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Planet Earth...and You!

Dr. Stephen Marshak and Dr. Eileen Herrstrom

4.9

Based on 525 ratings

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Dr. Stephen Marshak and Dr. Eileen Herrstrom

Earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building, ice ages, landslides, floods, life evolution, plate motions—all of these phenomena have interacted over the vast expanses of deep time to sculpt the dynamic planet that we live on today. Planet Earth presents an overview of several aspects of our home, from a geological perspective. We begin with earthquakes—what they are, what causes them, what effects they have, and what we can do about them. We will emphasize that plate tectonics—the grand unifying theory of geology—explains how the map of our planet's surface has changed radically over geologic time, and why present-day geologic activity—including a variety of devastating natural disasters such as earthquakes—occur where they do. We consider volcanoes, types of eruptions, and typical rocks found there. Finally, we will delve into the processes that produce the energy and mineral resources that modern society depends on, to help understand the context of the environment and sustainability challenges that we will face in the future.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Orientation

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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Provides an overview of various aspects of Earth's geology

Taught by recognized experts in the field of geology

Weekly assignments and discussions encourage active engagement with the material

Utilizes a variety of media, including video lectures, interactive labs, and discussion forums

Provides hands-on experience through virtual labs and assignments

Requires students to take other courses first as prerequisites

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Reviews summary

Foundational earth science overview

According to learners, Planet Earth...and You! provides a broad overview of fascinating Earth science topics, including earthquakes, volcanoes, and plate tectonics. Students often praise the engaging lectures and the instructor's ability to explain complex ideas clearly. The practical assignments, such as those using Google Earth, are highlighted as particularly helpful for visualizing concepts. While the course is considered a perfect introduction for those new to geology, some learners with prior knowledge found the content too basic and wished for more depth. Overall, it is viewed as a well-structured and informative course for gaining a foundational understanding of our dynamic planet.

Focuses on earthquakes, volcanoes, and tectonics

"The course heavily focuses on Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Plate Tectonics, which is exactly what I expected."

"It covers the key geological events shaping our planet's surface."

"I learned a lot about natural disasters like quakes and volcanoes, and the underlying geological processes."

Hands-on activities like labs are helpful

"The Google Earth labs were a fantastic way to see real-world examples of what we were learning."

"The assignments reinforced the lecture material really well for me."

"I found the lab on earthquake epicenters particularly useful in understanding how they are located."

Offers a comprehensive look at Earth's processes

"Loved learning about earthquakes and volcanoes, these topics were fascinating."

"I got a really good overview of various earth science topics."

"This was a perfect introduction to geology for a layperson like me."

Instructor makes complex topics easy to grasp

"The lecturer made complex concepts easy for me to grasp."

"The professor's enthusiasm for the subject is contagious and kept me engaged."

"His explanations were so clear and concise throughout the course."

Content may be too introductory for some

"If you have any geology background, this course might feel too introductory."

"Wish it went into more depth on plate tectonics, it felt a bit rushed."

"The content is great for absolute beginners, but not for someone with prior knowledge."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Planet Earth...and You! with these activities:

Review previous Earth Science courses

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Recalling concepts from previous Earth Science courses will ease the learning curve.

Browse courses on Earth Science

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Review your notes or textbooks from previous Earth Science courses.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.
Join a study group or online forum to discuss topics with other students.

Review Basic Geology

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Review the fundamental concepts of geology, including plate tectonics, to provide a solid foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Plate Tectonics

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Read through your old geology notes or textbook
Take practice quizzes or review questions on basic geology concepts

Discuss Natural Disaster Preparedness

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Engage in discussions with peers to share knowledge and experiences related to natural disaster preparedness and mitigation.

Browse courses on Natural Disasters

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Participate in online forums or group discussions
Share your own experiences or knowledge about natural disasters
Discuss best practices for preparing for and responding to different types of natural disasters

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Complete online tutorials on plate tectonics

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Engaging with guided tutorials will supplement the course content and enhance conceptualization.

Browse courses on Plate Tectonics

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Identify reputable online platforms offering tutorials on plate tectonics.
Choose tutorials that align with specific course modules.
Follow the instructions provided in the tutorials.
Take notes or summarize key concepts for future reference.

Identify Volcano Types

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Practice identifying different types of volcanoes based on their shapes, eruptions, and geological features.

Browse courses on Volcanoes

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Study various types of volcanoes and their characteristics
Analyze images or videos of volcanoes and classify them into different types
Complete quizzes or exercises that test your ability to identify volcano types

Solve Earthquake Magnitude Problems

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Enhance your understanding of earthquake magnitude by solving practice problems and applying formulas to calculate magnitudes.

Browse courses on Earthquakes

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Review the concepts of earthquake magnitude and its measurement
Practice using formulas and equations to calculate earthquake magnitudes
Complete drills or assignments that involve solving earthquake magnitude problems

Solve practice problems on earthquake magnitude and location

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Engaging in practice problems enhances problem-solving skills and reinforces earthquake concepts.

