Minerals:
Introductory crystallography and crystal chemistry are used to explain the properties of minerals. Each of the major mineral groups is studied in the laboratory with a focus on developing competency in the identification of the ore minerals and the rock-forming minerals.
Rock Cycle:
Through the earth's dynamic changes driven by plate tectonics rocks are formed, eroded, formed again, melted, crystalized, and formed into yet another rock. This process continues through erosion, compaction, cementation, lithification, and metamorphisis. These processes form sediment, sedimentary rock, metamorphic rock, and igneous rock. We'll learn about each and examples of each. Students will be able to identify a rock samples by sight, by using dichotomous keys, and through laboratory testing.
Mining:
The most valuable mineral resources on our planet are dug in sometimes dangerous environments where miners are put at great risks. The more valuable the minerals sometimes the more danger people are willing to put miners through. Mining also has environmental implications that can wreak havoc on local populations. Students will each research a mineral ore and how it is used and mined. Students will present the social economic and political implications.
Soil:
We'll work with the roof top garden caretakers to learn about soil types, soil amendment, plant nutrients, and more. We'll evaluate soil types by trying to grow plants in several substrates.
Mapping:
Students will use topographic maps to interpret terrain. We'll learn to use maps for driving, wilderness orienteering, and learn about how geologists map the stratigraphy of the earth to inform us of mineral ore locations, landslide risks, earthquake faults and soil types that may exacerbate the effects of an earthquake.
Local and International Management of Natural Resources:
Students will explore an independent project that may explore the use and management of local and international mineral and rock resources. Other projects possible with instructor approval.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Course Descriptions
First Semester
Have you ever wondered how gems and crystals are formed? Have you ever found a rock and wondered what processes shaped it? In the this course we'll watch crystals form under a microscope. We will learn how to identify rocks, gems, and minerals. We'll learn how minerals are used and map the sources of important mineral resources. We'll hear about environmental, social, and political implications of local and international mining. We'll grow plants in various soil types to evaluate nutrients and drainage.
Second Semester
The Earth's surface is a dynamic changing place with exciting events such earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and sink holes that can swallow a house. It is also a dangerous place which is all to easy to forget. We'll learn how and why these events happen. We'll look at examples of how people have been prepared, not prepared, and the architecture that can protect us. We'll collect oral histories of natural disasters and the affects on survivors. We'll learn to prepare ourselves and our families to prepare and survive through a disaster. Topics will include plate tectonics, mountain building, volcanism, earthquakes, natural disasters, and natural disaster survival. We'll explore the local geology of our area through a series of optional Saturday field trips to be arranged by students, parents, and instructor.
Have you ever wondered how gems and crystals are formed? Have you ever found a rock and wondered what processes shaped it? In the this course we'll watch crystals form under a microscope. We will learn how to identify rocks, gems, and minerals. We'll learn how minerals are used and map the sources of important mineral resources. We'll hear about environmental, social, and political implications of local and international mining. We'll grow plants in various soil types to evaluate nutrients and drainage.
Second Semester
The Earth's surface is a dynamic changing place with exciting events such earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and sink holes that can swallow a house. It is also a dangerous place which is all to easy to forget. We'll learn how and why these events happen. We'll look at examples of how people have been prepared, not prepared, and the architecture that can protect us. We'll collect oral histories of natural disasters and the affects on survivors. We'll learn to prepare ourselves and our families to prepare and survive through a disaster. Topics will include plate tectonics, mountain building, volcanism, earthquakes, natural disasters, and natural disaster survival. We'll explore the local geology of our area through a series of optional Saturday field trips to be arranged by students, parents, and instructor.
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