Course Outline

Geology 12 meets the second science credit requirement for graduation. Geology 12 is comprised of six units of study. The course may be offered as a full credit (six modules) or as two half-credits (each comprising of three modules) - Geology 12A and Geology 12B. 

Geology 12A is comprised of the first three units; The Nature of Geology: You and Geology, The Geologists, and Earth Systems; Earth Materials: Crystallography, Mineralogy, and Petrology; and Internal Processes: Earth’s Interior, Plate Tectonics, and Forces and Structures. 

Geology 12B is comprised of the remaining three units; Surface Processes: Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition; Historical Geology: Geological Principles, The Fossil Record, and Geological Time; and Environmental Geology: Geological Hazards, Resource Issues, and Waste Management

The Nature of Geology: You and Geology, The Geologists, and Earth Systems

Learners will explore the uniqueness and complexity of the geological sciences, the relevance of geology in their daily lives and the work of geologists. Learners will examine the importance of the Earth’s resources and impact of geological processes. Including the roles humans can play in protecting the environment. 

Earth Materials: Crystallography, Mineralogy, and Petrology

Learners will have opportunities to make many first-hand observations as they identify and classify the physical and chemical characteristics of common minerals. Learners will investigate the rock-forming minerals and the various rock textures. The investigations in this unit will lead to an awareness of how the characteristics of a rock specimen allow geologists to infer its origin. 

Internal Processes: Earth’s Interior, Plate Tectonics, and Forces and Structures

Learners begin their study of the Earth’s interior with an investigation of how scientists have determined the internal structure of our planet. The unit then proceeds to investigate how technology has helped in revealing the layered structure of the interior and how technology helps predict plate movements.  Learners will explore the implications of plate tectonics and Earth’s interior forces. 

Surface Processes: Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition 

Through inquiry, learners will make first-hand observations of land forms and surfaces as they identify the characteristics of landscapes and classify them. Learners will investigate surficial processes by examining the weathering process by designing and carrying out experiments on soil erosion. Implications of weathering, erosion and deposition are also explored.

Historical Geology: Geological Principles, The Fossil Record, and Geological Time

Learners will explore the historical development of geological theory and the work of early geologists to develop theories. Learners will investigate fossil record, and both relative and absolute time with respect to planetary development. 

Environmental Geology: Geological Hazards, Resource Issues, and Waste Management

Learners will investigate resource and land use and the impacts to the environment.  The relevance of geology to daily life and the work of geologists will be explored. Learners will also investigate natural geological hazards, the issues surrounding the use of resources and waste disposal.

Updated March 10, 2022