Overview of Course Goals

There are three main themes around which I develop my courses. Since I only teach introductory-level Earth science and geoscience courses for non-science maojrs, these themes are more skill-driven rather than content-based. Below is the “course goals” section as listed on my syllabi:

COURSE GOALS!!!!
I realize that 99.9% of the students that take my geoscience courses will never become professional geologists. This is why I design all my courses around skill-based goals, where you will acquire and/or further develop skills that will be applicable to you no matter what your future career.

• The scientific method/critical thinking/working with data sets: You will be learning about the methods of science and participating in class activities and assignments that require critical thinking and analyzing science issues with various forms of scientific data.
• Using technology: You will be working with Microsoft Office, Palm Pilot handheld computers, GPS units, Google Earth, and/or additional technological tools throughout the semester to prepare you for the technology-focused world of employment.
• Communicating your knowledge: For the rest of your lives, you will always be a student and a teacher. You will also learn the course material better if you explain it to others in and outside of class. There will be a service project required for you to share your new geoscience knowledge. The project may range from providing instruction and hands-on activities for Girl Scouts to utilizing Penn State's Digital Commons technology to produce enhanced podcasts on a specific scientific topic for the general public.