Geology B.A.E. Outcome Assessment

Program outcomes –B.A. in Education, Earth Science (elementary or secondary)

A. List of program outcomes

Cognitive outcomes

Our students will have a deep understanding of the following foundational geologic principles:

Earth has a history of biological and physical change over billions of years
Earth's surface is affected by dynamic processes on a range of timescales (e.g. erosion, deposition, volcanic activity, earthquakes)
Earth's composition varies and these compositions provide the raw materials for the rock cycle
The Earth's interior is dynamic and drives plate tectonics
Earth scientists use repeatable observations and testable ideas to understand and explain our planet
Geology and society are fundamentally inter-related

Skills

Our BA in Education students will have critical skills required by an Earth Science-focused pre-service teacher education, appropriate for careers in teaching in elementary, middle, or high school.

Graduates have developed their observational, analytical and quantitative skills (particularly classroom and computer).
Graduates can create maps and understand what they tell us about the Earth
Graduates will be able to apply physics, chemistry, and mathematics concepts to the study of Earth
Graduates (alone or in teams) will be able to present geological information clearly

B. Outcomes Assessment Matrix

The department has chosen one or two courses in which to assess each of the eight program outcomes. The matrix below shows which courses are chosen for such assessment.

Legend

check_circle_outline This course chosen for this outcome assessment

check This course addresses this program outcome, but it is not addressed departmentally

Geology B.A. in Education Cognitive Outcomes by Course Number
Outcome	211	212	213	252	310	306-406 or 311	340	How Assessed
1. Earth has a history of biological and physical change over billions of years	check	check_circle_outline		check	check	check	check	Quizzes and exams that cover the geological time scale will be used to assess the mastery of concepts important to Earth history, including an understanding of "deep time"- Quiz scores over the past several years average 90%
2. Earth's surface is affected by dynamic processes on a range of timescales (e.g. erosion, deposition, volcanic activity, earthquakes)	check	check	check	check	check_circle_outline	check	check	Track grades on the Air Photo Analysis Lab Assignment
3. Earth's composition varies and these compositions provide the raw materials for the rock cycle	check					check_circle_outline	check	Two assessments: First, track lab test grades (igneous lab exam and metamoprhic lab exam). Second, choose a subset of samples for which students must provide more detailed answers about rock formation (origin, source, protolith if applicable, plate tectonic environment, etc.) and linking related rocks through the rock cycle
4. The Earth's interior is dynamic and determines evolution of continental and oceanic plates	check_circle_outline					check	check	Scores on appropriate exam questions and plate tectonics labs
5. Earth scientists use repeatable observations and testable ideas to understand and explain our planet	check	check_circle_outline		check	check	check	check	Track grades on cross section labs
6. Geology and society are fundamentally inter-related	check	check		check	check_circle_outline	check	check	Track grades on the Humans as Geomorphic Agents Problem Set and one online discussion of the McPhee Control of Nature book.

Skills by Course Number
Skill	211	213	252	310	306-406 or 311	340	How Assessed
1. Graduates have developed their observational, analytical and quantitative skills (particularly classroom and computer)		check_circle_outline	check	check	check	check	Track grades in a final course project
2. Graduates can create maps and understand what they tell us about the Earth	check	check_circle_outline		check			Students in the GIS class identify and analyze spatial data, and portray those results on maps. Student scores on final map and cross-sections will be used for this outcome.
3. Graduates will be able to apply physics, chemistry, and mathematics concepts to the study of Earth Systems			check_circle_outline	check		check	Student grades on a lab on atmospheric stability, condensation, and precipitation.
4. Graduates (alone or in groups) will be able to present geological information clearly in written, graphic, and oral forms				check		check_circle_outline	Track grades on an in-cass activity where students observe and describe the physical characteristics of marine sediment cores, and create a map showing the distribution of the primary sediment lithologies in the ocean. Students will also come up with and present hypotheses to explain the lithologies shown on their map.