anybody good in “earth science”
earth science
i need help for this whole class
Class Earth Science
SOE 101: WELCOME TO THE EARTH [PSCI] – FALL 2020
4 CREDITS | NO PREREQUISITES
August 24th – December 18th, 2020
Synchronous lecture:
Section 2: M/W 10.10 – 11.00 | on Zoom
Section 3: M/W 1.10 – 2.00 | on Zoom
Section 5: TU/TH 10.35 – 11.25 | on Zoom
Labs: on Zoom, at your scheduled lab
time
Each lecture, lab, and walk-in hour Zoom meeting can be accessed through the “Zoom” tab on Blackboard.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Instructor: Dr. Julie Ménard
Office: we will meet exclusively on Zoom
Walk-in Hours: TBD, exclusively on Zoom
Email: julie.menard@wsu.edu
When communicating via email, please include your lecture and lab sections. You can expect a reply within 2 business days.
Each Teaching Assistant (TA) will have walk-in hours on Zoom throughout the semester.
The schedule is posted on Blackboard. You are encouraged to talk to any and all TAs during their walk-in hours.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Required material
• Electronic device (laptop, tablet, smartphone) for each lecture and lab. You can rent laptops for one semester
(cougtech.wsu.edu).
• You must download Zoom to your device. All lectures, labs, and walk-in hours will be on Zoom, and accessible through the
“Zoom” tab on Blackboard.
• You must have a working camera and microphone on your device for each lecture and lab.
Required course fee: $6.33 (waived this semester)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Course Overview
Earth science helps us realize and better understand trade-‐offs, therefore critical thinking exercises are designed to help students
evaluate pros and cons surrounding issues such as choice of energy supply, and more importantly how that choice of energy supply
may impact water and atmosphere quality. Earth science is described as a systems science that looks at the entire system, as directed
by the question at hand.
Utilizing the frameworks of systems and lecturing, students will explore global, regional and local geologic issues. This course will
address the grand challenges of Earth science which include the need to better understand biogeochemical cycles, rock types, climate
change, hydrologic cycle, renewable and non-renewable resources.
Course objectives will be attained utilizing the following UCORE learning goals for sciences: Scientific literacy; Critical thinking;
Quantitative reasoning; Information literacy; Writing and communication.
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of Earth science, these goals cannot be attained, or topics described or understood in isolation,
therefore the class will build upon many concepts and skills simultaneously. Students will become familiar with Earth science
terms, concepts, methods and uncertainty. Students will be required to perform basic research and simple scientific procedures,
gather data, organize information, and to then communicate what they have learned through discussion and written work. This
process will enhance critical thinking, logic and communications and discussion skills useful to multiple disciplines.
SOE 101 – Fall 2020 Syllabus – Ménard
2
WSU
UCORE
Learning
Goal
Natural Sciences
Category Learning
Outcomes
Course-level
Learning Outcome
“At the end of this
course, students
should be able to…”
Class Topics
& Learning Activities
Learning Outcome Assessed by
…
Scientific
Literacy
Students identify and
evaluate the key
evidence underlying
scientific theories.
Describe key theories
and organizing
frameworks.
Hazards: location and risk level,
preventative measures and
consequences.
Climate Change: Processes and
data analysis.
Resources: renewable vs non-
renewable resources, their uses and
implications.
Rock types and plate tectonics.
Weekly Activities during lecture
and lab that are interactive,
student-centered, and focused on
questioning, exploring, and posing
explanations.
Students will articulate theories and
frameworks through verbal
discussion, activity groups in both
lab and lecture.
Students demonstrate
understanding of key
concepts or basic
principles in the
discipline.
Articulate current
Earth science
challenges in the
context of their
impacts on geology,
society and the climate.
Hazards: location and risk level,
preventative measures and
consequences.
Climate Change: Processes and
data analysis.
Resources: renewable vs non-
renewable resources, their uses and
implications.
Rock types and plate tectonics.
Weekly Activities during lecture
and lab that are interactive,
student-centered, and focused on
questioning, exploring, and posing
explanations.
In class quizzes and student-
centered weekly activities will
assess retention and understanding
of the material.
