Earth System Science Courses

ESSC 414 Teaching Science with Dinosaurs (3 hrs)
This course provides pre- and in-service teachers with the content and skills necessary to use dinosaurs as a focus group to teach the scientific method (i.e., "science") at the K-12 level. Students will receive hands-on training in numerous dinosaur-based activities designed to directly engage K-12 pupils in all aspects of the scientific method, including data collection, hypothesis formulation, and hypothesis testing. Prereq: ESSC 108 , ESSC 110 or ESSC 202

ESSC 424 Climatology (3 hrs)
An analysis of the world's climate types, including characteristics, classification, controls and their effects on world soils and natural vegetation. Prereq: ESSC 324

ESSC 425 Severe and Unusual Weather (3 hrs)
Analysis of cyclones, blizzards, thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes and other catastrophic weather phenomena. Their environmental impact and prediction. Prereq: ESSC 324

ESSC 470 Quantitative Methods in Geography and Geology (3 hrs)
Introduction to current techniques and methods applicable to geographic and geologic problems. An applied course emphasizing statistical analyses and computer applications. Prereq. ESSC 110 and MATH 104, MATH 105, MATH 107, MATH 112, MATH 120 or MATH 122.

ESSC 495/GPLN 495 Environmental Assessment and Planning (3 hrs-not available on line, offered in the evenings at EMU main campus)
An examination of the program elements of environmental impact statements. Geobased data sources are explored and analyzed. Impact statements are prepared by the class and existing impact statements are evaluated. Prereq: ESSC 110 or GPLN 215

ESSC520/GEOG520 GIS Introduction for Educators 3 hrs
This course is intended as an introductory GIS course for educators with some computer experience, but no previous GIS experience. The course is designed to open up the world of Geographic Information Systems to the professional educators. The course will include readings and online discussions followed by hands-on exercises. Prereq: a teaching certificate in science, or social science, or business application, or computer information technology or department approval

ESSC522/GEOG522 Internet GIS for Educators 3 hrs
This course explores the availability of internetbased GIS tools and data sources and their applicability to the development of K-16 curriculum materials. Participants will investigate a variety of online mapping tools, as well as sources of spatial data that can be integrated into a GIS. Learners will develop an understanding of the purpose and need for accurate metadata when using Internet based data sources. Prereq: a teaching certificate in science, or social science, or business application, or computer information technology or department approval

ESSC524/GEOG524 GIS As an Instructional Tool in Classrooms 3 hrs
This course surveys current instructional applications of Geographic Information Systems. Participants will explore strategies for integrating GIS within a variety of K-16 instructional environments. In addition, learners will develop simple, introductory instructional materials intended to introduce students to Geographic Information Systems as a tool fro data display, symbolization and analysis. Prereq: GEOG/ESSC520 and GEOG/ESSC522

ESSC557 Field Investigations in Earth Science 6 hrs
This six week summer session course, specifically designed for secondary teachers, emphasizes basic field data gathering techniques and data analysis. Exercises include investigations in Michigan and upper Mid-West geology, meteorology and environmental science that can be directly utilized in the classroom. The class consists of classroom instruction, fieldwork in local areas and a few multi-day trips. Admission to the graduate program in Earth Science Education is required. View the ESSC 557: FIELD EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES.

ESSC565 New Approaches to Teaching Earth Science 3 hrs
This course will explore advanced methods for teaching Earth Science. Various ways to incorporate writing into the teaching of Earth Science will be discussed, including techniques for inserting writing into Earth Science without overtaxing the assessment process. Differentiation will be explored for both special education students and TAG students. Finally, advanced activities for use in the classroom will be examined. Available to Earth Science Education masters only. Admission to the graduate program in Earth Science Education is required.

ESSC566 Advanced Plate Tectonics for Educators 3 hrs
This course, specifically designed for secondary teachers, is an in-depth examination of plate tectonics. We will examine continental drift, sea floor spreading, driving mechanisms, boundary interactions, origin of magma, earthquakes, consequences of plate dynamics and the tectonic history of the earth emphasizing the major orogenic events that shaped the planet. Available to Earth Science Education masters only. Admission to the graduate program in Earth Science Education is required.

ESSC567 Paleoclimatology 3 hrs
Causes and effects of natural climate change throughout Earth's history. Topics include analytical methods used to reconstruct past climates, tectonic effects, interplay between oceanic and atmospheric circulation, ice ages climates and glaciations, corals and El Niño. Emphasis is placed on events of the last 2.7 million years. Available to Earth Science Education masters only. Admission to the graduate program in Earth Science Education is required.

ESSC569 Principles of Hydrology for Educators 3 hrs
An examination of the physical aspects of water in the environment. The hydrologic cycle, water balances, drainage basin analysis and ground water characteristics are highlighted. Methods to teach these subjects at the secondary level are also introduced. Available to Earth Science Education masters only.

ESSC590/591/592 Special Topics 1/2/3 hrs

An experimental course for subject matter not provided in other departmental offerings. The content will change from semester to semester. Students may elect this course several times, provided different topics are studied. Not more than six hours of special topics may be used on a degree program. Prereq: department permission

ESSC597/598/599 Independent Study 1/2/3 hrs
An intensive study of a problem or group of problems, under the direction of a University faculty member. Prereq: department permission

ESSC665 Professional Paper 3 hrs
The student is expected to investigate some area of earth science or earth science educational theory or practice, gather and analyze information, draw conclusions to add to the body of knowledge and write a paper of publishable quality completed in consultation with a faculty advisor. Available to Earth Science Education masters only. Prereq: ESSC470/565. View the ESSC 665: PROFESSIONAL PAPER GUIDELINES.

ESSC667/GEOG667 School GIS Project 3 hrs
School GIS projects emphasizing comprehensive mastery of GIS concepts and techniques in schools applications. Particular topics are chosen on requests in school administration, student services, student field research and student career development. These projects are selected and designed to enable participants to engage in using GIS for problem solving in our schools. Prereq: GEOG/ESSC520 and GEOG/ESSC522

ESSC669/GEOG669 GIS Lesson Plan Development 3 hrs
The course is focused on using State and National Benchmarks to plan, research and develop GIS lessons in a K-16 setting. In this course you will accomplish this by readings, lesson critiques and lesson development using Michigan Climb benchmarks. Prereq: GEOG/ESSC524 and GEOG/ESSC667

ESSC679/680/681 Special Topics 1/2/3 hrs
An experimental course for subject matter not provided in other departmental offerings. The content will change from semester to semester. Students may elect this course several times, provided different topics are studied. Not more than six hours of special topics may be used on a degree program. Prereq: department permission ESSC697/698/699 Independent Study 1/2/3 hrs An intensive study of a problem or group of problems, under the direction of a University faculty member. Prereq: department permission