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	4.4 stars Average User Rating 4.4See what learners said

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

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...

7 videos, 2 readings

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

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 ...

7 videos, 4 readings

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

Rated 4.4 out of 5 of 64 ratings

Great course on geology

I enjoyed taking this course, very simple and clear information.

Videos are very well-designed and informative

very useful course.

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