Download Geology B10L Physical Geology Lab Fall 2014

Geology B10L Physical Geology Lab Fall 2014
a.
Demonstrate a knowledge of and recognize the processes that explain natural
phenomena:
1. Understand the materials that make up the earth; minerals, major rock types, their
geologic environments and the rock cycle
Each sample was presented with a similar sample (same rock) and they were to identify
the rock (granite), the rock type (igneous), give a texture of the rock, a mineral involved
and decide if they should build on it and why that would be a good or bad idea. Only
40% of the students could identify the sample; 56% knew it was an igneous rock. Thirtytwo percent of the students could give a texture. Fifty-two percent could also identify a
mineral (quartz, a feldspar, FeMg’s, etc.). The same amount decided granite would be a
good place to build, but only 36% said it is a good place to build due to its due to its
strength.
Part of the difficulty with this question is that rocks were covered at the beginning of
the semester and this test was at the end.
2. Understand how earth history is deciphered using various types of geologic dating
techniques.
This was not covered on the final, but many exercises were dedicated to this problem.
3. Understand the mechanics of plate tectonic boundaries and associated geologic
environments that produce various types of rocks
This was not covered on the final, but many exercises were dedicated to this problem.
4. Understand the nature of earthquakes and fault types
Although not addressed on the final, the students did perform an activity in lab.
b. Apply methodologies of science when approaching a problem:
1. Understand and apply the various steps in the scientific method that lead to the
“accuracy” of earth processes.
This was a lab activity that the students did previously, but were not especially tested on
it. Although, many of the questions on this exam do test this idea.
2. Understand the interpretation of topographic maps by recognizing land features
delineated with contour lines.
The students were given a topographic map, and asked to identify a drainage pattern,
channel pattern, as well as the direction the river would flow. Thirty-two percent of the
students could identify the drainage pattern, 20 % could identify the channel pattern,
but 60% could tell from the map which direction the river would flow.
On the same map, they were also asked about some glacial features. Twelve percent
could identify Evolution Valley was a u-shaped valley; 20% could identify paternoster
lakes. Using the PLSS system, 24% could find Thunder and Lightning Lake and 28% could
identify Thunder and Lightning Lake as a Tarn (or lake was acceptable).
2.
Understand the interpretation of geologic maps by recognizing geologic structures based
on age dating and stratagraphic principles
Students studied a geologic map and answer questions on a dome. Only 8% could identify a
dome (or call it an anticline) from the map. Twelve percent could identify the fold by the oldest
sediments at the center of the fold. Fifty-two percent of the students correctly said that the
feature was caused by compressional stress.
a.
Apply logical quantitative and qualitative reasoning in solving problems or
analyzing arguments:
Students were asked to explain how coastal Green Hill Pond formed. Sixty-eight percent
explained a spit closing up and making a lagoon caused that feature.
1. Understand man’s place in earth’s history and how man has impacted the earth’s
spheres. This was also not addressed on the final exam.
Summary: Students had a hard time retaining what they learned at the beginning of the
semester. On some of the SLOs, a majority of students could answer the related questions
correctly (55% and up).