GESCI 610 - Earth: Inside and Out - Dynamic Earth Systems (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None
This course asks the questions, “How has the Earth evolved?” and “What causes climate and climate change?” It explores the dynamic geological events and systems that have shaped the planet and make it habitable, focusing on earth processes and geologic change, the earth’s geologic past and on how geologists study the earth. Topics studied include: the age of the earth and ways of estimating that age; evolution of the earth’s atmosphere; climate and climate change, including the ice ages; and why the earth is habitable.

It is designed to provide teachers and prospective teachers with study of geologic history and processes, along with investigation of their local geologic area. Coursework includes a final project; participants may choose to prepare earth science lessons or workshops for use at elementary/middle school levels. The course utilizes a diverse array of Museum instructional resources in a structured distance-learning environment.