This 1 credit course is intended to serve as an opportunity to directly observe and inquire about materials and processes which make up the Earth. Geology is the study of the Earth and the goal of this lab is to give you, the Kent State University liberal arts student, a chance to be involved directly in that study. Since science is something you do, we have tried to make each lab session a hands-on opportunity to actively do something. We also have tried to make the labs inquiry-based so that you, the student, can be led and stimulated by interesting questions rather than by rote lecturing and memorization. Each lab session was developed so as to be completely self-contained. To get the most out of this lab you are expected to visit each weeks lab web site BEFORE the scheduled lab period. Geology 11040 - Earth Dynamics is a pre-requisite or co-requisite for this lab course. Finally, each lab was designed to be completed in about 1 hour and 45 minutes (allowing 10 minutes or so for handing back previous assignments and for introducing the lab topic).

With the exception of the fieldtrip, all lab sessions will be held in McGilvrey Hall Room 236. There are a number of different sections of this lab which meet in this classroom each week. If for some reason during the semester you are unable to meet at your regular lab time, then you should try to attend one of the other lab sessions that week as lab participation is critical for your learning (and enjoyment). However, you must attend regularly the lab for which you are registered.

This web site will served as Laboratory Manual for this course. Each week you are required to read over the introductory material PRIOR TO that weeks lab. The lab instructor will be giving you the lab exercise handouts you need for the lab session. This will allow you to spend more time working on lab exercises. Since there will not be a lecture at the start of lab, there will be time for questions on the introduction and lab exercise before you begin.

Also, you can purchase an optional geology lab kit at the bookstore (for $11.50). This kit includes useful hands-on equipment for rock identification, map construction, etc.

For most labs there will be activities and questions that you will need to do and answer and then hand in as your completed assignment. The instructor will return your corrected assignment at the beginning of the next lab session. Your lab grade will be mostly based on lab participation,completion of weekly assignments and two lab practicals. You are encouraged to work in groups during the lab period. Attendance is mandatory. Each unexcused absence will amount to a grade reduction. For instance, someone with two unexcused absences can get no higher than a C grade, someone with three unexcused absences, a D grade, etc.

The Geology Department at KSU is an active, vibrant, and fun center for the study of Earth materials, processes, and history. We have 12 faculty members who teach and do research in many different subfields of geology. The department currently has about 70 undergraduate majors (both B.A. and B.S.) and 30 graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.). The Kent State Geological Society (KSGS) is one of the more active societies on campus and you are encouraged to become a member of it. The society holds informal fieldtrips throughout the year and each fall semester holds a picnic in one of the nearby parks.

In accordance with University policy, if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester or when given an assignment for which an accommodation is required. Students with disabilities must verify their eligibility through the Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) in the DeWeese Health Center (672-3391).