Archives: Lessons

Earthquakes and Tsunamis Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn what earthquakes and tsunamis are and discuss how and where they occur. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe what earthquakes are and explain how they occur. Compare the different types of faults and the types of … Read more

Volcanoes Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the different types of volcanoes, where they are found and the types of eruptions they are associated with. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the structure of volcanoes and the types of materials they eject. Differentiate between … Read more

Tectonic Plate Boundaries Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the different types of boundaries between tectonic plates and the geological features that are associated with them. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe divergent, convergent and transform plate boundaries, with examples. Differentiate between continental-oceanic, continental-continental … Read more

Plate Tectonic Theory Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the development of the theory of plate tectonics. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe Wegener’s theory of continental drift and evidence that supports it. Describe the mid-ocean ridge system and ocean trenches. Describe Hess’s theory … Read more

Identifying Minerals Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about some of the physical characteristics of minerals that can be used to identify them. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe minerals and crystals. Describe examples of crystal shape. Differentiate between cleavage and fracture. Describe Mohs scale … Read more

Radiometric Dating Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how radiometric dating is used to determine the age of rocks and fossils. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain what a radioisotope is. Describe the process of radioactive decay and explain how it is measured in half-lives. … Read more

Redox Reactions Learning Objective In this lesson we will expand our definition of oxidation and learn how it occurs in combination with reduction in redox reactions. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe oxidation in terms of the transfer of oxygen or the transfer of electrons. Describe reduction … Read more

Oxidation – Combustion and Corrosion Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about oxidation reactions, in particular, combustion and corrosion. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe oxidation reactions. Describe combustion, including complete and incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, combustion of metals and combustion of non-metals. Predict the … Read more

Types of Chemical Reactions Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how the products of chemical reactions can often be predicted, by classifying reactions into different types, based on the way atoms are rearranged. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Identify the following types of chemical reactions: … Read more

Writing Balanced Chemical Equations Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how to write chemical equations in a way that reflects the law of conservation of mass. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain how the law of conservation of mass applies to chemical reactions. Write balanced … Read more

Geological History Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn how the study of rock strata reveals information about Earth’s geological and biological history. We will also learn how Earth history is represented by the geological time scale. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain what is meant … Read more

Fossils Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about different types of fossils and how they are formed. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe what fossils are and distinguish between body fossils and trace fossils. Explain why fossilisation is a rare event and why the fossil … Read more

Rocks and the Rock Cycle Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the three main types of rocks and how they are linked via the rock cycle. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Define what rocks and minerals are. Compare the three main types of rocks, … Read more

Metamorphic Rocks Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the formation of metamorphic rocks. We will also look at some common metamorphic rocks and discuss their properties and uses. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain what metamorphic rocks are and describe how they are formed. … Read more

Sedimentary Rocks Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the formation of sedimentary rocks and compare clastic, biochemical and chemical sedimentary rocks. We will also look at some common sedimentary rocks and discuss their properties and uses. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain what sedimentary … Read more

Igneous Rocks Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the formation of igneous rocks and compare extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks. We will also look at some common igneous rocks and discuss their properties and uses. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain what igneous rocks … Read more

Earth’s Internal Structure Learning Objective In this lesson we will learn about the four main layers that make up Earth – the crust, mantle, outer core and inner core. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Identify the main layers making up Earth. Describe the structure and composition of … Read more

Energy Consumption and Clean Energy Learning Objective In this lesson we will look at ways of reducing energy consumption and compare fossil fuels with alternative sources of energy. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the benefits of reducing energy consumption and using cleaner sources of energy. Describe … Read more

Energy-Efficient Design Learning Objective In this lesson we will look at some ways that the design of an object or system can increase its energy efficiency. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Explain what is meant by ‘energy-efficient design’. Describe some ways that friction can be reduced to … Read more

Conservation of Energy Learning Objective In this lesson we will look at how energy transfers and transformations relate to the law of conservation of energy. Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson you will be able to: Describe the law of conservation of energy. Describe how energy transfers and transformations are not 100% efficient, … Read more