About this course: 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.
Created by: American Museum of Natural History
Taught by: Edmond Mathez, Ph.D., Curator and Professor
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Taught by: Ro Kinzler, Ph.D., Senior Director
Science Education
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
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, 5 readings
- Video: Course Overview
- Reading: Syllabus
- Reading: Resources
- Video: Introduction to the Course
- Reading: About This Course
- Video: How Zircons Have Revolutionized Understanding of Early Earth
- Video: The Rate of Decay
- Reading: Using Radiometric Dating to Determine the Age of Rocks and Mineral
- Reading: "Reading" a Rock to Get Its Age
Graded: Module One Quiz
WEEK 2
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, 2 readings
- Video: Evolution of Early Earth's Atmosphere
- Reading: Early Life
- Reading: Origin of Earth's Atmosphere
- Video: Banded Iron Formation
- Video: Stromatolites
- Video: Teaching with the Next Generation Science Standards: Part 1
- Video: Teaching with the Next Generation Science Standards: Part 2
- Video: Local Geology Assignment: Part 1
- Video: Local Geology Assignment: Part 2
Graded: Module Two Quiz
Graded: Peer Review: Analyze a Local Geologic Feature
WEEK 3
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, 2 readings
- Video: The Structure of Mountain Belts: The Swiss Alps
- Reading: How Rocks Flow
- Video: Ductility of Rocks
- Video: Marble Deformation
- Reading: Mantle Convection and Plate Tectonics
- Video: Scientists at Work: Mountain Building
- Video: Addressing Student Misconceptions When Teaching Plate Tectonics
Graded: Module Three Quiz
WEEK 4
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, 4 readings
- Video: Earthquake Risk
- Video: Learning & Teaching with the Teaching Case
- Reading: Earthquake Risk in Bangladesh
- Video: Part One: Background
- Video: Part Two: Data Collection
- Video: Part Three: Results
- Video: Part Four: Beyond Tectonics
- Video: Closing Thoughts
- Reading: Resources
- Reading: Opportunities for Educators
- Reading: Support AMNH
Graded: Module Four Quiz
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Creators
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.
Ratings and Reviews
Very informative course. The easy words and natural learning is helpful
Great course on geology
I enjoyed taking this course, very simple and clear information.
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Very informative course. Must be attended by start ups in college. Freshers in industry too can attempt to have additional knowledge. Excellent course on Earth, its history and formation etc.