There are no published textbooks on laboratory techniques in the geosciences at the undergraduate level. This project is creating learning modules on scientific analysis and analytical methods that will be delivered in a blended learning format.

Students learn what causes earthquakes, how we measure and locate them, and their effects and consequences. Through the online Earthquakes Living Lab, student pairs explore various types of seismic waves and the differences between shear waves and compressional waves. They conduct research using the portion of the living lab that focuses primarily on the instruments, methods and data used to measure and locate earthquakes. Using real-time U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data accessed through the living lab interface, students locate where earthquakes are occurring and how frequently. Students propose questions and analyze the real-world seismic data to find answers and form conclusions. They are asked to think critically about why earthquakes occur and how knowledge about earthquakes can be helpful to engineers. A worksheet serves as a student guide for the activity.

Students learn how engineers characterize earthquakes through seismic data. Then, acting as engineers, they use real-world seismograph data and a tutorial/simulation accessed through the Earthquakes Living Lab to locate earthquake epicenters via triangulation and determine earthquake magnitudes. Student pairs examine seismic waves, S waves and P waves recorded on seismograms, measuring the key S-P interval. Students then determine the maximum S wave amplitudes in order to determine earthquake magnitude, a measure of the amount of energy released. Students consider how engineers might use and implement seismic data in their design work. A worksheet serves as a student guide for the activity.

Students study how geology relates to the frequency of large-magnitude earthquakes in Japan. Using the online resources provided through the Earthquakes Living Lab, students investigate reasons why large earthquakes occur in this region, drawing conclusions from tectonic plate structures and the locations of fault lines. Working in pairs, students explore the 1995 Kobe earthquake, why it happened and the destruction it caused. Students also think like engineers to predict where other earthquakes are likely to occur and what precautions might be taken. A worksheet serves as a student guide for the activity.

This lesson teaches the students about the different layers of the Earth and how they work together. Students will be able to: Name and label the four layers of the Earth; Identify the main minerals that make up each layer; Explain how scientists formulated the idea that the Earth is comprised of four layers.

GS106 is a survey course providing non-science majors a broad background in earth science. No previous science background required.

This course introduces the following themes:
The scale of the Universe
Scientific models
Scientific literacy
Science is observable
Scientific models evolve
Nuclear chemistry and physics
Earth materials
Plate tectonics
Global change
Energy resources
Astronomy
Cosmology

Course Outcomes:
1. Have an understanding of the basic concepts, processes, and analytical tools related to the study of the universe.
2. Develop experimental skills and knowledge relating to the gathering and interpretation of scientific information.
3. Evaluate and articulate the relevance of atomic science, geology, atmospheric science, and astronomy on personal, local and global levels.

Here is a list of materials you will need to purchase ASAP for your labs in this course.
For the Mineral Identification Lab in Credit Unit 1 Module 1, you will need:

Mineral kit - http://www.hometrainingtools.com/mineral-study-kit/p/RM-MISTUDY/

Glass plate and porcelain plate - http://www.hometrainingtools.com/mineral-test-kit/p/RM-TESTKIT/

For the Rock Identification Lab in Credit Unit 1 Module 2, you will need:

Rock kit - http://www.hometrainingtools.com/rock-study-kit/p/RM-RKSTUDY/

The resource "Earthquakes" is a module in the "Geology" course. The course is included in the Georgia Virtual Learning resource series available in the open educational resources collection of the NCLOR. This resource is included in the Physical Sciences discipline with the subject of Geology.

The resource "Glaciers" is a module in the "Geology" course. The course is included in the Georgia Virtual Learning resource series available in the open educational resources collection of the NCLOR. This resource is included in the Physical Sciences discipline with the subject of Geology.

The resource "Historical Geology" is a module in the "Geology" course. The course is included in the Georgia Virtual Learning resource series available in the open educational resources collection of the NCLOR. This resource is included in the Physical Sciences discipline with the subject of Geology.

The resource "Human Environmental Impacts" is a module in the "Geology" course. The course is included in the Georgia Virtual Learning resource series available in the open educational resources collection of the NCLOR. This resource is included in the Physical Sciences discipline with the subject of Geology.

The resource "Igneous Activity" is a module in the "Geology" course. The course is included in the Georgia Virtual Learning resource series available in the open educational resources collection of the NCLOR. This resource is included in the Physical Sciences discipline with the subject of Geology.

The resource "Minerals" is a module in the "Geology" course. The course is included in the Georgia Virtual Learning resource series available in the open educational resources collection of the NCLOR. This resource is included in the Physical Sciences discipline with the subject of Geology.

The resource "Mountain Building" is a module in the "Geology" course. The course is included in the Georgia Virtual Learning resource series available in the open educational resources collection of the NCLOR. This resource is included in the Physical Sciences discipline with the subject of Geology.

The resource "Plate Tectonics - Earth Systems" is a module in the "Geology" course. The course is included in the Georgia Virtual Learning resource series available in the open educational resources collection of the NCLOR. This resource is included in the Physical Sciences discipline with the subject of Geology.

The resource "Resources" is a module in the "Geology" course. The course is included in the Georgia Virtual Learning resource series available in the open educational resources collection of the NCLOR. This resource is included in the Physical Sciences discipline with the subject of Geology.

The resource "Rocks" is a module in the "Geology" course. The course is included in the Georgia Virtual Learning resource series available in the open educational resources collection of the NCLOR. This resource is included in the Physical Sciences discipline with the subject of Geology.

The resource "Surface Processes" is a module in the "Geology" course. The course is included in the Georgia Virtual Learning resource series available in the open educational resources collection of the NCLOR. This resource is included in the Physical Sciences discipline with the subject of Geology.

The resource "Water and Wind" is a module in the "Geology" course. The course is included in the Georgia Virtual Learning resource series available in the open educational resources collection of the NCLOR. This resource is included in the Physical Sciences discipline with the subject of Geology.

What factors lead to a natural disaster? What causes a famine? Why do cities flood? According to a recent article in The Atlantic, Houston's flooding during the 2017 Hurricane Harvey was primarily caused by impervious pavement which prevents the absorption of water into the land. This example illustrates how nature and society are interlinked, which is the main focus of Geography 30, Penn State's introductory course to nature-society geography. In addition to examining the linkages between human development and natural hazards, this course will also explore human society's connection to food systems, climate change, urbanization and biodiversity. The course will also cover topics of ethics and decision making in order to help students evaluate the tradeoffs of these interconnections.
\The Atlantic\" needs to be made into a link pointing to this: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/08/why-cities-flood/538251/"

The course contents is general knowledge of the system Earth, tools for the 3D geometric representation of geological objects and methods and techniques for the recognition of fundamental minerals and rocks. The Geology 1 course is composed of three parts dedicated to 1) general knowledge of the system Earth, 2) tools for the 3D geometric representation of geological objects and 3) methods and techniques for the recognition of fundamental minerals and rocks.