GET Assignment: Plate Tectonics TILT

Purpose: Google Earth is a visual application of the Earth and its landforms. We will use this tool to attend 'virtual field trips' to locate, identify, measure, and interpret geologic information within the context of our chapter activities.

This assignment will help you practice the following skills -

• • • Observe and describe geologic processes pertaining to past and present curriculum.
    • Evaluate distances, landscapes, and processes to support the development of ideas and promote awareness of Earth science.
    • Synthesis of reading, figures, photos, and virtual field trips to observe and imply geologic processes in other geographic locations.
    • Analysis of current and past curriculum, combined with the interactive field trip to make content connections.
    • Application of critical thinking and interpretation skills to determine valid statements regarding the analysis of landscapes and geologic processes occurring in the area. Use the awareness to make predictions regarding outcomes from similar models around the world.

This assignment will help you gain the following knowledge -

• • • Develop familiarity with Google Earth and its uses to observe Earth processes.
    • Awareness of the concept of plate tectonics and its' influence on geologic phenomenon and hazards.
    • Awareness of areas with various levels of geologic activity and subsequent hazards.

This assignment applies to the following Course Learning Outcomes for Geol&100:

• • • Define and articulate knowledge of earth systems concepts and dynamic processes.
    • Examine information and apply critical thinking skills, in order to develop correlation between concepts.
    • Effectively communicate ideas, investigative results, and interpretations of fundamental principles in earth science.

Tasks: In order for everyone to 'visit' the same locations we need to download and open a special .kml file within Google Earth webpage. This ".kml" file will contain the placemarks or locations for each area we will be visiting virtually. In this Google Earth Tours (GET) assignment you will download the "GET_ Plate Tectonics.kml" file, navigate to Google Earth webpage in Chrome, open the kml file and investigate the project locations, visit specific placemarks as directed in this assessment, and answer questions in Canvas. To download or save this kml file, you can click on it once and choose the save button. Recall that some of you had to download the KML file from Canvas while in Firefox, and then open from the Chrome Google Earth webpage project option.

Here are your task instructions for this assignment:

1. Download this "GET_ Plate Tectonics.kml " file (click the blue text to save). Save or download the file to your device.
2. Open Chrome (web browser). Google search for "Google Earth". Click on your first "Google Earth" search return. Look for the words "Launch Earth" in the upper right corner of the Google Earth page. Note, this quarter we will not download the software program. We are only using the webpage version of Google Earth to explore a few locations.
3. Once the web page version of Google Earth is open, click on the "Projects" option on the left side of the page.
4. Choose to  OPEN a project. Navigate to where you downloaded the "kml" file, and open that.
5. You should see several placemarks listed when you open the "kml". 
6. Have this assessment in Canvas open with the questions visible. You will read the Canvas question, check out the recommended placemark, refer to chapter notes and/or text book to choose the best answer option based on what you have learned and seen in Google Earth.
7. Submit to save your answers when you have completed them all.

Check out the Panopto video below for "How To" tips on getting started with the assignment. It's about 8 minutes and helps to break down all the components needed to complete the assignment.

Criteria for Success:

You only get one attempt with this assessment. There is no time limit other than the due date. You may open it, ask me a few questions, close it, and re-open another day to complete it. You will need to use your textbook, chapter notes, and/or lecture presentations to complete this assignment. Toggle back and forth between the assessment questions in Canvas, Google Earth Chrome, and your chapter materials.

• Are you ready to start? KML file is downloaded, Google Chrome webpage is open, KML file has been uploaded into a new project, your Canvas quiz is open and started, and your textbook is open to the pertinent chapters for review and comparison.
• Students typically spend about 1-2 hours completing this assignment, provided they are already familiar with the chapter content.
• Points are awarded for each question answered correctly. Types of questions might include multiple choice, matching, multiple answer options, pull-down options to match, and short-answer essay.
• Let's talk about how students are expected to integrate the content. A Google Earth placemark in the KML takes you to a location representing an area with icons depicting volcanoes and earthquakes. This geographic area is located in northwestern Washington and shows part of the coast with nearby Pacific ocean. One of the questions might ask you to determine which type of plate boundary is responsible for the geologic hazards present. In chapter 2 of our textbook, section 2.5 you will find a conversation about a specific plate boundary. Figure 2.16 in your textbook shows a local example of this unique plate boundary setting, and discussed the types of hazards common to this region. Using this gained knowledge, coupled with interpreting the information as it pertains to the Google Earth placemark, students should be able to answer the question effectively.

Troubleshooting? I am a real human, who is here to help.

• Please give yourself time to work ahead, sort out issues, and contact me during normal business hours (8am-4pm) with your questions. 
• If you have a question or concern about a certain, time-sensitive assignment like this please send me a message through Canvas rather than submit a comment within the assignment. I may not get to read those comments until I begin grading the work. At that point it could be too late to help you. For example... students adds a comment within the comment box on the GET assignment, regarding errors with Google Chrome not working which, ultimately caused them to not answer the questions. Ask me about those types of issues in a Canvas message (preferably with a screenshot), Zoom chat, or stop by in person.