Structure of the Earth System

Structure of the Earth System advances your understanding and effective teaching of landform processes and use of data sets and mapping tools.

Course Objectives

• Develop content knowledge about landform processes, data sets, and mapping tools
• Continue to explore inquiry-based learning models
• Continue to explore a media-rich learning environment to use with students
• Learn effective teaching methodologies, strategies, and tools for use in teaching earth and space science concepts

Course Syllabus

Session 1: Structure of the Earth System
Participants examine the fundamental internal and surface processes that explain Earth's ever-changing appearance, and investigate how the rock cycle connects to these processes.

Session 2: Using Data Sets and Mapping Tools
Participants investigate how mapping data can help students explore Earth processes such as plate tectonics, and their connection to extreme Earth events such as earthquakes.

Additional Course Information

• Second in a series of four course modules for teachers of earth and space science
• Other courses in the series:
  • 1st course: Introduction to the Earth System
  • 3rd course: Earth in Time and Space
  • 4th course: Weather and Climate
• A full survey course, Teaching Earth and Space Science, is also available.

We recommend course modules be taken in order. If this is not possible, it's important to have a basic knowledge of the content and methodology described in the preceding courses.

See also: Course Tour example