Introduction to Geology
Course Description and Prerequisites
SC 134001 INTRODUCTION TO GEOLOGY
3 Credits
Fall 2021
Course Description:
The course introduces fundamentals of geology in the environmental context. The issues of local and global environmental changes are placed into a broader perspective of the functioning of the Earth system. Students are introduced into the science of Earth' materials: rocks, minerals, soils, and waters and the processes forming them. The internal processes (plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes) and surface processes (streams, flooding, coastal zones, mass movements, glaciers, winds, desertification) are presented from the point of view of their influence on the geologic hazards, and on the distribution of natural resources. The interrelation of geology and human activities is examined in such contexts as waste disposal, air pollution, water contamination, climate change, land degradation, and resource and energy consumption. The format of this course includes (at least) two local field trip, lab activities on rocks and minerals identification, and introduction to topographic and geologic maps.
Prerequisites:
None
Instructor Information
Roberta Trefts MS, MEd
Office # Meeting House 219 Email: treftsro@husson.edu Phone #: 941-7854
Office Hours: Monday 8-8:45, Wednesday 8-8:45, 11-12, 12-1, Thursday 10-11, 11-12, 12-1, Friday 11-12 and by appointment.
Textbook & Required Materials
No book is required. Students will research the relevant topics to answer questions.
You will need a compass for labs and field work. The cost is between $10 and $15.
You will also need a pair of hiking boots or other shoes for the field trips.
Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Apply basic concepts of geology to the land formation(s) found in a given part of Maine.
2. Examine the area around Kenduskeag Stream and identify the formations that tell the story of the geology of the area.
3. Analyze a given area of Maine for geologic processes inside and on the outside of the Earth that shaped that area and how those processes affected the environment and human population.
4. Identify land formations from a topographical map.
5. Create an earthquake safe home
6. Examine areas of the world that are earthquake prone and explain how the released tension from an earthquake travels.
7. Create a map of geologic plates by analyzing the evidence from accompanying geologic processes.
8. Collect and identify rocks commonly found in Maine.
9. Identify the focus of an earthquake using triangulation.
10. Critique the methods currently used to obtain energy.
11. Analyze the effects of global warming on the coastline and populations of Maine.
12. Use a compass to create an orienteering map.
Assessment Mapping
This course has been approved for, and will provide data regarding, General Education Outcomes under Skills A.
Evaluation and Grading
Homework 30%
Projects 20%
Tests 20%
Mid-term 10%
Final Geological Assessment 15%
Participation 5%
As this course does not require a textbook, it is very important that you complete all homework assignments as they become your study guide for exams. When researching questions, be sure you are using a trustworthy site such as USGS, Geological Society of America, or a university.
Zoom Proctoring
In the event that faculty utilize remote proctoring as a tool to monitor the use of remote exams, proctoring via Zoom is an option.
- A laptop capable of supporting Canvas, Examplify, and Zoom
- A second device that is capable of supporting both video and audio Zoom meetings for remote proctoring
- Suitable Internet connection to facilitate and sustain video and audio Zoom meetings
Canvas Information
Canvas is the where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.
- husson.instructure.com
- For Canvas, Passwords, or any other computer-related technical support contact the Husson Help Desk. (Links to an external site.)
- (207) 973-1000
- https://helpdeskticket.husson.edu/ (Links to an external site.).
Grading Rubrics
Homework Rubric
| 5 | 3 | 1 | |
| Homework Expectations | Homework was thorough, completed on time and contained clarifying and extending questions to use in class discussions. | Homework was thorough, completed on time and contained clarifying questions. | Homework was not through and/or was late. |
Participation Grading Rubric
|
|
8-10 points |
6-7 points |
3-5 points |
1-2 points |
|
Frequency
And
Quality |
Attends class regularly and always contributes to the discussion by raising thoughtful questions, analyzing relevant issues, building on others’ ideas, synthesizing across readings and discussions, expanding the class’ perspective, and appropriately challenging assumptions and perspectives.
|
Attends class regularly and sometimes contributes to the discussion in the aforementioned ways. |
Attends class regularly but rarely contributes to the discussion in the aforementioned ways.
|
Attends class regularly but never contributes to the discussion in the aforementioned ways. |
Sustainability Task and Rubric
Gravel Pits: Past, Present and Future
Your task is to use the information collected from field trips and your research to describe where the gravel in the pits comes from, how they are used now and the economics of that use and what will become of them after it is no longer profitable to dig the gravel. To be scorable, your paper needs to contain a bibliography identifying sources and to be written at the college level with few to none grammatical errors.
