Abstract:

Spring semester in Geology was incredible! It started out slow but soon took off and I was enjoying every moment of learning. I strengthened my geology skills by learning how to identify three major rock types and know how they formed. I also became more excited about the geology around me as I explored the areas. I am confident in understanding and discussing plate tectonics and how the earth was formed. I feel my goals were definitely reached and I gained so much knowledge on various other details and information that I did not know even went with Geology. I feel I earned a B in the class with completing my work and keeping a positive, open to learning and trying new processes type of attitude.

Introduction:

I have learned much about how the solar system was created by separated particles floating and then joining and becoming a larger mass which eventually grew to the size of a planet that was made of mostly igneous basaltic rock. It then consisted of Iron, Silica, Oxygen, Magnesium, Aluminum, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, and Carbon to help life form.

Plate Tectonics play a huge role in the movement of the Earth's crust and plates move all the time from pressure building from deep in the crust from Divergent, Convergent and transform boundaries. Fracking is also a cause in the movement of plate tectonics. Divergent are plates that move away from each other producing valleys and oceans to form. Convergent plate boundaries are where the plates are pushing together creating large mountains like the Himalayans in a continent to continent collision. An oceanic to oceanic convergent boundary makes a subduction zone that creates islands and volcanoes. Oceanic to continental also has a subduction zone that forms volcanoes on the surface of the continent. Divergent boundaries have two different outcomes which are oceanic and continental. A divergent oceanic boundary causes plates to pull apart and creates hot spots where hydrothermal vents are releasing magma into the ocean and spreading like the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Another example are valleys in a continental region where hot springs and geyers are formed like Yellowstone National Park. Transform plate boundaries are where two plates are actually sliding past each other that causes earthquakes and sometimes form mountains but no volcanoes but it can be seen as a fault line like the San Andreas Fault.

Rocks are formed by what minerals are present in the area and mixed together when in a metamorphic stage under the earth's surface. Metamorphism is caused by heat, pressure, and time. Rocks are melted into hot magma then cooled when pushed out to the surface, given what minerals are present at the time and where they are being pushed up depends on how quickly or slowly they will cool resulting sometimes in the formation of crystals. There are also Igneous, and Sedimentary rocks that contribute to different formations. Igneous rocks can be intrusive or extrusive and sedimentary rocks are extrusive. Some examples of metamorphic rocks are Schist, Quartzite, Marble and Gneiss. For igneous rocks there are Basalt, Granite, Diorite, Gabbro, and Andesite. Some examples of Sedimentary rocks are Gypsum, Chert, Halite, Limestone, Shale, and Coal.

20-30 Common types of earth's minerals are Quartz, Feldspar, Amphibole, Fourite, Olivine, Orthoclase, Muscovite, Calcite, Halite, Hornblende, Biotite, Augite, Dolomite, Clay, and Pyroxene.

The Geologic Chart starts with Precambrian, Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, Paleogene, and Neogene. The main ones are Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic.

Demonstrate map scale and location.

I continue to try my hardest to apply what I have learned so far in class while I am out in the field rock hunting to become more familiar with the rock types to help identify them.

Goals and Obejections:

My goals have not changed, I am still thriving to balance school and family time to achieve the best life I can. I have recently finished an updated resume and am working on job hunting to start my career. I am so grateful for how dedicated my friends and family are to supporting me and my girls for giving me the motivation to better our lives. Geology does actively come into this because it is how we spend our free time together; out in the desert exploring and collecting rocks that I cherish most. Some of my goals were to be able to identify rocks and minerals and that has progressed and made me way more confident out in the field. I also have a better understanding of how weathering and erosion works and how to answer some of the questions my daughters ask me while we are out exploring. I am very happy and excited about how my goals have helped me this semester.

Methods:

I have started watching lecture videos repeatedly and taking better notes in class that I can reflect on later. I also print out charts and information from the videos so I have them handy when I need to refresh the ideas or use them for assignments. Changing my habits have helped a lot and has made it more convenient and organized for me to get more out of learning the materials.

The methods that I used from the beginning of the class to the end have only been tweaked slightly. It did help me a lot to start going over lecture videos and printing charts to have on hand to use when in class and on labs. I think the biggest one though was learning information in class and then going on field trips or outings and applying what I had learned first hand. It gave me a whole different perspective as to what outcroppings were and layers and identifying rocks and minerals. So, my favorite method is applying.

Anything Else?:

I am truly enjoying the small excursions in the Iron Mountains with my teaching group. It has been a great learning experience and a total perk to completing the assignment.

Conclusion:

Geology class is amazing. I would absolutely encourage anyone to take it. The labs with groups and/or partners made it fun and allowed us to support each other and meet new friends. The small outings were a relief from constant class time. Going to Mitchell's Cavern was a great Geology experience for both my daughter and I. Beginning the class from how the earth was formed then progressing to plate tectonics and volcanoes to the different Geologic Time scales was really eye opening, and of course learning about fossils and dinosaurs for a little bit was awesome too. I really enjoyed the topographic map lab that we did with the different colored dye and had to trace the water line to see the difference in elevation. Overall it was a great experience and I am very happy I took this course. I feel my grade would be a B, and I think it would match what you would give me because I have tried my hardest to be on time, participate and complete assignments to my best ability. I am also very excited I made some new friends that are interested in the same hobbies as I am. I know there will be a lot more hikes and explorations to come!