Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the essentials of Earth Science. The course focuses on the interactions between physical and chemical systems of the Earth, including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and solar system. Lecture topics include plate tectonics, rock cycle, hydrologic cycle, solar system astronomy, weather, and climate. Laboratory activities include: mineral and rock identification; plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes; groundwater, stream, and mass wasting processes; geologic time and fossils; solar system and lunar astronomy; weather and climate; and field trip studies.