This comprehensive course offers a multidisciplinary exploration of geology, biodiversity, and sustainability, providing students with a solid understanding of Earth's history, geological processes, biodiversity, and the importance of sustainable practices. Students will delve into the geologic time scale, mineral criteria, rock types, fossilization, dating techniques, and the Earth's processes. They will also explore biodiversity, the classification of organisms, climate change, and sustainable practices from both scientific and First Peoples perspectives.
The course begins by introducing the geologic time scale, enabling students to understand the vast expanse of Earth's history. They will explore the concepts of eons, eras, and periods, gaining insights into the events and changes that have shaped our planet over millions of years. The course covers the criteria of minerals and delves into their physical properties, providing students with the tools to identify and classify different minerals.
Next, students will explore the fundamental principles of geology, including the law of superposition, which helps determine the relative ages of rock layers. They will gain an understanding of fossils, their types, and the fossilization process. The course covers absolute and relative dating techniques, allowing students to establish the ages of rocks and fossils.
Furthermore, students will delve into the three types of rocks and the rock cycle, understanding how various processes such as weathering, erosion, deposition, cooling, melting, compaction, and sedimentation contribute to their formation and transformation. They will gain insights into Earth's dynamic processes and the geological forces that shape its surface.In addition, the course explores biodiversity, emphasizing the significance of land and aquatic ecosystems. Students will gain an understanding of the classification of organisms into the five kingdoms, appreciating the incredible diversity of life on Earth. The course covers the interconnections within ecosystems and the role of biodiversity in maintaining ecological balance.
Moreover, students will examine the impact of climate change and the consequences it poses for the planet. They will explore greenhouse gases, their sources, and the mechanisms by which they contribute to global warming. The course also highlights the First Peoples' perspective on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainability, fostering an understanding of indigenous knowledge and values.
The course concludes by emphasizing the importance of sustainability and sustainable practices. Students will explore sustainability practices in British Columbia, Canada, understanding the initiatives and approaches implemented to conserve resources and protect the environment. They will also gain insights into the First Peoples' perspective on sustainability, appreciating their deep connection to the land and their traditional knowledge of sustainable practices.
By the conclusion of this course, students will have developed a comprehensive understanding of geology, biodiversity, and sustainability. They will appreciate Earth's geological history, the formation of minerals and rocks, and the processes that shape the Earth's surface. Students will also gain insights into biodiversity, ecosystem interdependencies, and the impact of climate change. Furthermore, they will explore sustainable practices and the importance of indigenous perspectives on biodiversity and sustainability. This knowledge will empower students to contribute to the preservation of our planet and make informed decisions regarding resource management and environmental stewardship.
