ESC 111: Earth Science

Course Description

This course will focus on the study of earth as a self-interacting system of a rock and metal interior and surface (geology), surface oceans (oceanography), atmosphere (meteorology), and its place in the solar system (astronomy). (3 credits)

Prerequisite

  • None

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Explain the parts of the rock cycle and its role in recycling earth materials.
  2. Understand the role of wind, water, and ice in sculpting the natural environment.
  3. Describe the importance of plate tectonics in large-scale chances in the earth’s surface, including its relation to volcanism and seismic activity.
  4. Explain the methods used by geologists to reconstruct the history of the earth, and the difficulties encountered.
  5. Describe how oceanography combines aspects of biology, chemistry, physics, and geology.
  6. Understand the interplay between sunlight and the earth in creating seasons, weather, and climate.
  7. Describe the origin and evolution of storms.
  8. Distinguish between the major bodies of the solar system and describe their most important individual features.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

Discussion Board Questions

10%

Homework

60%

Unit Essays

30%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle

  • Lutgens, Frederick K. and Edward J.Tarbuck. Foundations of Earth Science (8th Edition). Pearson Publishing, 2017. ISBN-10: 0-13-418481-5 or ISBN-13: 978-0-13-418481-4

Course Schedule

WeekReadings and ExercisesAssignments

1

Back to Basics: Minerals
  • Readings: Chapter 1
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Homework Problems for Chapter 1

2

The Rock Cycle and Water
  • Readings: Chapters 2 and 3
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Homework Problems for Chapters 2 & 3
  • Complete Essay 1

3

Glaciers & Deserts and Plate Tectonics
  • Readings: Chapters 4 & 5
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Homework Problems for Chapters 4 & 5
  • Complete Essay 2

4

Earthquakes and Volcanoes
  • Readings: Chapters 6 & 7
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Homework Problems for Chapters 6 & 7
  • Complete Essay 3

5

Geologic Time & the History of the Earth and The Oceans
  • Readings: Chapters 8 & 9
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Homework Problems for Chapters 8 & 9
  • Complete Essay 4

6

Interacting Oceans & The Atmosphere
  • Readings: Chapters 10 & 11
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Homework Problems for Chapters 10 & 11
  • Complete Essay 5

7

Moisture & Weather
  • Readings: Chapters 12 & 13
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Homework Problems for Chapters 12 & 13
  • Complete Essay 6

8

Severe Weather & The Earth's Family Tree
  • Readings: Chapters 14 & 15
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete Homework Problems for Chapters 14 & 15
  • Complete Essay 7

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.