PSC 101 - Introduction to Earth Sciences

1. Demonstrate laboratory skills.
   1. Perform measurements with appropriate devices.
   2. Use significant digits in calculations correctly.
   3. Demonstrate ability to work with metric units and conversions.
   4. Analyze data from experiments to draw conclusions.
   5. Use technology associated with a science laboratory.
   6. Use appropriate safety protocols in the laboratory.
   7. Produce reports from experimental work.
   8. Demonstrate understanding of the scientific method.
   9. Work productively with classmates in group activities and experiments.
2. Communicate in the language of science.
   1. Read scientific material critically.
   2. Interpret graphs and charts.
   3. Use writing to explain physical processes.
   4. Discuss science with others.
3. Describe aspects related to Earth's oceans.
   1. Describe the components of the ocean floor.
   2. Describe the composition of seawater.
   3. Describe wave reflection.
   4. Describe the work of ocean waves on the coastlines.
   5. Describe the global circulation patterns of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans.
4. Describe aspects related to weather and climate.
   1. Describe the ways in which clouds develop in the atmosphere.
   2. Describe air masses and how they form.
   3. Describe the types of violent weather.
   4. Describe the symbols on a weather map and use that information to forecast weather.
   5. Explain the importance of the high specific heat value of water in climate.
   6. Explain how evaporation and condensation depends on average kinetic energy.
   7. Explain how relative humidity is related to air temperature.
   8. Describe the Earth’s early atmosphere and explain how it has evolved.
   9. Describe the components of the Earth’s atmosphere.
   10. Explain how latitude affects solar energy.
   11. Explain the reasons for the seasons.
   12. Explain the greenhouse Effect and its relationship to Global Warming.
   13. Describe the difference between humidity and relative humidity.
   14. Describe the cause and effects of air pressure.
   15. Explain how temperature differences affect the stability of the atmosphere.
5. Demonstrate understanding of rocks and minerals.
   1. Describe a mineral.
   2. Identify different types of minerals.
   3. Describe mineral properties.
   4. Explain the formation of a mineral.
   5. Compare and contrast the different rock types.
   6. Describe and identify igneous rocks.
   7. Describe and identify sedimentary rocks.
   8. Describe and identify metamorphic rocks.
   9. Explain the rock cycle.
6. Demonstrate understanding of Plate Tectonic concepts.
   1. Describe the interior of the Earth.
   2. Compare and contrast the three types of seismic waves.
   3. Explain the process of locating an earthquake epicenter.
   4. Describe the differences between continental and oceanic crust.
   5. Describe the evidence that supports continental drift.
   6. Describe the evidence that supports sea-floor spreading hypothesis.
   7. Describe and give examples of the three kinds of plate boundaries.
   8. Describe a subduction zone.
   9. Describe the characteristics of ocean-ocean convergent boundaries.
   10. Describe the characteristics of ocean-continent convergent boundaries.
   11. Describe the characteristics of continent-continent convergence boundaries.
   12. Explain the cause of plate tectonics.
7. Demonstrate understanding of Geologic Time.
   1. Describe how geologist use relative dating to determine the sequence of geologic events.
   2. Explain the process of radiometric dating.
   3. Describe the Earth’s geologic time in terms of eons, eras, periods, and epochs.
8. Demonstrate understanding of what processes shaped the Earth surface.
   1. Describe the Hydrologic Cycle.
   2. Explain the process associated with groundwater.
   3. Describe surface water such as lakes, rivers, and streams.
9. Demonstrate understanding of concepts related to the solar system.
   1. Describe human exploration of the Moon.
   2. Describe the phases of the Moon and explain why we see moon phases.
   3. Explain how eclipses occur.
   4. Describe the three types of eclipses.
   5. Describe the characteristics of the planets.
   6. Describe the characteristics of asteroids, comets, and meteoroids.
   7. Explain the relationship between the size of the planets, the sun, and other stars.
   8. Describe the structure of comets.
   9. Explain the difference between meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites.
   10. Explain the formation of the solar system.
   11. Describe the shape of the orbit of the planets.
10. Demonstrate understanding of concepts related to stars and galaxies.
    1. Describe the structure of the Sun and explain how it creates energy.
    2. Describe sunspots.
    3. Explain stellar evolution.
    4. Explain the difference between absolute and apparent magnitude.
    5. Explain main sequence equilibrium.
    6. Describe how stars are categorized according to their magnitude and surface temperature (Hertzsprung-Russell diagram).
    7. Describe the birth of a star (clouds of dust and gas).
    8. Explain stellar evolution (formation, life, and death of a star) for both low mass and high mass stars.
    9. Explain the formation of heavy elements.
    10. Describe the types and structure of galaxies.