STEM East

Dr. Terri L. Woods, Professor Emeritus at East Carolina University, will offer the following professional development for teachers:

The specific start time for this event will be determined based on the needs of those who register. Efforts will be made to account for teachers' schedules to the greatest extent possible.

Rocks are the key allowing geologists to unlock earth history and “how Earth works”. Without understanding their chemistry, mineralogy, texture, distribution, formation, and age scientists cannot explain -- or predict -- the distribution of earthquakes, volcanoes, mineral resources, oil, tectonic plate boundaries, mountain building, etc. Nor can they help us cope with floods, beach erosion, landslides, climate change, volcanic eruptions, etc. You’ll be introduced to the basic characteristics of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, how they form, and what they tell us about earth history and earth processes. You’ll also study hand specimens to learn the best approaches to using hands-on inquiry with your students. Examining igneous rocks will reveal their environment of origin - either within the earth or out on Earth’s surface. Rocks solidified from lavas on Earth’s surface are associated with different types of volcanic eruptions which have very different consequences for people living nearby. You’ll relate sediments to the sedimentary rocks they form and learn to recognize where these sediments were originally deposited because sedimentary rocks actually preserve a record of the climate, topography, water chemistry, life forms, energy etc. in their environment of formation. Diagrams showing results of laboratory experimentation into the origin of metamorphic rocks reveal the extreme depths, temperatures, and pressures required to form them within the Earth. This, in turn, led to the realization of the vastly powerful and far-reaching forces operating in Earth’s interior. Investigations will include hands-on work with lots of specimens and diagrams. You’ll learn how to lead students to an appreciation of what rocks tell us and why they are important, not just what to call them.

If you would like to see a more detailed description of the exercise please send me an email at woodst@ecu.edu. Or to see the online materials I have available for these topics please go to my ECU CANVAS site at: https://ecu.instructure.com/courses/10299

This event is intended for up to 25 participants. An online meeting link will be provided to those who register.