Earth & Space Systems
Earth & Space Systems prepares future teachers of science to understand our multidisciplinary world by breaking down the traditional barriers between fields and viewing the observable world holistically. Advanced principles of chemistry, geology and climatology are applied to observable earth science phenomenon to explain the structure and evolution of earth and the other bodies of the solar system. Principles of physics and chemistry normally reserved for the laboratory are used to investigate and explain the structure of the atmosphere and nature of mineral deposits such as banded iron formations. The pre-service teachers also examine practical methods to deal with contentious issues such as the geologic time scale and conflicting cultural explanations for geologic features as they prepare to teach science to the full diversity of students they are charged to serve. The course meets for 5 hours/week of lecture/lab combination in various time formats.
For Dr. Moosavi's reflections on the course and its design, see Earth & Space Systems: Role in the Program.
- Upper level content is introduced within geology, geography, astronomy and chemistry.
- The course models integrating the sciences in the K-12 curriculum.
- The course introduces Earth System Science from atomic to interplanetary scales.
- It enables field examination of fundamental geological structures supporting plate tectonic theory going back over 3 billion years.
- The pre-service teachers are prepared for diverse perspectives and belief systems in the modern science classroom.
- Content is connected to relevent pedagogical techniques
- Planetary & Satellite Classification
- Impacts & Planetary Resurfacing
- Atmospheric Evolution
- Modeling the Solar System
- From Newton's Laws to Planetary Motions
- Kinesthetic Astronomy
- Earth/Sun Relations
- Astronomical Theory of Glaciation
- Atmospheric Structure
- Heating the Atmosphere
- Greenhouse Gas/CH4 Clathrate Theory of Glaciation
- Atmospheric Circulation-Global
- Thermohaline Circulation
- Oceanic Conveyor Theory of Glaciation
- Mixtures & Separation Techniques - Chromatography
- Kinetic Molecular Theory - Ozone Chemistry
- Le Chatelier's Principle - Equilibrium - Evaporite Deposits & Iron Formations
- Constructing the Rock Cycle
- Structural Geology of Plate Margins
- Sedimentary Environments
- Hydrologic Cycle & Rivers
- Stratraphic Principles & Geologic Dating
- Teaching the Geologic Time Scale to Students of Diverse World Views
- Incorporating Multicultural Perspectives into Human Understanding of the Landscape
- Field Geologic Observations of Convergent, Divergent & Sedimentary Basin Features
- Designing & Implementing Quality Field Trips
Assessment in this course is focused on hands-on projects which demonstrate mastery of specific content. Quizzes ask students to apply content knowledge to specific real world cases. A field exam requires students to a correctly analyze rock outcrops, geologic history and active geologic processes in a location a teacher might use for a K-12 field trip.
References and Notes:
The course is set up specifically to complete student fulfillment of MN teaching licensure requirements for science competencies in geology, geography, astronomy, chemistry and physics as taught at Minnesota State University-Mankato. Specific competencies addressed in introductory courses in these fields do not appear in this course. The earth system approach is applicable to other universities and state certification sytems but would be fine tuned differently than this unique course.