The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators

The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators

Instructors: Edmond Mathez, Ph.D.

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20,337 already enrolled

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

230 reviews

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

230 reviews

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Geographic Information Systems

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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 videos Total 20 minutes

Course Overview 2 minutes
Introduction to the Course 2 minutes
How Zircons Have Revolutionized Understanding of Early Earth 11 minutes
The Rate of Decay 5 minutes

5 readings Total 50 minutes

Syllabus 10 minutes
Resources 10 minutes
About This Course 10 minutes
Using Radiometric Dating to Determine the Age of Rocks and Mineral 10 minutes
"Reading" a Rock to Get Its Age 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module One Quiz 30 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 videos Total 56 minutes

Evolution of Early Earth's Atmosphere 11 minutes
Banded Iron Formation 3 minutes
Stromatolites 3 minutes
Teaching with the Next Generation Science Standards: Part 1 13 minutes
Teaching with the Next Generation Science Standards: Part 2 7 minutes
Local Geology Assignment: Part 1 10 minutes
Local Geology Assignment: Part 2 10 minutes

2 readings Total 20 minutes

Early Life 10 minutes
Origin of Earth's Atmosphere 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module Two Quiz 30 minutes

1 peer review Total 120 minutes

Peer Review: Analyze a Local Geologic Feature 120 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 videos Total 37 minutes

The Structure of Mountain Belts: The Swiss Alps 12 minutes
Ductility of Rocks 1 minute
Marble Deformation 3 minutes
Scientists at Work: Mountain Building 6 minutes
Addressing Student Misconceptions When Teaching Plate Tectonics 15 minutes

2 readings Total 20 minutes

How Rocks Flow 10 minutes
Mantle Convection and Plate Tectonics 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module Three Quiz 30 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 videos Total 38 minutes

Earthquake Risk 16 minutes
Learning & Teaching with the Teaching Case 5 minutes
Part One: Background 3 minutes
Part Two: Data Collection 4 minutes
Part Three: Results 3 minutes
Part Four: Beyond Tectonics 4 minutes
Closing Thoughts 4 minutes

4 readings Total 40 minutes

Earthquake Risk in Bangladesh 10 minutes
Resources 10 minutes
Opportunities for Educators 10 minutes
Support AMNH 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module Four Quiz 30 minutes

Instructors

Instructor ratings

(40 ratings)

Edmond Mathez, Ph.D.

American Museum of Natural History

1 Course 20,337 learners

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American Museum of Natural History

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Reviewed on May 20, 2020

Convenient way of sharing knowledge and the way of presenting the course contents is perfect. I have learned about history of the earth in most applicable aspect.

Reviewed on May 10, 2020

very educational and interesting. will be beneficial for me as I want to pursue geology in university.

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2020

Thoroughly enjoyed this course. The two presenters were excellent & the course materials very clear. I learned a lot about my own area in the local geology project.

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