Maui Community College
Course Outline
1.
Alpha and Number
Geography 101L
Course Title
The Natural Environment Lab
Credits
1
Date of Outline
March 2004
2.
Course Description
Introduces the geographer’s tools: globes,
atlases, maps, Geographic Positioning
Systems (GPS), Geographic Information
Systems (GIS), and aerial photographs.
Uses laboratory investigation techniques to
understand concepts of physical geography.
Special emphasis on Hawaii and n human
modification of the environment.
3.
Contact Hours/Type
3 hours lab
4.
Prerequisites
GEOG 101 or concurrent enrollment
Corequisites
Recommended Preparation
Approved by
Date
5.
General Course Objectives
Analyze the earth’s natural environments and the natural processes creating
those environments by the use of maps, aerial photographs, field, and laboratory
observations, and experimentation. To gain the ability to collate and analyze
environmental data to interpret environmental conditions through the scientific
method, inductive logic, and critical thinking.
For detailed information on how Geography 101L focuses on the Maui
Community College general education standards, see the attached curricular grid.
Geography 101L fulfills one of the 10 credits for the Natural Science
requirement for A.A. and A.S. degrees at Maui Community College. This course
fulfills the requirement for the University of Hawaii at Manoa General
Education, Diversification, Natural Science, Physical Science (D/P) laboratory
science credit.
6.
Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7m Recommended Course
Content.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
identify the relationship between the earth and sun, the geographic grid,
latitude and longitude;
construct isolines and elevation profiles;
describe the sun’s energy and the relationship of the sun’s angle in
determining intensity, day length, temperature, and climate;
explain the nature of atmospheric pressure, moisture, wind, and ocean
currents and explain the impact of these basic processes on earth’s
landscape;
interpret weather maps, including warm and cold fronts and their
movements;
identify key elements and symbols on topographic maps;
use aerial photos and stereograms to identify structural landforms and other
features on the earth’s surface;
describe drainage basin morphology and the effects of fluvial processes on
the landscape;
explain the essential characteristics of groundwater movement and its
importance to Hawaii;
identify and explain desert landforms such as sand dunes, their origin and
relationship to wind;
contrast glacial landscapes with valley formation and describe the key
elements of glacial erosion and the surface features formed by glaciers; and,
l.
7.
8.
describe coastal landforms and the effects of deposition and erosion on their
stability.
Recommended Course Content and Approximate time spent on Each Topic
Lined to #6, Student Learning Outcomes
1-2 weeks
Earth-sun relationship (a., c)
Geographic grid (a)
1-2 weeks
Atmospheric pressure, moisture, wind, and ocean
currents (d)
1-2 weeks
Weather maps and the classification of climates of lowmiddle-high latitudes (b, e)
1-2 weeks
Elements and symbols on topographic maps (f)
1-2 weeks
Introduction to aerial photographs (g)
1-2 weeks
Identification of structural landforms using topographic
maps and aerial photographs (g)
1-2 weeks
Drainage basin morphology (h)
1-2 weeks
The fluvial landscape and fluvial processes (h)
1-2 weeks
The hydrologic cycle and ground water (i)
1-2 weeks
Desert landforms, winds, and dunes (j)
1-2 weeks
Glacial landscapes (k)
1-2 weeks
Coastal landforms (l)
0-2 weeks
Special topics
Text and Materials
Appropriate text[s] and material will be chosen from physical geography texts.
Examples include:
Texts:
Duckson, D.W., Exercises in Physical Geography, 1999,
3rd edition, McGraw Hill.
Hess, Physical Geography, A Landscape Approach,
Laboratory Manual, 2001, Prentice Hall
Materials: Text may be supplemented with:
Articles and/or handouts prepared by the instructor
Magazines or newspaper articles
Other: Appropriate laboratory manuals
Appropriate films, videos, or internet sites
Television programs
Guest speakers
Other instructional aids
9.
Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time
the course is offered. Suggested requirements include, but are not limited to:
20-80%
20-50%
0-30%
0-30%
0-40%
0-20%
10.
Examinations (written and or/oral)
In-class exercises
Homework
Quizzes
Projects/research papers
Attendance and/or class participation
Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods will vary considerably with instructors. Specific methods
will be at the discretion of the instructor teaching the course. Techniques might
include, but are not limited to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
lectures, demonstrations, and class exercises or readings;
problem solving and/or hands-on identification techniques;
class discussions or guest lectures;
audio, visual, or presentations utilizing the internet;
student class presentations;
group or individual projects; and,
other contemporary learning techniques such as Service Learning, Co-op,
School-to-Work, self-paced programs, etc.