More "Stuff" Made Simple! Earth Science Explained Easily! {Session 2 Of 2}

There are three perspectives from which to understand the physical universe around us: The Atomic Level [quantum physics]The Molecular Level [chemical/cellular level]The Macroscopic Level [physics, planetary science, and climatology] Finally, we will combine these three perspectives into one perspective that clearly shows how the three levels result in the superorganism we call Earth, our beautiful home to which we owe our very existence. We will utilize lectures, games, simulations, group work, video clips, discussions,  & extra-credit options. No previous knowledge is needed for we will journey from the beginning of the universe to the formation of our solar system, our planet, and most importantly life! We will move slowly, but surely and look at these difficult scientific concepts in a way that is easier to grasp (plus, we will have a lot of fun, so that's a bonus! :) n our journey of scientific discovery we will be looking at the field of geology, but we will touch upon, astrophysics, chemistry, meteorology, ecology, and quantum physics to truly understand the nature of the world around us. 

We will meet three times a week for 55 mins (labeled below as a,b,c). Every other week, DAY C will alternate between a test/assessment and laboratory/group work. In the final week, we will have each group present a final 5-10 minute project of their choosing. 

WEEK #1 A short review of session 1
a. Review 1
b. Review 2
c. review & test
WEEK #2: Groundwater
a. Fresh Water Stored in Rocks
b.
c. LAB:
WEEK #3: The Production of Groundwater
a. Auifers 
b. Groundwater Sustainability 
c. review & test
WEEK #4: Karts Topography
a. Results of Groundwater 
b. Dissolution of Rock and Limestone 
c. LAB:
WEEK #5: Rock Deformation
a. How and why Rocks Deform and Change Over Time
b. Three Types of Rock Deformtion
c. LAB:
WEEK #6: The Geological Structures
a.
b.
c. review & test
WEEK #7: Faults and Joints
a. faults 
b. joints
c. LAB: San Andreas Fault case study
WEEK #8: Earthquakes
a. What causes Earthquakes and where are they located
b. Divergent and Convergent Plates
c. review & test
WEEK # 9: Earthquake Damage
a. Magnitude & Intensity
b. Tsunamis 
c. LAB:
WEEK #10: Seismology
a. what is seismology: a brief history
b. The Seismograph 
c. review & test
WEEK #11: Mountains
a. what is a mountain and how is it formed
b. Four Types of Mountains 
c. LAB:
WEEK #12: Orogeny 
a. Foldbet Mountain Formation
b. Three Types of Orogenic Processes 
c. review & test
WEEK #13:  Fossil Fuels: Coal 
a. How we use it and where does it come from 
b. advantages and disadvantages 
c. LAB: Nuclear Power is safe?  
WEEK #14: Fossile Fuels: Petroleum 
a. How we use it and where does it come from 
b. advantages and disadvantages 
c. review & test
WEEK #15: Hydropower
a. how it works
b. advantages and disadvantages 
c. LAB:  Biggest Damn In the world
WEEK #16: Extra-Terrestrial Geology
a. planetary science in our system
b. Planetary science of exo-planets 
c. review & test
WEEK #17: Ecology of Geology
a. climate and life
b. habitats
c.LAB: Trophic Cascades in Yellowstone
WEEK #18: Climate Change
a. Causes and effects
b.  Possible solutions
c. review & test
WEEK #19: Final Projects
a. Project Presentations 1
b. Project Presentations 2
c. Review
WEEK #20: Final Exams
a. Review Session
b. Final Exam 1
c. Final Exam 2