The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators

American Museum of Natural History

Acerca de este Curso

The AMNH course The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators provides students with an overview of the origin and evolution of the Earth. Informed by the recently released Next Generation Science Standards, this course examines geological time scales, radiometric dating, and how scientists “read the rocks.” We will explore dramatic changes in the Earth over the last 4 billion years, including how the evolution of life on Earth has affected its atmosphere. In addition to looking at geology on a global scale, participants will take to their own backyards to explore and share their local geologic history. Course participants will bring their understanding of the dynamic Earth - along with content resources, discussion questions, and assignments - into their own teaching.

Cursos 100 % en línea

Comienza de inmediato y aprende a tu propio ritmo.

Approx. 10 hours to complete

Sugerido: 3 hours/week

English

Subtítulos: English

Cursos 100 % en línea

Comienza de inmediato y aprende a tu propio ritmo.

Approx. 10 hours to complete

Sugerido: 3 hours/week

English

Subtítulos: English

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

1

Section

1 hour to complete

Introduction & The Mystery of Geologic Time

You will explore the ways scientists study the rock record to determine the geologic history of the Earth. ...

4 videos (Total 20 min), 5 readings, 1 quiz

4 videos

Course Overview2m

Introduction to the Course1m

How Zircons Have Revolutionized Understanding of Early Earth10m

The Rate of Decay4m

5 readings

Syllabus10m

Resources10m

About This Course10m

Using Radiometric Dating to Determine the Age of Rocks and Mineral10m

"Reading" a Rock to Get Its Age10m

1 practice exercises

Module One Quiz20m

2

Section

4 hours to complete

Evolution of the Atmosphere

You will learn how the evolution of photosynthetic life changed the concentration of oxygen in the oceans and atmosphere, and how this is reflected in the rock record. You will also become familiar with how the Next Generation Science Standards connect to this week’s content. Finally, you will complete a written assignment: an analysis of a local geologic feature....

7 videos (Total 56 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

7 videos

Evolution of Early Earth's Atmosphere11m

Banded Iron Formation3m

Stromatolites2m

Teaching with the Next Generation Science Standards: Part 112m

Teaching with the Next Generation Science Standards: Part 26m

Local Geology Assignment: Part 19m

Local Geology Assignment: Part 29m

2 readings

Early Life10m

Origin of Earth's Atmosphere10m

1 practice exercises

Module Two Quiz20m

3

Section

1 hour to complete

Plate Tectonics: Mountain Building

You will learn how convection causes solid rock to flow in the Earth’s mantle and how the movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates forms mountains. You will also learn how to identify and address common student misconceptions about plate tectonics. ...

5 videos (Total 37 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

5 videos

The Structure of Mountain Belts: The Swiss Alps12m

Ductility of Rocks1m

Marble Deformation2m

Scientists at Work: Mountain Building5m

Addressing Student Misconceptions When Teaching Plate Tectonics15m

2 readings

How Rocks Flow10m

Mantle Convection and Plate Tectonics10m

1 practice exercises

Module Three Quiz20m

4

Section

2 hours to complete

Plate Tectonics: Earthquakes

You will learn about earthquake risk. Using a multimedia teaching case about earthquake risk in Bangladesh, you will learn how scientists define and assess the risk from geologic events. You will also learn how to implement this or similar teaching cases with your students. ...

7 videos (Total 38 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz

7 videos

Earthquake Risk15m

Learning & Teaching with the Teaching Case4m

Part One: Background3m

Part Two: Data Collection3m

Part Three: Results3m

Part Four: Beyond Tectonics3m

Closing Thoughts4m

4 readings

Earthquake Risk in Bangladesh10m

Resources10m

Opportunities for Educators10m

Support AMNH10m

1 practice exercises

Module Four Quiz20m

Instructors

Edmond Mathez, Ph.D.

Curator and Professor

Ro Kinzler, Ph.D.

Senior Director

About American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific, educational and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition....

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I pay for this course?
If you pay for this course, you will have access to all of the features and content you need to earn a Course Certificate. If you complete the course successfully, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. Note that the Course Certificate does not represent official academic credit from the partner institution offering the course.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
Yes! Coursera provides financial aid to learners who would like to complete a course but cannot afford the course fee. To apply for aid, select "Learn more and apply" in the Financial Aid section below the "Enroll" button. You'll be prompted to complete a simple application; no other paperwork is required.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center

The Dynamic Earth: A Course for Educators