Geoscience Education in the Mountain State: CATS Applied Geology/Geomorphology Telecourse Syllabus--Spring 2000

National Science Foundation	Project CATS--Coordinated & Thematic Science	West Virginia University, Department of Geology & Geography	West Virginia University, College of Human Resources & Education	West Virginia Geological & Economic Survey
Telecourse material is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation and the West Virginia Department of Education. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or the West Virginia Department of Education.

January 13, 2000

CATS Applied Geology/Geomorphology will demonstrate how a knowledge of geologic processes (volcanism, erosion, shore processes, rivers, glaciers, sedimentary environments, etc.), tools (especially maps of all types), and skills (map reading, rock and fossil identification, correlating rocks to a geologic environment) can enhance our experience with the natural world. We will use national and state parks and monuments, and selected environmental problems to focus our attention on selected geologic processes, tools, and skills.

Please note prerequisites. This course will assume participants possess a rudimentary understanding of basic geology. You may enroll for one of three options:

Non-credit option: Participants are welcome to simply view the classes. The only requirement is that you complete the course assessment pre- and post-tests. No other tests or registration fees!

Three credit option: Perquisite for the 3-credit course is successful completion of any prior geology course. Participants enrolling at this credit level will be required to watch six class broadcasts (Jan. 25, Feb. 8 and 22, March 7 and 21, April 4); complete all quizzes; read and critique a book from an approved course reading list; rent, watch, and critique the video, "A Civil Action;" and complete the final exam.

Four-credit option: Prerequisite for the 4-credit option is CATS Environmental geology 290, another environmental geology course, or RockCamp 1 and 2. Participants enrolling at this credit level will be required to complete all the three-credit level requirements plus watch an additional four classes (Feb. 1, 15, and 29 and March 14), and participate in a four-day field trip to the Lake Erie region on June 1, 2, 3, and 4. Lodging and transportation costs for this trip will be covered by Project CATS. Participants will pay for their own meals. Grades for this option will not be posted until the field trip is concluded.

Classes: Content and teaching ideas will be presented using a series of live two-hour satellite broadcasts on Tuesdays from 4 - 6 pm. Live broadcast sites will be facilitated by a local teacher. If there is not a site in your area, one may be established. You may, if there is not a site in your area, enroll and take the class individually IF you have access to the broadcasts or copies of tapes AND you call beforehand. We will NOT provide taped copies of broadcasts to individual participants. Taped copies will only be provided for facilitated sites. Questions? Call Tom Repine at 1-800-WV-GEOLOgy or e-mail at repine@wvgs.wvnet.edu. With prior approval and no facilitators may request permission to conduct the course by watching tapes on a different time and day of the week.

These are the broadcast dates and times for Spring 2000 CATS Applied Geology. The six core classes required for the three credit option are bolded.

Satellite Information:CATS Applied Geoscience will be broadcast on Tuesdays from 4 - 6 pm on satellite GE-2, Channel 6. This satellite is located at 85 degrees.

Tentative Broadcast Locations: Morgantown, Parkersburg, Flatwoods, Martinsburg, Logan, Craigsville, Elkins, Franklin, Pine Grove, Wheeling, and Fairmont. Additional sites can be added if needed. Please contact Tom Repine.

Required Text: None

Course Evaluation Procedures: Grades will be determined using a percentage scale of 90-100%=A; 80-89%=B, 70-79%=C, 60-69%=D, less than 60%=F.

Communications: This is a distance education class. Our primary communication medium will be e-mail. Unedited transcripts for the six core classes, assignments, quizzes, etc. will be posted on the class web site, http://www.wvgs.wvnet.edu/www/geoeduc/geoeduc.htm

Transcripts are usually available within three days of the broadcast. Other information will be distributed using a participant's e-mail distribution list. All participants must have access to an active e-mail account and a web browser which supports the opening and printing of .PDF format files. You are urged to keep dated copies of all materials, tests, etc. to verify completion in event of electronic difficulties.

Questions: Contact Tom Repine at 1-800-WV-GEOLOgy or repine@wvgs.wvnet.edu

Page last revised: March 2000

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            West Virginia Geological & Economic Survey
  Address:  Mont Chateau Research Center
            Cheat Lake exit off I-68
            P.O. Box 879
            Morgantown, WV  26507-0879
Telephone:  1-800-WV-GEOLOgy (1-800-984-3656) or 304-594-2331
      FAX:  304-594-2575
    Hours:  8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday - Friday