentary rocks
• Erosion and formation of sandstone
• Cave formation (including the wizard bank)
• Locations: The Cliffs of Moher (seen in the Half-Blood Prince), plus many buildings used for filming that are made of sedimentary rocks. Lesson 4:
Divergence and Glaciation
This 29 minute recording includes:
• Divergent boundaries
• Formation of limestone
• Locations: the Seven Sisters cliffs (from Fantastic Beasts), buildings used for filming that are made of limestone.
• Glaciation and valley formation, and the evidence of this glaciation that we see in the movies.
• The formation of the English Channel Other Details
Parental Guidance
Some of the movies and books do contain violent or dark themes; before enrolling make sure that your child is comfortable with the darker themes and creatures in these stories, as they may come up in class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Outschool is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., owner of the Harry Potter® mark and related Harry Potter marks.
Joined September, 2017
4.9
3161reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Brigham Young University
I am a certified science teacher in the state of Arizona, with more than a decade of experience teaching children. My Bachelor of Science was in Earth and Space Science Education. My classes are offered in a lecture format, so your child can participate to his or her comfort level.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$5
weekly or $19 for all content4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 151 learners
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Ages: 7-18
