SEEd - Geology
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Course Introduction

 

Core Standards of the Course

Strand GEOL.1: PATTERNS OF MINERALS AND ROCKS
Minerals and rocks are classified by their properties, characteristics, and how they form and change.

Standard GEOL.1.1
Plan and carry out investigations to explore the structure and properties of different minerals to classify them based on their characteristics.

Standard GEOL.1.2
Analyze and interpret data to identify the patterns that are present in different rocks to classify them based on their properties, characteristics, and how they were formed.

Standard GEOL.1.3
Develop a model which demonstrates how matter is cycled and how energy flows throughout the rock cycle. Emphasize the processes that form plutonic (intrusive) and volcanic (extrusive) igneous rocks, the processes that form sedimentary rocks (weathering, erosion, deposition, burial, dissolution, precipitation, compaction, and cementation), and the conditions of metamorphism including how the starting (parent/protolith) rock compositions determine the metamorphic rock type.

Strand GEOL.2: STABILITY AND CHANGE OF THE GEOLOGY RECORD
Steno’s laws of stratigraphy describe the patterns in which rock layers are deposited. Analyzing Earth’s rock layers reveal the geologic history of an area. Geologic timelines can be established using both quantitative and qualitative measurements. Fossil information found in the rock layers can reveal evidence of change in the populations and environments of a region over time.

Standard GEOL.2.1
Ask questions to analyze and interpret data about the stability of rock layers and how they can change according to Steno’s laws of stratigraphy

Standard GEOL.2.2
Engage in argument from evidence applying stratigraphic principles to interpret the relative geologic history of an area(system).

Standard GEOL.2.3
Use mathematics and computational thinking to determine the age of geologic layers using different measurements of scale, proportion, and quantity. Emphasize relative and absolute dating principles as well as the fossil record.

Standard GEOL.2.4
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the causes of fossilization and how the fossil record provides evidence of change in environments and life over time.

Strand GEOL.3: MATTER AND ENERGY OF EARTH’S INTERIOR AND PLATE TECTONICS
The physical and chemical layers of Earth’s interior have different structure and properties. These layers provide the mechanisms which cause plate tectonics and different observable surface features.

Standard GEOL.3.1
Develop and use a model that explains the structure of Earth’s interior. Emphasize both the physical (lithosphere, asthenosphere, mesosphere, outer core, inner core) and chemical (crust, mantle, core) layers.

Standard GEOL.3.2
Engage in argument from evidence about the patterns and claims that explain the theory of plate tectonics. Examples of evidence could include earthquake patterns, volcanic arcs, benioff zones, seafloor age and magnetic striping, and topographic and bathymetric features.

Standard GEOL.3.3
Construct an explanation how the matter and energy in Earth’s interior causes different stresses on the surface, affecting and forming different visible features. Examples of these features could include fault types (normal, reverse, sinistral, dextral) and fold types (anticlines, synclines).

Strand GEOL.4: CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF SURFACE PROCESSES
Climate and weather impact how soil and sediments form. Environment systems have different landforms which are formed by a variety of mechanisms. Surface water and groundwater are major agents of change within these geologic systems.

Standard GEOL.4.1
Ask questions to analyze data about the effects of regional climate on weathering processes and soil/sediment formation.

Standard GEOL.4.2
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to characterize the formation of erosional and depositional landforms in different environment systems. Emphasize information from geologic maps, topographic maps, cross-sectional maps, and remote sensing data. Examples of environment systems could include desert, glacial, coastal, and fluvial environments.

Standard GEOL.4.3
Plan and carry out an investigation to collect and analyze data on how surface water and groundwater act as major agents of change in geologic systems. Emphasize surface reservoirs, groundwater reservoirs, and fluvial systems. Examples of processes of change could include infiltration, runoff, evaporation, precipitation, cementation, karst, and mass wasting.

Strand GEOL.5: MATTER AND ENERGY OF EARTH’S INTERIOR AND PLATE TECTONICS
Humanity relies on the resources contained within Earth. The extraction of resources from Earth impacts the geologic systems. Technology can be designed and used to mitigate geologic hazards, minimize property damage, and preserve life.

Standard GEOL.5.1
Ask questions to obtain, evaluate, and communicate information on the origin, distribution, economic importance, extraction, and use of resources in Earth’s geologic system. Emphasize resources found in Utah. Examples of resources could be metals, ores, minerals, water, and energy resources.

Standard GEOL.5.2
Evaluate design solutions which have a structure and function to mitigate geologic hazards, minimize property damage, and preserve life. Define the problem, identify criteria and constraints, analyze available data on proposed solutions, and determine an optimal solution.

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Milo  Maughan and see the Science - Secondary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

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