|
|
Exceeds (5) |
Proficient (3) |
Does not Meet (1) |
|
Description of the source of the gravel in the gravel pits. |
Connects the source of gravel with the pit’s placement. |
Describes the two main ways gravel pits are dug and mined. |
Describes the natural formation of gravel pits. |
|
Description of the economics of working gravel pits. |
Describes the economic impact of gravel pits for a community using evidence collected first hand and evidence collected through research. |
Explains what factors impact the economics of working gravel pits based on interviews and/or research. |
Connects how resources found in gravel pits contribute to the economy.
|
|
Description of environmental impact on surrounding area of gravel pits. |
Uses research and first hand evidence to describe the environmental impact of the gravel pit, both current impacts and possible future impacts. |
Uses research and first hand evidence to describe the environmental impact of the gravel pit. |
Uses only first hand evidence to describe the environmental impact of the gravel pit. |
|
Description of the future of gravel pits. |
Describes the future of gravel pits through first hand evidence and evidence collected through research. Illustrates an idea for the use of retired gravel pits with drawings and links. |
Describes the future of gravel pits using the evidence collected first hand. Describes a novel idea, using first hand evidence from interviews and research, for a new use of retired gravel pits. |
Explains potential futures for retired gravel pits. |
Kenduskeag Stream Mid-term
Kenduskeag Mid-term Assignment
Your task is to write about the formation of the Kenduskeag Stream in the Lover’s Leap area. Your paper needs to include a researched geologic history of the area, a topographic map, at least one photo or drawing, a discussion of rock types found in the area, one or two interesting things you found out about the area and it all needs to be put together in an interesting manner. To be scorable, your paper needs to contain a bibliography identifying sources and to be written at the college level with few to none grammatical errors.
Kenduskeag Stream Mid-Term
|
Topic |
5 Points |
3 Points |
1 Point |
|
Geologic History The history of the area is based on available research. |
The history given is based on research and incorporates evidence form the site. |
The history of the area is based on available research. |
History was started but is very incomplete. |
|
Topographic Map A topographic map with the area accurately pinpointed is included. |
Topographic map is included, area is accurately pinpointed and compass rose showing direction of stream flow is included.
|
A topographic map with the area accurately pinpointed is included. |
A topographic map with the area is included with no identifying markers. |
|
Photo or Drawing Photo is present accompanied by an explanation including direction of view. |
Photo or drawing is included with explanation of direction of photo and its significance (What does it show about the area?) |
Photo is present accompanied by an explanation including direction of view. |
Photo is included. |
|
Discussion of rock types found in the area Rock types found in the area are included in the discussion. |
Rock types found in the area are included and the discussion explains how each type came to be there. (Is it native? How was it moved?) |
Rock types found in the area are included in the discussion. |
Rock types are mentioned. |
|
Interesting Facts A legend or fact about the area is given. |
Interesting facts/ legends about the area are discussed and their origins explained. |
A legend or fact about the area is given. |
A fact is |
Geology Final Paper
Your task is to choose an area within the state of Maine and do an assessment of the geologic history, rocks and soil types, and how the geologic history determined how humans use the land. To be scorable, your paper needs to contain a bibliography identifying sources and to be written at the college level with few to none grammatical errors.
|
Category |
5 |
3 |
1 |
Comments |
|
Mapping Maine topographical map contained an outline of the area being discussed and highlighted the area’s topography and glacial footprints. |
The Maine topographical map contained an outline of the area being discussed and highlighted the area’s topography, glacial footprints, and streams with direction of flow indicated. |
The Maine topographical map contained an outline of the area being discussed and highlighted the area’s topography and glacial footprints. |
The Maine topographical map contained an outline of the area being discussed. |
|
|
Geologic History Geologic history of the area was explained with landforms used as evidence. Glacial features and the evidence was also explained |
Geologic history of the area was explained with landforms used as evidence. Glacial and tectonic features were also explained along with the accompanying evidence. |
Geologic history of the area was explained with landforms used as evidence. Glacial features and the evidence was also explained. |
Geologic history of the area was explained with landforms used as evidence. |
|
|
Rocks and soil types Categories of rocks and soil types found in the area were discussed and the significance for human use. |
Categories of rocks and soil types found in the area were discussed including evidence for the formation of those soil types and how the soil type determined the human use. |
Categories of rocks and soil types found in the area were discussed and the significance for human use. |
Categories of either rocks or soil types were mentioned. |
|
|
Geology and Human impact How the area’s geologic history determined how the land is used was described and the impact humans have had on the land was discussed with evidence from the area given. |
How the area’s geologic history determined how the land was used was described and the impact humans have had on the land was discussed with evidence from the area given. Environmental impacts, both good and bad were detailed. |
How the area’s geologic history determined how the land is used was described and the impact humans have had on the land was discussed with evidence from the area given. |
How the area’s geologic history determined how the land is used was described. |
|
Final Paper Presentation
|
Category |
5 |
3 |
1 |
|
Google Earth (20%) Google Earth was used to help explain the location and history of the area. |
Google Earth was used to help explain the location and history of the area. Man’s footprint was pointed out and how that footprint changed the area was explained. (Google Earth History) |
Google Earth was used to help explain the location and history of the area. |
Google Earth was used to explain the location of the area. |
|
Geology (50%) Geologic history, geologic processes (glacial, tectonics), soil types and rocks were explained. Use the rubric for the paper as a guide.
