Highlands High School
Geology Course Syllabus
Instructor
Tim Auch
Phone:
e-mail:
(859) 815-2617
timothy.auch@fortthomas.kyschools.us
Grade
10-12
Credit
1/2
Prerequisite Completion of 9th grade science
Description:
 Essentials of Geology provides the student an opportunity to use previously-learned
scientific principles to explore the form and nature of our Earth. Attention is given to
current issues and applications of science and technology in today’s world. The approach
of the course is inquiry oriented enabling students to develop skills and concepts through
direct laboratory experience of the phenomena being studied. This course is excellent
preparation for any college course in introductory geology.
Comment:
 The goals of this class are centered on promoting the discovery process using the three
disciplines of science, biology, chemistry and physics and applying principles of each to
the Earth.
 Students are expected to carry out experiments that upon successful completion will
allow them to explore and discover using lab skills and math.
 Students will be challenged to use their problem solving and inquiry skills.
 Students will make critical connections between landforms and earth processes and will
explore how these processes impact the earth and societies.
Course Standards
Students will
 Identify the basic components of the Earth
 Discuss the formation and history of the Earth
 Discuss the theory of plate tectonics
 Identify minerals and mineral groups
 Explain the origin of magma and the types of igneous rocks that form
 Explore the relationship between igneous rock types and volcanism
 Examine the processes that change the earth’s surface.
 Discuss surface water and surface water flow.
 Investigate the relationship of geology to coastal regions, desert regions, alpine regions,
arctic regions, and fluvial regions.
 Discuss the geological cycles, climate change and human influences.
Geology
Course Syllabus
Page 2
Textbook: Essentials of Geology, 4th edition; James S. Monroe and Reed Wicander,
Brooks/Cole, 2005.
Required Material:
Spiral notebook, composition book, 3-ring binder with pockets, pens, pencils, scientific
calculator, protractor, metric ruler, safety glasses (optional; one class set is available), graph
paper, payment of class fees in guidance office.
Grading
Students will be evaluated on activities and class assignments including but not limited to the
following:
 tests and quizzes
 laboratory activities
 homework
 portfolio pieces
 research papers
 individual and group projects
 classroom activities and participation
Participation and Attendance:
Students will be expected to be on time and prepared for class with all necessary materials.
Students are responsible for making arrangements to make up tests, homework and laboratory
activities. For more information, see student handbook.
Course Content/Calendar
1.
Age of Earth and Basics
2.
Minerals
3.
Igneous Rocks and Magma
2.
Volcanoes and Earthquakes
3.
Geologic Processes and Weathering
4.
Geologic Settings and Change
2 weeks
2 weeks
2 weeks
2 weeks
4 weeks
6 weeks
reasons for geology
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Connectedness (land, ocean, atmosphere, plants, animals)
Resource Use
Energy Planning for Future
Complexities
Stewardship
Critical Thinking
Understanding how the Earth works
Predictions
Technological use (satellites)
Monitoring
Survey of environmental issues