The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators

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The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators

Instructors: Edmond Mathez, Ph.D.

20,417 already enrolled

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

230 reviews

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

230 reviews

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

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Assessments

4 assignments¹

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Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

The AMNH course The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators provides students with an overview of the origin and evolution of the Earth. Informed by the recently released Next Generation Science Standards, this course examines geological time scales, radiometric dating, and how scientists “read the rocks.” We will explore dramatic changes in the Earth over the last 4 billion years, including how the evolution of life on Earth has affected its atmosphere. In addition to looking at geology on a global scale, participants will take to their own backyards to explore and share their local geologic history. Course participants will bring their understanding of the dynamic Earth - along with content resources, discussion questions, and assignments - into their own teaching.

You will explore the ways scientists study the rock record to determine the geologic history of the Earth.

What's included

4 videos5 readings1 assignment

4 videosTotal 20 minutes

Course Overview2 minutes
Introduction to the Course2 minutes
How Zircons Have Revolutionized Understanding of Early Earth11 minutes
The Rate of Decay5 minutes

5 readingsTotal 50 minutes

Syllabus10 minutes
Resources10 minutes
About This Course10 minutes
Using Radiometric Dating to Determine the Age of Rocks and Mineral10 minutes
"Reading" a Rock to Get Its Age10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module One Quiz30 minutes

You will learn how the evolution of photosynthetic life changed the concentration of oxygen in the oceans and atmosphere, and how this is reflected in the rock record. You will also become familiar with how the Next Generation Science Standards connect to this week’s content. Finally, you will complete a written assignment: an analysis of a local geologic feature.

What's included

7 videos2 readings1 assignment1 peer review

7 videosTotal 56 minutes

Evolution of Early Earth's Atmosphere11 minutes
Banded Iron Formation3 minutes
Stromatolites3 minutes
Teaching with the Next Generation Science Standards: Part 113 minutes
Teaching with the Next Generation Science Standards: Part 27 minutes
Local Geology Assignment: Part 110 minutes
Local Geology Assignment: Part 210 minutes

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

Early Life10 minutes
Origin of Earth's Atmosphere10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module Two Quiz30 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 120 minutes

Peer Review: Analyze a Local Geologic Feature120 minutes

You will learn how convection causes solid rock to flow in the Earth’s mantle and how the movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates forms mountains. You will also learn how to identify and address common student misconceptions about plate tectonics.

What's included

5 videos2 readings1 assignment

5 videosTotal 37 minutes

The Structure of Mountain Belts: The Swiss Alps12 minutes
Ductility of Rocks1 minute
Marble Deformation3 minutes
Scientists at Work: Mountain Building6 minutes
Addressing Student Misconceptions When Teaching Plate Tectonics15 minutes

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

How Rocks Flow10 minutes
Mantle Convection and Plate Tectonics10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module Three Quiz30 minutes

You will learn about earthquake risk. Using a multimedia teaching case about earthquake risk in Bangladesh, you will learn how scientists define and assess the risk from geologic events. You will also learn how to implement this or similar teaching cases with your students.

What's included

7 videos4 readings1 assignment

7 videosTotal 38 minutes

Earthquake Risk16 minutes
Learning & Teaching with the Teaching Case5 minutes
Part One: Background3 minutes
Part Two: Data Collection4 minutes
Part Three: Results3 minutes
Part Four: Beyond Tectonics4 minutes
Closing Thoughts4 minutes

4 readingsTotal 40 minutes

Earthquake Risk in Bangladesh10 minutes
Resources10 minutes
Opportunities for Educators10 minutes
Support AMNH10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module Four Quiz30 minutes

Instructors

Instructor ratings

(40 ratings)

Edmond Mathez, Ph.D.

American Museum of Natural History

1 Course20,417 learners

Offered by

American Museum of Natural History

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Reviewed on Jun 4, 2020

I really enjoy this course. It is very useful to all geologists.

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2016

I FOUND THIS COURSE VERY USEFUL. BEING A STUDENT OF GEOLOGY, THIS COURSE WILL HELP ME IMPROVE MY KNOWLEDGE OF GEOLOGY.

Reviewed on Dec 13, 2018

Well organized and excellent resources for educatorsI liked the observation assignment as well because it put participants in the minds of students and gave a possible activity for completion.

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