Attendance and comprehension and
application will be assessed with in
class questions.
Critical
Thinking
Students practice
critical evaluation of
positions and
arguments made
about scientific
claims.
Describe and evaluate
the implications of
uncertainty in science
and the assessment of
risk.
Hazards: location and risk level,
preventative measures and
consequences.
Climate Change: Processes and
data analysis.
Resources: renewable vs non-
renewable resources, their uses and
implications.
Rock types and plate tectonics.
Weekly Activities during lecture
and lab that are interactive,
student-centered, and focused on
questioning, exploring, and posing
explanations.
Lab activities will proved students
with various datasets, and lead
them through the scientific method
to understand the complexities of
the topic.
Students are encouraged to develop
their own understanding of a topic,
utilizing the scientific method.
Critical thinking is valued more
than getting the correct answer.
Students test
hypotheses using
appropriate methods
involving data
collection and
analysis, and make
valid inferences from
results
Observe and analyze
the provided
information, obtain
their own data, and use
this to develop an
understanding of the
geologic process or
feature.
Hazards: location and risk level,
preventative measures and
consequences.
Climate Change: Processes and
data analysis.
Resources: renewable vs non-
renewable resources, their uses and
implications.
Rock types and plate tectonics.
Weekly Activities during lab that
are interactive, student-centered,
and focused on questioning,
exploring, and posing explanations.
Interactive activities in lab will ask
students to use specific methods, in
order to think through the problem
and answer the questions.
SOE 101 – Fall 2020 Syllabus – Ménard
3
Quantitative
Reasoning
Students apply
quantitative methods
and principles to
solve scientific
problems or explain
scientific
observations, as
appropriate to the
course level.
Understand how to
read graphs of
scientific information
and measure,
calculate, and compile
scientific information
Rock types
Water cycle
Energy
Volcanism lab
Earthquake lab
Scales and density labs
Groundwater lab
Plate Tectonics lab Weekly
Activities during lecture and lab
that are interactive, student-
centered, and focused on
questioning, exploring, and posing
explanations.
Interactive activities in lab and
lecture will ask students to collect
and interpret data in group
discussions as well as prepare
written descriptions and
interpretations of that data.
Interactive lab and lecture activities
will encourage students to look at
worldwide collected data, and to
interpret the data using the
scientific method.
Information
Literacy
Students find,
evaluate and use
scientific and other
information from a
variety of sources
Find several reliable
sources of information
to develop their
knowledge and
understanding of a
scientific process or
issue, in order to
produce scientifically
accurate work.
National Park Brochure research
and media project.
Reading comprehension will be
assessed with lab activities.
Students are shown how to, and
encouraged to use library resources
to find information pertaining to
their group project.
Students receive
instruction with
feedback for
information literacy
skills appropriate to
lower or upper
division expectations
and departmental
standards
Receive instructions
and advice on the
quality and reliability
of the chosen sources
for each assignment.
Writing assignments within the
National Park Brochure research
and media project.
Each written submission will
receive feedback. Lab and lecture
activities will receive immediate
feedback, the group project
submissions will receive feedback
within 2 weeks, and before the next
assignment is assigned.
Writing and
Communicat
ion
Students
communicate
findings effectively in
forms appropriate to
the discipline
Develop and design
simple tools or other
formats for integrating
Earth processes and
limitations into their
chosen profession.
Writing assignments and National
Park Brochure research and media
project.
Through oral and written
communication in weekly lab and
lecture discussions and
assignments, and through a
brochure group project, students
will develop and present arguments
surrounding the pros and cons of
potential solutions to geological
challenges.
Students produce
reasonable amount of
writing, appropriate
to lower or upper
division expectations
and departmental
standards
Produce written and
oral descriptions of
their work, thought
process, and outcome.
Hazards: location and risk level,
preventative measures and
consequences.
Rock types and plate tectonics.
Climate Change: Processes and
data analysis.
Resources: renewable vs non-
renewable resources, their uses and
implications.
National Parks
Weekly lab activities, and writing
assignments within the National
Park Brochure research and media
project.
