GEOL 101 EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

updated 05/15/01

ATTENTION: All extra credit is due no later than the last inclass day of the quarter: Thursday, June 7th. Extra Credit turned in after that will not be graded.

Rock Collection--You are to make a collection of three rocks, one each from the three genetic categories: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. (HINT: Collect fist-sized specimens if possible. They are easier to study and classify.) A one-two page report is to accompany each rock. Label the specimens and turn them in with your report. The reports are to be word-processed or typewritten in 10 or 12 point fonts. Reports and specimens are due the last inclass day of the quarter, Thursday, June 7th. The following items need to be adequately reported and interpreted:

Locality--Document in a paragraph where you found the rock (purchased specimens are not allowed). Include enough information so that I can verify its locality.

Rock Description--Write a paragraph for each of the following rock characteristics:

Mineral composition--Identify the mineral content of the rock and estimate the relative proportions of each mineral identified. Give reasons for your identifications and estimations.

Texture--Describe the shapes and sizes of crystals and components of the rock, using proper terminology.

Fabric--Describe the arrangement of the components of the rock, using proper terminology.

Structures--Describe the other components that are found in the rock, such as fossils, vugs (holes), and the surficial features of the specimen.

Classification and Identification--Using the description, classify the rock appropriately (e.g. quartz sandstone, gneiss, granite, basalt) and state the reasons for your identification.

Genesis--Write a paragraph describing the origins of this rock and its history, based on your identification.

You can also get up to 1% extra credit for each specimen and report you turn-in that is not a repeat of the specimens you use for your assignment (i.e. only one granite from each general locality, only one quartz sandstone, one arkosic sandstone, one shale, one chlorite schist, one muscovite schist, etc.). If you need help with the identification, choice of specimens, or need some guidance to find a representative specimen of each rock, please come and see me.

Analysis of Egyptian Artifacts at the Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum (in the Visual Arts Bldg here at CSUSB): Observe and determine which of the egyptian artifacts in the museum are made of natural geological materials. Create a list of those displayed artifacts made primarily of carved rock or mineral materials (e.g. granite, basalt, alabaster, etc). Determine the relative percentage of each natural material represented in the collection of artifacts (e.g. Sandstone = 36%, Azurite = 15%, etc.) they used. Write a three to five page, 10-12 point font word-processed or typewritten paper analyzing why they used those materials and what types of geological processes formed the raw materials for Egypts treasures. State what those artifacts tell us about the geology of Egypt, its geologic history. Attach your lists and graphs to the paper (they are not part of the 3-5 page analysis!).

Earth Resource Assignment-- Write a two page (minimal) report on any of the topics listed below. You may submit up to 3 reports for a total of up to 9% extra credit (i.e. 3% each). However, journal failure will invalidate ALL Earth resource reports.. The report should address the following adequately:

DEFINE THE RESOURCE--describe the characteristics of the earth resource you have been assigned (e.g. physical and chemical properties, distinguishing properties).

WHERE DO WE FIND IT and HOW DID IT ORIGINATE--describe the geological relationships and occurrence of the resource, and what geological processes are significant in its formation, distribution, and concentration.

WHAT IS IT GOOD (or BAD) FOR--describe why this material is important, how it is used, and what the future prospects are for its continued utilization.

Asbestos--Friend or Foe?	Calcite--Properties, Occurrence, and Use
Coal	Concrete
Crust R Us--the Feldspars	Diamonds in the rough
Geological sources of phosphate	Helium--unlimited supply or?
Lead minerals--a weighty topic	Mercury Ore Minerals and Society
Natural Gas and Gas Hydrates	Ores of Aluminum--Metal of Royalty
Ores of Chromium--A strategic neccessity?	Petroleum
Quartz--Multipurpose Mineral	Sand and Gravel
Titanium Ore Minerals and Their Use	Useful Radioactive Minerals

EXAM QUESTIONS: I will give 1% extra credit (counted towards final grade) for each three multiple-choice questions that are worthy to be included on the examinations. I reserve the right to assess "worthiness". Worthy questions will be anonymously included on the exam. Questions should fairly and accurately test an average students understanding of the concepts discussed in class, or in the text. I will not accept mere "regurgitative" or rote-memorization questions. I also prefer application and analytical questions. You may turn in up to three sets of questions for each exam (up to 3% extra credit/exam),by the inclass day preceeding the exam (e.g. April 24^th, May 18^th, and June 8^th respectively). If you would like me to review your questions before you turn them in, please bring them to me beforehand.
Current Events: Find and include a minimum of one current event clipped from the popular media (newspapers, magazines, etc.) for each of the discussion topics listed on the syllabus. Write a one or two page paper about the significance of the event and its relationship to the discussion topic. Only events that are reported in the media between 04/01/01 and 06/07/01 can be used for this assignment. Maximum of 7% will be counted towards your final grade (1% each).

Special Events: Individual presentation of a single geologic concept via poetry, prose, art, dance, model, costume, etc. Limit to 2.5 minutes/presentation. Peer-evaluated. Possible posting of your work on the www (with your permission, of course)! Each Presentation is worth a maximum of 3%.

Tuesday, June 5th

Virtual Earthquake: Two percent extra credit will be given for certificate of completion.

http://vquake.calstatela.edu/edesktop/VirtApps/VirtualEarthQuake/VQuakeExecute.html

Virtual Dating: Two percent extra credit will be given for certificate of completion.

http://vearthquake.calstatela.edu/edesktop/VirtApps/VirtualDating/

A Journey to the Centre of the Earth: Write a word-processed (10-12 pt), five to ten page essay comparing the structure of the earth documented in Jules Verne's 1864 novel with the perspective offered in your textbook by Press and Siever. 10% maximum extra credit.