Earth Science
David Knoblach
2007-09 Assessment Report
Outcome 1
Measurable
Measurement
Time Frame
Criteria
Tool
Students will exhibit critical thinking
A baseline critical thinking rubric score College-wide critical
End of each quarter EARTH 105 or
through visual and spatial skills, and
will be established Spring, 2008.
thinking rubric applied EARTH 106 is taught (note EARTH
assessment of both physical and chemical Improvement will be measured in
to mineral and rock
became a lab class in spring 2009)
characteristics of minerals.
subsequent quarters.
identification tests.
Results: See data sheet. As noted, the rock test is more difficult than the mineral test, resulting in lower scores.
Analysis and Action: Analysis and Action: A key focus of this class is for students to identify 16 minerals and 13 rocks in separate tests (fill-in-theblank questions). A 3 x 5 notecard is allowed on these tests. Both tests focus on data collection using simple tools, identification of the attributes of
natural materials, and the need to make educated judgments for identification, especially when some characteristics are ambiguous.
Without any full-time faculty before 2007-2008, the Earth Science Department was poorly organized because of limited oversight. Also, it lacked
adequate mineral and rock samples, and other important materials. Student performance on all geology tests in 2007-2008 at SPSCC (before this
assessment) was about 10 percent below standards of nearby community colleges. Meaning, students received bonus points and also received test
curves at roughly 90% = A. Since that time, several sample study boxes were developed for student use in the library, and four display cabinets in
the library were filled with mineral and rock displays for reference. Additionally, the instructor became available for students in the library before
the tests. New samples are being progressively purchased for use in labs, study sets, and tests. Student achievement has improved to the point that
test curves are now similar to other community colleges (test curve set at 100% = A). Note that 4-8 bonus points are added to mineral tests, which
may create some scores above 100%).
Additional samples will be added as funding becomes available. I feel that no new measures need to be performed in this area at this time.
Outcome 2
Interpret geologic information to assess
potential volcanic hazards to residents of
Orting, Washington.
Measurable
Criteria
Student will score 80% or higher on
Orting term paper.
Measurement
Tool
Term paper assessing
potential volcanic
hazards.
Time Frame
End of each quarter EARTH 105 or
EARTH 106 is taught (note EARTH
became a lab class in spring 2009)
Results: See data sheet.
Analysis and Action: This paper summarizes many class topics and applies science to local issues of geological hazards. It is a 3-page paper with a
focus to interpret local geological hazards with language that can connect with residents of the town of Orting, Washington. Some students always
wait to write this report at the last minute, lowering overall quality. Since spring term of 2009, students must have their drafts reviewed by the
SPSCC Writing Center, before the final copy is due the following week. This has improved many papers, but other papers now receive reduced
credit by students missing the deadline for the Writing Center draft review. Because of the Writing Center requirement, overall scores have dropped
slightly, although I believe that the quality of reports has improved.
Ample time and opportunity to write and review these papers are provided during the term. I believe no additional action is needed at this time.
Natural and Applied Sciences Division
1
Earth Science
Outcome 3
Compare and contrast different types of
volcanic landforms with lava rock types.
David Knoblach
Measurable
Criteria
Students will score 80% or higher on
questions related to volcanic landforms
and lava rock types.
2007-09 Assessment Report
Measurement
Tool
Multiple choice
questions related to
volcanic landforms
and lava rock types.
Time Frame
End of each quarter EARTH 105 or
EARTH 106 is taught (note EARTH
became a lab class in spring 2009)
Results: See data sheet.
Analysis and Action: These questions relate to the fundamentals of volcanoes, which are discussed in detail during the early portion of the term.
The initial results of this analysis (spring 2008) was discarded after some students had difficulty understanding the questions, and therefore,
affecting results. Thereafter, questions have been improved, although results are lower than desired. Plans are to incorporate more of this
information into future labs, where students get to further review and reinforce these fundamentals.
Natural and Applied Sciences Division
2