GEOSC 021/021H - Earth and Life

This course examines the geological/biological 4.6 billion year history of our planet. Topics include fossils, dinosaurs, the paleo-movement of plates, the Ice Ages, La Brea Tar Pits, etc. Class activities include the use of Palm Pilots. Each week, students respond to web-based questions pertaining to course material to engage themselves in the content outside of class and to prepare for in-class active learning with the Just-in-Time Teaching pedagogical method.

In the honors version of GEOSC 021 in Fall 2003, topics covered included dinosaur extinction, the warm-blooded/cold-blooded debate, logistics of a field expedition, etc. I arranged a fieldtrip to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History for the students to receive a private tour of the dinosaur hall and collections by one of the museum's dinosaur paleontologists. Students designed a dinosaur badge day for the Junior Girl Scouts to come to campus and complete the Science in Everyday Life badge. The students co-authored a paper with myself on the Junior Girl Scout project that has been published in the Journal of Science Education and Technology.

The Spring 2006 honors version of the course Included modern-day biodiversity issues, especially the topic of elephants in captivity. The Philadelphia Zoo is currently considering shutting down their elephant exhibit. I arranged a videoconference with The Elelphant Sanctuary in Tennessee, a tour of the Philadelphia Zoo, and a classroom visit by the director of the organization Help Philly Zoo Elephants. Students designed a program for 7th-grade girls that came to campus to learn about elephants in captivity and in the wild, and to overall encourage girls to pursue a career in science.

Syllabus from offering in Spring 2004 (PDF file)
Syllabus from honors offering in Spring 2006 (PDF file)