|
Geologic history, geologic processes (glacial, tectonics), soil types and rocks were explained accompanied by photos or pictures to help the explanation. |
Geologic history, geologic processes (glacial, tectonics), soil types and rocks were explained. Use the rubric for the paper as a guide. |
Geologic history, geologic processes (glacial, tectonics), soil types and rocks were either partially explained or some parts were missing. |
|
Presentation (30%) The presentation was clear, organized, and interesting. Presenter was able to answer questions. Knowledge of the area and research was evident. (A power point may be used but not just read to us.)
|
The presentation was clear, organized, and interesting. Presenter was able to answer questions. Knowledge of the area and research was evident. (A power point may be used but not just read to us.). Photos and maps accompanied the information to clarify. |
The presentation was clear, organized, and interesting. Presenter was able to answer questions. Knowledge of the area and research was evident. (A power point may be used but not just read to us.) |
The presentation was not clear or organized. Presenter was unable to answer questions. (A power point may be used but not just read to us.) |
Class Policies
Links to University Policies and student protections as well as student services can be found on the left navigation panel under the link "Student Policies and Support Resources." You can also find a link to information about how to navigate Canvas.
Safety: This course is taught in a lab and all lab safety rules must be followed. No eating or drinking in the lab. No open toed shoes. When on field trips, sneakers or hiking boots are required.
Group Work:
You are expected to be a collaborative member of your group in a professional manner. Collaboration is not dependent on personal likes or dislikes, all members of the group are expected to fully participate in the work assigned. If it is a teach piece you are working on, all members need to understand all parts of the lesson as you will teach on the assigned day even if not all members are
present.
Class discussions / Participation
Science Talks / discussions are a large part of this class, both for your learning and for experience for you in your future classes.
You are expected to be a collaborative member of your group. Most jobs are done collaboratively and this is something you need to be able to do well. Learn to work with those you find hard as well as those you find easy.
Phones:
Be present in class, put away your phone. Phones are expected to be turned off and placed upside down on your desk during class. I will tell you when you need to have a laptop to use in class.
Expectations:
You are expected to come to class on time and prepared. You are expected to participate in Science Talks and to be an integral part of class. You can expect me to come to class on time and prepared. You can expect me to be a full participant in class.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Tentative Schedule of Assignments
This is a tentative schedule as timing for homework depends on what is accomplished in class. There will be other assignments throughout the semester. You will be well informed of due dates for assignments and projects. They will be on your "to do" list for this class.
| Week | Topics Covered | Research Questions Assigned in Class |
| 1 |
Reading a Compass Reading Topographic Maps |
Compass and Topographic Maps Due 9/3 |
| 2 | Sargent's Gravel Field Trip, Project discussions | |
| 3 | Glaciation and Glacial features and Maine | |
| 4 | Gravel Pit #2 Field Trip, | |
| 5 | Earth's Interior, Magnetic Field and Interior Forces | |
| 6 | Kenduskeag Field Trip, Plate Tectonics | |
| 7 | Magma and Volcanism | |
| 8 | Igneous Rocks | |
| 9 | Crustal deformation, Mountain Building, Structural Geology | |
| 10 | Weathering and Sedimentary Rocks | |
| 11 | Metamorphic Rocks | |
| `12 | Geologic Time | |
| 13 | Water's Shaping Forces, Streams and Groundwater | |
| 14 | Deserts and Geology | |
| 15 | Oceans and Ocean Floors | |
| 16 | Final Project Presentation |
Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rock
Week 6 Crustal deformation, Mountain Building, Structural Geology
Week 7 Crustal deformation, Mountain Building, Structural Geology
Topographic Maps
Week 8 Geological Map
Week 9 Mass Wasting/Landslides
Streams
Week 10 Streams
Groundwater
Week 11 Glacial Environments
Glacial and Periglacial Environments
Week 12
Week 13 Arid Environments/Deserts
Coasts
Week 14 Coasts
Ocean Floors and Geologic Time
Week 15 Geologic Time
Week 16
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|