Through the weekly lab activities,
students will produce written work
weekly,
Through the group project, students
will produce individual written
work four times throughout the
semester, and group written work
three times throughout the
semester.
This class is part of WSU’s First-Year Focus Living-Learning Community Program. This means that some of you not only share
this course section but also live in the same residence hall(s). Being part of this learning community allows you to connect with
each other about course assignments, to study together, and to get to know each other better. I will also offer some activities
outside of class to assist you and get to know you as well. All students in this class are welcome to participate in these events,
even if you are not living in the same hall.
SOE 101 – Fall 2020 Syllabus – Ménard
4
Student health and safety: In the event that you have gone/are going through a traumatic event, please know that I am here for you,
and that I will believe you.
The following resources are available to you: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, DIAL 911 FIRST, AWARE
Network: aware.wsu.edu, Cougar Transit: 978 267-7233, WSU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 509 335-2159,
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800 273-8255, Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741, WSU Police: 509 335-8548, Pullman Police
(Non-Emergency): 509 332-2521, WSU Office of Civil Rights Compliance & Investigation: 509 335-8288, Alternatives to Violence
on the Palouse: 877 334-2887, Pullman 24-Hour Crisis Line: 509 334-1133
Lecture Attendance: Because there is no textbook for this class, lecture attendance is mandatory. We will do in-class activities most
weeks, and answer questions throughout every class. All attendance and activity questions will be graded on both participation and
accuracy. There will be no lecture attendance make ups unless appropriate documentation is provided beforehand, and with the
approval of Dr. Ménard.
Lab attendance: Lab attendance is mandatory. There will be no lab make ups, unless appropriate documentation is provided
beforehand, and with the approval of your TA. Some of our labs are outside and/or off campus. Please dress accordingly for the
weather and be on time to lab.
Late work: Late work, including quizzes, exam, writing assignments and labs, will not be accepted.
Incomplete Grade Policy: University policy (Acad. Reg. #90) states that Incompletes may only be awarded if: “the student is unable
to complete their work on time due to circumstances beyond their control”. Incompletes will not be granted unless the student has
completed at least 75 % of the class requirements for the semester.
Electronics in Class: Students will use cellphones, tablets, or laptops in class within reason. Students will use the technology to engage
in the course material, and answer questions throughout lecture. If you use your electronics for purposes unrelated to class, you will be
asked to turn them off, and may be asked to leave. You will then be marked as absent, and will not receive any points for the day.
Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a disability and need
accommodations to fully participate in this class, please either visit or call your campus Access Center (see contact information listed
below) to schedule an appointment. All accommodations MUST be approved through the Access Center of your campus. For more
information, contact a Disability Specialist on the Pullman campus: 509-335-3417, Washington Building
217, accesscenter.wsu.edu, Access.Center@wsu.edu
Freedom of Expression: Freedom of expression is recognized as one of the essential elements of academic freedom. On a healthy
campus, there is respect for the dignity and worth of all members of the campus community and a concern for the rights of others. It is
the policy of Washington State University to support and promote the rights of all individuals to express their view and opinions for or
against actions or ideas in which they have an interest. The above rights exist in equal measure for each member of the University
community.
In this classroom we want to promote respectful dialogue. Speech and conduct that disrupts the educational process and creates
a hostile environment, as that term is defined in WSU’s non-discrimination policy (Executive Policy 15), is not protected. If concerns
arise, the instructor and/or students have the right to consult the WSU’s Office for Equal Opportunity at 509-335-8288 or oeo@wsu.edu.
Academic Honesty and Integrity: Academic integrity is the cornerstone of higher education. As such, all members of the university
community share responsibility for maintaining and promoting the principles of integrity in all activities, including academic integrity
and honest scholarship. Academic integrity will be strongly enforced in this course. Students who violate WSU’s Academic Integrity
Policy (identified in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 504-26-010(3) and -404) will receive a zero on the assignment. A second
violation will result in failure of the course and the student will not have the option to withdraw from the course pending an appeal, and
will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct.
