This laboratory-based course explores Earth's systems in the hydrosphere, geosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Students spend an average of 3 hours per week participating in virtual laboratory assignments and scientific inquiry. Key topics include the Earth's formation, seismic activity (earthquakes and volcanoes), plate tectonics, and geological time.
List of Virtual Laboratory Experiments Completed:
• The Scientific Method and Nebular Hypothesis: Students test variables to differentiate between scientific hypotheses, theories, and laws regarding the formation of the solar system.
• Earth’s Layers and Seismic Analysis: Using data to identify evidence of Earth's crust, mantle, and core through simulated earthquake and volcanic activity.
• Plate Tectonics Simulation: Testing the mechanisms of radioactive decay and convection to demonstrate the theory of plate tectonics.
• Geologic Time and Fossil Reconstruction: Utilizing principles of relative age and uniformitarianism to reconstruct Earth's past using rock and fossil records.
• Atmospheric and Climate Change Lab: Analyzing Earth systems to observe the impacts of mass extinction and climate change events.
• Resource Management and Environmental Impact: Manipulating data to describe the impact of human activity on renewable and nonrenewable natural resources.