Planet Earth...and You! from Coursera

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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.

Week 1: Earthquakes!

In the lectures for this week, we will consider what an earthquake is, how it occurs, how we can record and measure its size, and what we can do to mitigate damage. Our first weekly assignment consists of reporting your own experience with earthquakes (if any). The Week 1 Lab gives you a chance to work with seismograms, locate an earthquake epicenter, and determine magnitude. Finally, the Week 1 Discussion addresses the balance between risks from quakes and costs of preventive measures.

Week 2: Plate Tectonics

In the early twentieth century, publication of the hypothesis on continental drift caused an uproar that soon died down. Data collected in mid-century led geologists to reconsider the idea that continents could move. During the 1960s and 1970s, old ideas were reworked into what is now called the theory of plate tectonics. As we will see, this robust theory encompasses many geological phenomena that appear to be unrelated at first glance: earthquakes and volcanoes, but also ice ages, fossils, and mountains. Today, plate tectonics provides an overarching framework for interpreting the Earth. We study its details in Week 2, but we will return to this theory again and again throughout the rest of this course.

Week 3: Volcanoes!

This week, you will learn how and where rocks can melt, and what happens when molten material of various compositions bursts out of the ground. The lecture videos also cover different types of eruptions, as well as the rocks and mountains produced by them. In the lab, you will study details about the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens and the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79. The discussion forum gives you the opportunity to weigh risks to people living on or near volcanoes and what can be done to minimize damage and loss of life. The weekly assignment provides a place for you to share your own experiences with volcanoes or eruptions or, if you have never been near a volcano, your thoughts about such events.

Week 4: Rocks and Mineral Resources

As part of the Week 4 Assignment, you will take a close look at your daily surroundings to identify Earth resources. The video lectures for the week examine various aspects of finding, extracting, and using resources such as metals and stones. For the lab, you will utilize Google Earth to examine several mining sites around the world. In the discussion, you will weigh the pros and cons of mining operations, as many communities have had to do already. This week also includes peer grading discussions, as explained on the How Graded Discussions Work page. Finally, we provide an optional assignment for those who would like to identify some common minerals.

Week 5: Energy Resources

The video lectures for this week cover various aspects of energy usage by modern civilization, especially our utilization of fossil fuels. The Week 5 Lab sends you on a Google Earth tour of energy-producing sites around the world, places where both conventional and alternative forms of energy are being generated. The Week 5 Assignment gives you a chance to survey your own personal use of energy – where does it come from and how much do you use – and then to share the information with others in the class. During the Week 5 Discussion, you will consider the implications of how society uses the energy of fossil fuels and the implications for the local environment and global climate.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

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

Reviews summary

Planet earth...and you!

Learners say this informative course offers high quality, clear, and concise content delivered in an innovative manner. Despite a disappointing first lab assignment, the videos are engaging overall.

Unique and engaging learning experience.

"Lab use using Google Earth was very innovative for an online course."

Valuable and engaging material.

"Excellent course! Very informative without being tedious."

"Clear and concise delivery and illustrations."

"High quality material and presentation."

The first lab assignment had issues.

"I was most disappointed by the lack of quality control regarding the first assignment on this course."

"The scales were not only very imprecise but the 'right' answers for many of the questions were completely wrong."

"I think it would have been fairer for all involved to simply remove that assignment from the overall marking scheme and allocate marks based on the next four assignments."

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

Ten other activities

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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

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

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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Science Writer

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Technical Writer

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Museum curator

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