Browse courses on Earthquakes

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Identify online platforms or textbooks with practice problems.
Attempt to solve the problems independently.
Check your answers and review explanations.

Build a Tectonic Plate Model

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Create a physical or digital model of tectonic plates to understand their arrangement and interactions.

Browse courses on Plate Tectonics

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Gather materials like cardboard, paper-mâché, or modeling clay
Research different tectonic plates and their locations and boundaries
Design and create a model that accurately represents the plates' positions and features
Label the plates and indicate their boundaries

Participate in discussion forums

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Engaging in discussion forums enables peer learning and facilitates concept reinforcement.

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Actively participate in online discussion forums.
Post thoughtful questions and responses.
Engage with peers and instructors to clarify concepts.
Seek support and share insights with other students.

Explore Seismic Wave Data

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Engage in guided tutorials to analyze real-world seismic wave data and learn about earthquake characteristics.

Browse courses on Earthquakes

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Find online tutorials or courses on seismic wave analysis
Access seismic wave data from reputable sources
Follow the tutorials to analyze the data, identify earthquake waves, and interpret their characteristics

Design an Earthquake Safety Plan

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Create a comprehensive plan outlining steps to prepare for and respond to earthquakes, fostering practical application of course knowledge.

Browse courses on Earthquakes

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Research best practices and guidelines for earthquake safety
Identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities in your specific location
Develop a plan that includes evacuation routes, communication strategies, and emergency supplies
Share your plan with family, friends, or community members

Create a visual representation of plate tectonics

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Developing a visual representation fosters a deeper understanding of plate tectonics and its implications.

Browse courses on Plate Tectonics

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Choose a visual format (e.g., infographic, diagram, animation).
Gather relevant information from course materials.
Design and create the visual representation.
Present your work to peers or instructors for feedback.

Assist with Environmental Conservation

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Volunteer with organizations involved in environmental conservation to gain practical experience and connect course concepts with real-world applications.

Browse courses on Environment

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Research local environmental organizations and identify opportunities to volunteer
Contact organizations and inquire about volunteer positions
Participate in activities such as habitat restoration, clean-ups, or educational outreach
Reflect on your experiences and connect them to the course content

Career center

Learners who complete Planet Earth...and You! will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineers design and develop renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines. They also use their knowledge to find and extract natural resources, such as oil, gas, and minerals. This course may be useful for you if you want to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's physical structure and history. They use their knowledge to find and extract natural resources, such as oil, gas, and minerals. A Geologist may also help with protection from natural disasters such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. This course may help you build the foundation you need to understand the earth's landscape and prepare for a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help businesses and organizations to reduce their environmental impact. They use their knowledge to develop and implement sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption and waste production. This course may be useful for you if you want to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment. They use their knowledge to protect the environment from pollution and other hazards. They also use their knowledge to find and extract natural resources, such as oil, gas, and minerals. This course may help you build the foundation you need to understand the earth's landscape and prepare for a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They use their knowledge to develop and implement public policies that address social and environmental problems. This course may be useful for you if you want to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Geophysicist

Geophysicists use physics to study the Earth. They use their knowledge to find and extract natural resources, such as oil, gas, and minerals. They also use their knowledge to study the causes of earthquakes and other natural disasters. This course may be useful for you if you want to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geophysicist

Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers represent clients in environmental cases. They use their knowledge to protect the environment from pollution and other hazards. This course may be useful for you if you want to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the oceans. They use their knowledge to understand the role of the oceans in the Earth's climate and to find and extract natural resources, such as oil, gas, and minerals. This course may be useful to anyone who wants to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

Soil Scientist

Soil Scientists study soil. They use their knowledge to improve soil quality and to protect soil from erosion and pollution. They also use their knowledge to find and extract natural resources, such as oil, gas, and minerals. This course may be useful for you if you want to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Soil Scientist

Hydrologist

Hydrologists study water. They use their knowledge to find and extract water resources, such as groundwater and surface water. They also use their knowledge to protect water resources from pollution and other hazards. This course may be useful for you if you want to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist

Forester

Foresters study forests. They use their knowledge to manage forests and to protect them from fire, pests, and other hazards. They also use their knowledge to find and extract natural resources, such as timber and wood products. This course may be useful for you if you want to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forester

Science Teacher

Science Teachers teach science to students. They use their knowledge to help students understand the world around them. This course may be useful for you if you want to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher

Science Writer

Science Writers write about science for a general audience. They use their knowledge to explain complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise way. This course may be useful for you if you want to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers write technical documents, such as manuals, reports, and proposals. They use their knowledge to explain complex technical information to a non-technical audience. This course may be useful for you if you want to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Museum curator

Museum Curators manage and preserve museum collections. They use their knowledge to develop and implement exhibits that educate the public about science and history. This course may be useful for you if you want to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Planet Earth...and You!.

Earth

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This course is designed by Stephen Marshak, who has also authored this book. can serve as an extensive resource and reference for the course.

Planet Earth...and You!

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundational earth science overview

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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