The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators

About 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.

Created by:  American Museum of Natural History

• Taught by:  Edmond Mathez, Ph.D., Curator and Professor

  Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

• Taught by:  Ro Kinzler, Ph.D., Senior Director

  Science Education

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American Museum of Natural History The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific, educational and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.

Syllabus


WEEK 1


Introduction & The Mystery of Geologic Time
You will explore the ways scientists study the rock record to determine the geologic history of the Earth.


4 videos, 5 readings expand

1. Video: Course Overview
2. Reading: Syllabus
3. Reading: Resources
4. Video: Introduction to the Course
5. Reading: About This Course
6. Video: How Zircons Have Revolutionized Understanding of Early Earth
7. Video: The Rate of Decay
8. Reading: Using Radiometric Dating to Determine the Age of Rocks and Mineral
9. Reading: "Reading" a Rock to Get Its Age

Graded: Module One Quiz

WEEK 2


Evolution of the Atmosphere



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.


7 videos, 2 readings expand

1. Video: Evolution of Early Earth's Atmosphere
2. Reading: Early Life
3. Reading: Origin of Earth's Atmosphere
4. Video: Banded Iron Formation
5. Video: Stromatolites
6. Video: Teaching with the Next Generation Science Standards: Part 1
7. Video: Teaching with the Next Generation Science Standards: Part 2
8. Video: Local Geology Assignment: Part 1
9. Video: Local Geology Assignment: Part 2

Graded: Module Two Quiz
Graded: Peer Review: Analyze a Local Geologic Feature

WEEK 3


Plate Tectonics: Mountain Building
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.


5 videos, 2 readings expand

1. Video: The Structure of Mountain Belts: The Swiss Alps
2. Reading: How Rocks Flow
3. Video: Ductility of Rocks
4. Video: Marble Deformation
5. Reading: Mantle Convection and Plate Tectonics
6. Video: Scientists at Work: Mountain Building
7. Video: Addressing Student Misconceptions When Teaching Plate Tectonics

Graded: Module Three Quiz

WEEK 4


Plate Tectonics: Earthquakes



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.


7 videos, 4 readings expand

1. Video: Earthquake Risk
2. Video: Learning & Teaching with the Teaching Case
3. Reading: Earthquake Risk in Bangladesh
4. Video: Part One: Background
5. Video: Part Two: Data Collection
6. Video: Part Three: Results
7. Video: Part Four: Beyond Tectonics
8. Video: Closing Thoughts
9. Reading: Resources
10. Reading: Opportunities for Educators
11. Reading: Support AMNH

Graded: Module Four Quiz