Earth scientists study earth
systems and their interaction
Atmosphere
Biosphere
Solid Earth
Oceans
We study EARTH MATERIALS
We study EARTH STRUCTURE
We study EARTH PROCESSES
We study EARTH HISTORY
Current situation
• Growing importance of earth science
• No systematic education on earth science in
Hong Kong
• Geography is not earth science
• No suitable programme in Earth Science for
interested students because of streaming
72 Po Shan Road Landslide
卓蘭．石岡水壩
Objectives
• A comprehensive overview of the Earth
Sciences through a series of challenging webbased learning activities
• Accelerated learning on the earth science
components in the NSS curriculum
Integrated science: Earth system
Chemistry: rock and minerals
Geography: dynamic earth, weather and climate
Design Principles
Hands-on, activity-based learning
Self-managed & self-directed learning process
Emphasize on the interconnectivity of multiple
sciences
Hong Kong context
Organisation of Earth Science Web Course
Level 1
Unit 1: Earth’s Formation, Dimension &
Structure
Unit 2: Earth’s Lithosphere & Plate Tectonics
Theory
Unit 3: Earth’s Material
Level 2 & Level 3
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Atmosphere and Oceans
Weather and Climate
Climatic Changes
Internal Processes
Surface Processes, Landforms & Soil Formation
Geologic Time and Dating
Life on Earth
Earth’s Resources and Environment
Earthquakes and Natural Hazards
Applications of Earth Sciences for Hong Kong
Geological Features in Hong Kong
Statistics for Earth Science webcourse
Cohort
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Graduated
2007-08
428
144
46
21
2008-09
646
86
37
23
2009-10
414
133
69
54
Components
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7-day intensive workshop
2 field trips
Seminar and museum visit
Supervised student research project
Mentorship programme
Summer workshop
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Prof Philip Murphy from University of Leeds
Team building activities
Lectures and practical
Group research projects
o Topics on earthquakes and geosciences careers
o Forensic Geology
Individual research projects
o Topics on global warming
Seminars and museum visits
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Self-guided museum exercise
Review of the Earth Science webcourse
Rocks and Minerals identification
Air photo exercise
Slope inspection
Field Trips
Tung Ping Chau
Sai Kung