SCI 3210 (LUOA), PHSC 210 (LUO): Elements of Earth Science

11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 05/15/2025

Course Description

Rationale

The purpose of this course and its associated lab is to reveal the complex inter-relatedness of earth processes affecting the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere. These processes and the contemporary scientific paradigms upon which they are founded will be evaluated via the grid of biblical revelation. Naturally, particular attention will be given to the book of Genesis. In the end, this course is designed to broaden the student’s understanding of the earth and its function from both scientific and biblical perspectives.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences and are designed to help the student evaluate earth science via the grid of biblical revelation. The student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt. Each thread must be 350–450 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to at least 1 other classmate’s thread. Each reply must be 150–175 words and add substantially to the conversation. All posts must adhere to current APA format. (CLO: B, C, D, E; FSLO: SSI 1, 2b, 4)

Austin Webinar Review Assignment

The student will write an essay reviewing a catastrophism topic by Steve Austin. APA formatting should be followed. The student is expected to accurately summarize the article’s contents and assess the young-Earth impact. The length should be 900–1,100 words. (CLO: C; FSLO: SSI 1, 2b)

Quizzes: Watch Items (7)

The student will complete various online exercises matching terms and phrases related to the Watch items found in the assigned Module: Week. The content of these presentations support the textbook readings for that Module: Week and the assignments will reinforce what is read in the course textbook. These quizzes will be open-book/open-notes, contain 15 multiple choice questions and will have a 1-hour time limit. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E; FSLO: SSI 1, 4)

Quizzes: Carved in Stone (5)

The student will complete a Carved In Stone quiz by answering multiple choice questions related to the assigned video presentation. These videos feature Dr. Timothy Clarey, Frank Sherwin, and Dr. Brian Thomas, discussing geologic evidence for a catastrophic, recent, global flood. This quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 15 multiple-choice questions, and will have a 1-hour time limit. (CLO: C, D, E; FSLO: SSI 1, 2b, 4)

Quizzes: Worldview and Science (2)

The student will offer a self-assessment and discuss worldview as related to science during the course and offer any prayer requests/praise reports. This assignment is intended to help the instructor maintain awareness of the student’s spiritual health during the course. This quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 3-4 essay questions, and will have a 1-hour time limit. (FSLO: CC 3)

Quizzes: Earth Systems (8)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned Module: Week. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes and contain 32-42 multiple-choice, true/false, matching and/or essay questions. Quizzes have a 1-hour time limit. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E; FSLO: SSI 1, 2b)