Cheating includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism and unauthorized collaboration as defined in the Standards of Conduct for Students,
WAC 504-26-010(3). You need to read and understand all of the definitions of
cheating: http://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=504-26-010. If you have any questions about what is and is not allowed in this
course, you should ask course instructors before proceeding.
If you wish to appeal a faculty member’s decision relating to academic integrity, please use the form available at conduct.wsu.edu.
Campus and Classroom safety: Classroom and campus safety are of paramount importance at Washington State University, and are
the shared responsibility of the entire campus population. WSU urges students to follow the “Alert, Assess, Act,” protocol for all types
of emergencies and the “Run, Hide, Fight” response for an active shooter incident. Remain ALERT (through direct observation or
https://aware.wsu.edu/
https://accesscenter.wsu.edu/
mailto:Access.Center@wsu.edu
http://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=504-26-010
http://conduct.wsu.edu/
SOE 101 – Fall 2020 Syllabus – Ménard
5
emergency notification), ASSESS your specific situation, and ACT in the most appropriate way to assure your own safety (and the
safety of others if you are able).
Please sign up for emergency alerts on your account at MyWSU. For more information on this subject, campus safety, and related topics,
please view the FBI’s Run, Hide, Fight video and visit the WSU safety portal.
Full details can be found at https://provost.wsu.edu/classroom-safety/
Academic Complaint Procedures (Academic Rule 104): A student having complaints about instruction or grading should attempt to
resolve those issues directly with the instructor. If that fails, the student should send an email to the instructor using his or her official
WSU email account no later than 20 business days following the end of the semester. This email should briefly outline the complaint
and be copied to the chairperson of the academic department. If the complaint is not resolved with the instructor within 20 business days
of sending the email, then the student may work directly with the chairperson of the academic department in which the course is offered.
The chair’s decision shall be rendered within 20 additional business days.
Basic Needs Security: Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a
safe and stable place to live, and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the Dean of Students for
support. Furthermore, please notify the instructor if you are comfortable doing so. This will enable them to provide any resources that
they may possess.
Office of the Dean of Students: French Administration 122 | Phone: 509-335-5757 | website: https://deanofstudents.wsu.edu/ | email:
deanofstudents@wsu.edu
Accommodation for Religious Observances or Activities: Washington State University reasonably accommodates absences allowing
for students to take holidays for reasons of faith or conscience or organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious
denomination, church, or religious organization. Reasonable accommodation requires the student to coordinate with the instructor on
scheduling examinations or other activities necessary for course completion. Students requesting accommodation must provide written
notification within the first two weeks of the beginning of the course and include specific dates for absences. Approved accommodations
for absences will not adversely impact student grades. Absence from classes or examinations for religious reasons does not relieve
students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence. Students who feel they have been
treated unfairly in terms of this accommodation may refer to Academic Regulation 104 – Academic Complaint Procedures.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dr. Ménard and the TAs encourage you to come and talk with us during walk-in hours about any issues or concerns that you may have
with the way your work is evaluated.
Please remember that we can only respond to emails coming from your @wsu.edu email account.
In order for an absence to be excused, you must contact Dr. Ménard and/or your TA
as soon as possible and ideally before missing class.
You must provide an explanation for your absence, as well as appropriate documentation.
Dr. Ménard and your TA reserve the right to excuse your absence or not, depending on the situation.
If your absence is excused, you may make up the work you missed within 7 days.
In order to pass the class, an overall 60% average is required, including a minimum of 60% in both lab and lecture.
Both lecture and lab attendance are mandatory:
– 6 or more unexcused absences in lecture
and/or
– 3 or more unexcused absences in lab
–
will result in a failing grade for the entire class
https://www.fbi.gov/services/cirg
https://deanofstudents.wsu.edu/
mailto:deanofstudents@wsu.edu
SOE 101 – Fall 2020 Syllabus – Ménard
6
The final letter grade will be determined using the following tables:
Expectations of Student Effort – This is a 4-credit class. Students are expected to spend approximately 8.5 hours per week on this
course on average. This includes 3 hours per week in lab and 2.5 hours per week in lecture each, and 3 hours working on reading,
homework assignments (labs, writing assignments, project) and exam study.
