Students begin the semester with a study of minerals and rocks.
The second half of the laboratory involves an investigation of maps and surficial processes. The first half of the laboratory prepares the students with an understanding of mineral and rock identification and classification. The second half of the semester will involve the study of maps and surficial processes. Topographic and geologic maps are the primary tools for geological interpretation of the earth's surface and subsurface features. Following several weeks on maps, the students will investigate the features formed by wind, water and ice as they modify the earth's surface.