Understanding the Earth's Crust Using Geophysics

Overview: For the next 8 days you will be involved in an exploration of the earth's crust. You will apply concepts fundamental to physics, such as gravity, to your inquiry. When physics is applied to studies of the earth, we call it geophysics. Analysis of variations in the earth's gravity and of seismic events falls within this branch of science.

We will use some extremely powerful software that is designed for teaching and researching geophysics. The program is called Geophysics of North America (GNA). You will use the software to analyze regions of the earth's crust and present your discoveries to the class using imaging software accessible from GNA.

Some background knowledge will be offered through lecture, structured computer lessons and readings. These activities will give you an overview of the large scale character of the crust. Then the class will divide into small groups, each of whom will research some region or aspect of the earth's crust. The last part of the unit will be short presentations from each group.

Tentative Schedule:

    Monday         Tuesday        Wednesday       Thursday         Friday     

Introduction;  Activity using  Same as         Choose teams    Notes on       
Notes on       GNA             Tuesday         and topics;     Geology;       
Gravity;                                                                      
Rock           HW, (due                        Begin research  How to save    
activity;      Thurs):                                         and display    
               Read Pg                         HW, (due Fri):  images;        
HW,  (due      125-130,                        Contour wrksht                 
Tues):         136-139                                         More research  
Physiography   from Concept                                                   
worksheet      Physics,                                                       
               questions: 4,                                                  
               5,10, 12                                                       

Final          Presentations   Presentations                                  
Research Day;                                                                 
Prepare for    Assessment      Assessment                                     
Presentation                                                                  

Assessment: Your grade for this unit will be earned by a combination of the three homework assignments and the quality of your project. The projects will be co-assessed by your teacher and the members of each team. A self assessment form will be distributed to each team. Criteria will be centered on the quality of your presentation, mastery of the content and group skills. The members of each team will have the opportunity to distribute points in a way that reflects individual contribution. Your teacher will provide input on his perception of your diligence and success in communicating ideas. The point distribution is outlined below:

     Component      Points  

Physiography          10    
Assignment                  

Gravity Questions     10    

Contour Assignment    20    

Teacher Assessment    30    

Self Assessment       30    

Total                 100