Exams: There will be 3 exams, including a final exam. They will cover all lecture and lab materials. Each exam will be on open
books Blackboard, and will last 2 hours once you start them.
There will be a short quiz at the beginning of each lab, regarding the material covered in any of the previous labs.
Final Exam: Opens on Blackboard on December 14th at 8:00 AM, and closes on December 17th at 7 PM. There will be no make up
opportunity for the final exam.
Attendance Points: Each lecture will include questions that will challenge you and your group to apply what you have learned in class
and lab to a real-world problem. These questions are worth up to 20 points per week, and will track attendance, comprehension and
application of the material.
Activity Points: Most weeks will include questions that will challenge you and your group to apply what you have learned throughout
the Activity, and will track comprehension and application of the material. There will be up to 2 Activities per week, which will not be
announced in advance. You must attend class to participate.
Perusall reading points: Each week you will be assigned articles to read and annotate. Access Perusall through Blackboard only,
otherwise your points for the assignment will not be recorded. You must make a minimum of 7 comments on each reading. Some
readings will be individual, others will be done as a group, where you will discuss the content with your peers. Comments will be graded
on their quality and demonstration of critical thinking.
Labs: Earth science is about the evolution of Earth, its structures and processes. Labs are designed for hands‐on learning and discovery,
data collection and organizing information. Science begins with observation, so many of the labs will be asking you to articulate
Point Structure Points Total
Exam 1 75 (1 point per question)
Exam 2 75 (1 point per question)
Final Exam 100 (1 point per question)
Total exams + final exam Points 250
Lecture Activities (will NOT be announced in advance) Up to 2 per week 180
Lecture Attendance questions Several per week 100
Perusall readings Weekly assignments 140
Total Lecture Points 670
Total National Park Brochure Project 120
Part 1: Individual Writing Assignment 1 – Sources 10
Part 2: Group Writing Assignment 1 – Introduction 10
Part 3: Individual Writing Assignment 2 – Geology 15
Part 4: Group Writing Assignment 2 – Geology Overview 10
Part 5: Individual Writing Assignment 3 – Climate and Future 15
Part 6: Group Writing Assignment 3 – Climate and Future 10
Part 7: Group Writing Assignment 4: Final brochure 20
Part 8: Individual Writing Assignment 4 – Reflection 10
Part 9: Group Assignment 5: Project Presentation 20
Lab Reports 10 points x 14 labs 140
Lab Quizzes 5 points x 14 labs 70
Total Lab Points 330
Total Lecture + Lab Points 1000
A 92.5 -100%
A-‐ 89.5 -92.4 %
B+ 85.5-‐89.4 %
B 82.5-‐85.4 %
B-‐ 79.5-‐82.4 %
C+ 76.5-‐79.4 %
C 72.5-‐76.4 %
C-‐ 69.5-‐72.4 %
D+ 66.5-‐69.4 %
D 59.5‐66.4 %
F < 59.5 %
SOE 101 – Fall 2020 Syllabus – Ménard
7
observations and to devise questions (hypotheses) about those observations. Because the labs are discovery based, students will be asked
to go out on field trips during some of the labs.
National Park Brochure Project: Students will be assigned to a group, and that group will be assigned a single National Park that
will be the focus of a semester long case study research project concluding in a brochure and oral group presentation. This case study
will look at all the major areas of geoscience that will be studied throughout the class, including landforms, plate tectonics, rock types,
water, resources, climate, and cultural interest.
The project will be a semester long project that is broken up into 9 parts. These writing assignments will reflect your
understanding of text and lecture material as well as your own research into the scholarly literature around the National Park Geology
and Climate. Five of the assignments will be completed as a group, and four of the assignments will be completed individually. For
more specifics on the project, refer to Blackboard. A research example from the WSU libraries will be available on Blackboard.
Extra Credit: 4 extra credit opportunities will be offered throughout the semester, worth 5 points each. They will be on Blackboard,
and announced 2 weeks before the due date.
