Topic: Earth Systems: Our Interconnected Planet

Catalog description

What makes Earth the only habitable planet we know of? How do matter and energy move around and through this tremendous orbiting mass? What is happening in the parts of Earth we cannot see, including the Earth’s interior, the deep ocean, and the upper atmosphere? Why should we know about these forces and fluxes? How might these understandings impact how we engage with Earth systems? This course asks students to conceptualize the large-scale planetary forces around us. The solid, liquid, and gaseous components of Earth are constantly in motion, and yet, few people have opportunities to comprehend these dynamics. We will explore how the solid interior of Earth forms and constantly moves, how the global ocean conveyor belt regulates Earth’s climate, and how atmospheric systems redistribute matter and energy on Earth’s surface. The unifying theme is convection: movement of matter with energy. Students will read scientific literature and textbook materials; however, no formal scientific background is required. Hands-on activities, computer-based simulations, creation of artistic representations of concepts, and student-led discussions will be key throughout the course. Students will be asked to spend 15 hours of civic engagement to support hands-on experiences with Earth Systems. Culminating assessments will take the form of creative projects based on class content and literature reviews.