1. Geology of the National Parks
GEOSC 10
Geology of the National Parks
with
Dr. Richard Alley
Dept. of Geosciences
College of Earth & Mineral Sciences
The Pennsylvania State University

2. • Who Are We, & What Are We Doing Here?
WELCOME!
• Who Are We, & What Are We Doing Here?
• About me and the GEOSC 10 team
• About the Course.
• Comments, Questions.

3. ABOUT GEOSC 10: Underlying Philosophy
Science literacy: “a threshold level of knowledge of basic principles of sciences” (Public Understanding of Science Working Group; cited in Falk 2001, p. 9)
Public understanding of science: “empowers people of all ages to enhance the quality of life for themselves, their families and society through science” (Public Understanding of Science Working Group 1993, p. 1)

4. Dr. Alley & His Team • Lead Faculty • Supporting Geosc. 10 Faculty
• Dr. Richard Alley
• Supporting Geosc. 10 Faculty
• Dr. Sridhar Anandakrishnan (“Dr. A”)
• Geosc 10 TA / Grad Students
• There are four TA’s for this course
• Instructional Support
• Cindy Alley ( Resource Development & Editing )
• Jennifer Babb, e-Education Institute ( Course Mgmt. )

5. ABOUT GEOSC 10: The “Blended” Model
In-Class
Online (ANGEL)
&

6. ABOUT GEOSC 10: The “Blended” Model
In-Class
• 1 Lecture / Week
• Every Tuesday
• Critical Concepts, Hot Topics, Survey Results

7. ABOUT GEOSC 10: The “Blended” Model
Online (ANGEL)
• 12 Units + Orientation
• EACH Unit / Week:
• Text Chapters / Readings
• Survey (“StudentsSpeak”)
• Unit Quiz (“Rock-Ons”)
• Multimedia Content ( “Vtrips”, “Geo-Mations”, “Geo-Media” )
• Exercises ( see calendar )
• Communications & Help
• ANGEL , Help Ctrs, FAQ’s

8. ABOUT GEOSC 10: The BIG Ideas
1. SCIENCE !
2. Mountain-Making
3. Mountain-Breaking
4. Living on Earth

9. ABOUT GEOSC 10: The BIG Ideas
1. SCIENCE !
• Why We Do It
• It Works, Really
• Science & Truth
2. Mountain-Making
• Plate Tectonics
• Vulcanism (Volcanoes), Earthquakes, & Landslides
3. Mountain-Breaking
• Weather & Climate
• Weathering & Erosion
• River Systems & Dam Effects
• Glaciers & Ice Ages
• Sediments & Sedimentary Rocks
4. Living on Earth
• Age of Earth
• Evolution & Biodiversity
• Fossil Fuels & Greenhouse Gases
• Coastal Processes & Sea Level Change

10. ABOUT GEOSC 10: The Geosc. 10 Workweek
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri.
Class
Weekly Unit Quiz Due
(Noon)
Survey Due
Survey Opens
(6 pm)
Weekly Unit Quiz Opens
Exercises Due

11. ABOUT GEOSC 10: and finally, Grades#
Assessment Item
% Each
% of Total Grade 10
Quizzes (of 12)
4.5% ea.
45 % 5
Exercises (of 6)
5% ea.
25 %
Class Participation Surveys (of 12)
1.0%
10 % 1
Final Exam
20 % **
Extra Credit
1-5%
+ 1-5 %

12. Comments, Complaints, Questions, …and GO!
Now, Onward…
Complete This Week:
START Folder – Unit 0
( In ANGEL - cms.psu.edu )