Copyright (2020) Dr. Julie Menard: This syllabus and all course-related materials, presentations, lectures, etc. are my intellectual
property and may be protected by copyright. Selling class notes through commercial note taking services, without my written advance
permission, could be viewed as copyright infringement and/or an academic integrity violation, WAC 504-26-010 (3) (a,b,c,i). Further,
the use of University electronic resources (e.g., Blackboard) for commercial purposes, including advertising to other students to buy
notes, is a violation of WSU’s computer abuses and theft policy (WAC 504-26-218), a violation of WSU’s Electronic Communication
policy (EP 4), and may also violate the terms of use for the Blackboard software program.
SOE 101 – Fall 2020 Syllabus – Ménard
8
FALL 2020 SOE 101 Schedule (subject to change)
Week Unit Chapter Lecture Topic* Assessment**
Perusall
Readings
Due every
Friday at 5
PM
Lab Topic Lab Project ‡
1 08/24
1
–
Pale
Blue Dot
1-
Cosmos
Scientific method, Big Bang,
planetary disk
Planetary
Formation No lab
2 08/31
Planet formation: terrestrial
planets, Gas Giants and their
moons
Theories Brochure prep Part 1
assigned
3 09/07
2-Earth’s
Teenage
Years
Differentiation: why aren’t we
walking on solid iron? – Moon
and tides
Earth history
Plate tectonics, rock
types & density
09/07 Part 1
due
4 09/14
A dynamic planet: plate
tectonics
Cruising around our Sun:
Global Climate
Plate tectonics
Igneous rocks and
minerals & WA geology Part 2 in lab
5 09/21
2
–
Earth
through
time
3-Plate
Tectonics
and their
Hazards
Mountains
Exam 1: Unit 1
09/21 at 8AM to
09/25 at 5 PM
Rock types Sedimentary rocks and minerals & deserts
Part 3
assigned
6 09/28 Volcanoes Volcanic activity
Metamorphic rocks and
minerals & Mountain
ranges
09/28 Part 3
due
7 10/05 Mass Wasting
Earthquakes
and Mass
wasting
Volcanoes
8 10/12 4-
Geologic
Time
Structures and GeoTime
Geologic
time and
Solar
System
Earthquakes Part 4 in lab
9 10/19 Planets and Moons of our Solar System Water
Structures & Geologic
time
Part 5
assigned
10 10/26
3
–
Earth
Survival
Guide
5-Water
and its
Hazards
Tsunamis, floods,
contamination
Exam 2: Unit 2
10/26 at 8AM to
10/30 at 5 PM
Resources Groundwater & Streams 10/26 Part 5 due
11 11/02 6-
Resources
and their
hazards
Non-renewable resources Maps Campus rock quest
12 11/09 Renewable resources Evolution Maps (geo + topo) Part 6 in lab
13 11/16 7-Climate
Change
and its
Hazards,
Earth’s
future
Weather, weather patterns,
wildlife
Weather vs
climate Paleo-climates & fossils
Part 7 in lab
Part 8
assigned
14 11/23 Thanksgiving break
15 11/30 What’s next for Earth? Future of our planet
Climate change &
Earth’s future
11/30 Part 8
due
16 12/07 Review Review Project Presentations Project Presentations
17 12/14
Final Exam
opens on 12/14 at 8 AM and
closes on 12/17 at 7 PM
Final Exam –
Cumulative
*: Lectures will be synchronous on MW (Sections 2&3) and TuTh (Section 5).
**: All exams will be on Blackboard. They will be open documents, not proctored. Once you start, you will have 2 hours to complete
each exam. Days and times in the table indicate when exams become available, and when they are due.
‡: All students must participate equally in their group projects to receive points for these projects.
Each individual Part is due on Blackboard by 5 PM of that day. Each group Part is due on Blackboard before leaving lab.
Late work will not be accepted.
Please make sure to contact your instructor and TA immediately if you are having trouble keeping up with the material and/or
the workload.
We cannot help you if you do not contact us.
- FIRST YEAR FOCUS:
- This class is part of WSU’s First-Year Focus Living-Learning Community Program. This means that some of you not only share this course section but also live in the same residence hall(s). Being part of this learning community allows you to connect wit…
CLASS POLICIES
GRADES: