Spring 2023
Thurs. 5:05 - 8:15 PM
Ticket #3199
Catalog Statement: GEOL 112 is an introduction to the common laboratory practices and exercises in environmental geology. Laboratory exercises include analyzing topographic and geological maps and aerial and satellite imagery. Students also identify common mineral and rock samples, water and soil analysis and integrate data from a variety of print and electronic sources to complete problem solving exercises.
Prerequisite: GEOL 102. (GEOL 102 may be taken concurrently.)
Course Objectives
After taking this course, you will:
demonstrate a fundamental understanding of concepts, principles and interactions of Earth’s systems
articulate how human activities impact the environment;
recognize and understand how to mitigate geologic hazards;
communicate complex course concepts effectively in writing and diagrams;
demonstrate the ability to read and interpret topographic and geologic maps and
answer questions pertaining to geologic processes;
practically apply the principles of the scientific method.
You are invited to join me on a quest to develop our understanding of geologic processes while building capacity for scientific reasoning and data analysis. We will practice metacognition to hone our thinking moves and become more effective learners.
Our initial study of geologic materials will lay the foundation for us to think about how these materials interact with natural forces. This will give us a chance to explore geologic hazards and mitigation strategies as well as resource distribution and waste disposal.
You will be invited to engage with your lab mates to apply what you have learned in Geol 102 to solve problems and grow your capacity to understand the myriad human connections to and reliance upon geologic processes.
Email: rridgway@glendale.edu
Phone (Call or text): (657) 667-3423
In-person Student Office Hours :
Mondays 9:30 - 10:00 AM
Tuesdays 1:30 - 2:00 PM
Thursdays 3:00 - 4:30 PM
On-campus office: CR-142 (Link to GCC campus map)
Zoom room: To be provided on Canvas or by request
Blog: All Who Wander the Earth
Social Media: Facebook GoodReads Twitter Instagram Pinterest Tik Tok
Every week I set aside a certain amount of time to visit with students one-on-one or in small groups via Zoom (link available through Canvas). This is YOUR time, not mine. There are lots of good reasons to come to office hours. Here are just a few:
If you are confused or stuck, I can help guide you toward clarity.\
If you are curious about a topic and want to know more, we can find out together.
If you are anxious about your performance, I can help you develop an action plan to help you achieve the goals you've set.
If you’re not sure how to study or what’s expected from an assignment, please come see me.
All are welcome in this class. We all have shared responsibilities to help build a brave space to support learning.
Let us recognize that we all come to this class with diverse experiences and background knowledge. Everyone is welcome on this quest wherever they are in their learning journey. Each voice in the classroom has something of value to contribute. Let us take care to respect the different experiences, beliefs and values expressed by those who are part of our learning community.
What does it take to make it as a scientist? Show up and be willing to keep tackling tough questions.
I encourage each of you to evaluate your prior experiences and current attitudes about math and science, and the beliefs that arise therefrom. Whether you consider yourself “good” or “bad” in these subjects, the fact is – these are just stories we tell ourselves.
YOU are the author of your life. You get to tell the story. You CAN succeed at anything you set out to accomplish. Set your goals high. It will require a lot of hard work, but it is worth it.
Know this: I am one of many who support your efforts.
This journey consists of twelve labs, which you will complete in collaboration with your lab mates.
At the end of each lab, you will reflect on your learning in a written metacognitive log.
You will be asked to complete two summative lab quizzes on Canvas based on the feedback received on your completed labs. You will also be required to complete one field. There will be a selection of both on-campus and off-campus field trips for you to take part in (dates TBA).
You will also have the opportunity to prepare a Final Presentation, which you will deliver with your group as part of Earth Day Learning Fair.
Please come to class prepared to research and solve problems.
Each class, students will work with their group to complete the assigned Lab Exercise.
You active participation includes asking questions and seeking answers.
Out of 100%: A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 65, D ≥ 55, F <55
Curve may be applied at captain's discretion.
Group Lab Exercises: Each member of the lab group will earn the same grade for the group lab assignment.
Individual Metacognitive Logs: Each student will submit their own individual metacognitive reflections.
The lowest lab score will be dropped.
Each Lab Exercise is weighted equally, worth 30 points.
Likewise, individual metacognitive logs are each worth 20 points.
Late work not accepted.
Feedback on graded lab work provided the week after it is due.
Lab quizzes may be given on Canvas and include material studied in previous Lab Exercises that have already been graded.
Field Reoirt and field report are worth 100 points.
Final presentations will be prepared in class and delivered on the final day of the semester.
·Academic Honesty: You are expected to uphold Glendale College's standards of student conduct. Students who cheat or plagiarize will earn no points for that test or assignment and may be referred to the dean for disciplinary action.
Attendance: You are expected to attend all legs of each voyage. That said, it is understood that some absences may occur. Missing 5 class meetings can cause an F in the course at the instructor’s discretion.
Classroom community: Everyone has a shared responsibility to ensure that the classroom is a safe place to support learning. This includes the virtual classroom in Canvas. All online communication must abide by the rules of netiquette.
·Communication: Students are always welcome to reach out to me. I will respond to electronic communication within 24 hours during weekdays and up to 48 hours during weekends. If you do not hear back, then chances are the message was not delivered and you should verify my email address and re-send . Confidential information such as grades can only be communicated through your official student email account. Please use this account for confidential correspondence.
Disability Accommodations: Any students with disabilities are encouraged to contact me. Assistance is available on campus to facilitate reasonable accommodations through the Center for Students with Disabilities. They can be reached at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5905
Drop Policy: Instructor will not drop students from the class for non-attendance or non-participation. If a student no longer wishes to be enrolled, it is the student’s responsibility to drop the class.