Getting to Know Earth
100% ONLINE
SELF-PACED
NO COST
Summary
Explore the atmosphere and hydrosphere to discover how air and water molecules are cycled. Dig into the pedosphere to learn how soil is formed. Investigate the diversity of life in Earth’s biosphere.
Duration: 18 hours
Location: Online
Modality: Self-paced
This Course is not for Academic Credit
What you'll learn:
Students will learn basic information about each Earth sphere.
- Module 1 will include layers and composition of the atmosphere, weather & global convection currents, monsoons, the rain shadow effect and an introduction to climate.
- Module 2 will delve into the hydrosphere with a quick course in water cycle reservoirs and transfer processes, issues with water consumption, and the (uneven) global distribution and consumption of water.
- Module 3 will focus on soils (pedosphere) and their importance to life and human society, how soils form, their basic properties that enable them to store, transmit and cycle water and nutrients, and how soils are degraded by some human activities. Finally,
- Module 4 will tie all of the Earth spheres together by exploring Earth biomes and what types of life forms live in each, and the reasons for recent declines in biodiversity.
Module and Content:
This certificate has 4 modules to help you learn more about the Earth you live in. Each module focuses on a different natural resource and Earth sphere. As a resident of planet Earth, you utilize each of these spheres for air, water, food and nutrients.
Learning Objectives:
This is a basic, introductory and short course into environmental science. Students will learn basic information about each Earth sphere.
- Module 1 will include layers and composition of the atmosphere, weather & global convection currents, monsoons, the rain shadow effect and an introduction to climate.
- Module 2 will delve into the hydrosphere with a quick course in water cycle reservoirs and transfer processes, issues with water consumption, and the (uneven) global distribution and consumption of water.
- Module 3 will focus on soils (pedosphere) and their importance to life and human society, how soils form, their basic properties that enable them to store, transmit and cycle water and nutrients, and how soils are degraded by some human activities.
- Module 4 will tie all of the Earth spheres together by exploring Earth’s biomes and what types of life forms live in each, and the reasons for recent declines in biodiversity.
Who is this certificate designed for:
If you are interested to learn basic information about each Earth sphere.
What you'll receive:
Upon finishing this certificate, students will receive an online certificate of completion.
Meet the instructor:
Susannah Sandrin, PhD
Clinical Associate Professor, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University
Dr. Sandrin has an interdisciplinary background in environmental science, hydrology and engineering. She currently teaches a large, popular introductory environmental science course at ASU. Her research interests are related to STEM education and strategies for engaging a more diverse group of future scientists and engineers to help us solve our challenges of the future. She is eternally optimistic due to her experiences working with the fabulous students at ASU as she recognizes their immense potential and passion for making the world a better place.