1.1. Introduction to Geology – Learning Outcomes

After reading this chapter of the textbook, learning the vocabulary, and working through the review questions, students should be able to:

• Define geology.
• Provide examples of things geologists study.
• List several reasons why geology is a worthy area of study and how it benefits humankind.
• Explain how the scientific method works, and the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.
• List the three “big ideas” in geology. Summarize each theory, and explain how each is important in geology.