Topic Option #1: As we cover Earth Science topics throughout the course, the knowledge may spark your curiosity about what is happening right where you live. For this first option, you will do an Earth Science “reading” of your home place—where you are living right now. In your paper, you will discuss the plate tectonic setting of your home place, chronicle its geologic history including present-day evidence of that history, describe the landscape as it exists now and the earth processes happening there, and discuss the region’s dominant weather patterns and overall climate. Include maps, diagrams, and photos to support your text.

Topic Option #2: One amazing setting for appreciating our planet Earth is in one of the many national parks across the United States. For this second option, you will do an Earth Science “reading” of a national park of your choice. In your paper, you will discuss the plate tectonic setting of the park, chronicle its geologic history including present-day evidence of that history, describe the landscape as it exists now and the earth processes happening there, and discuss the region’s dominant weather patterns and overall climate. Include maps, diagrams, and photos to support your text.

Below is the final portfolio project and only for your reference

Module 8: Portfolio Project

Portfolio Project (200 Points)

Option #1: Earth Science Where You Live

What does Earth Science reveal about your home place through time? This research paper will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about where you live. In your report, be sure to cover the following topics:

• The geography of your home place – where it is located on Earth, what the topography is like (major mountains, lakes, etc.), and what surface processes are currently shaping it (rivers, ocean waves, etc.)
• The plate tectonic setting of your home place – where you are located relative to plate boundaries, and what tectonic processes are active in your region (earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.)
• The geologic story of your home place – what rocks and minerals are found there, and what stories they tell about how your place has changed over geologic time. (For instance, was it once the site of an ocean or sea? If so, what evidence is there for that, and when did it happen?)
• The weather and climate of your home place – what the climate is like where you live, what extreme weather your area experiences, what effects of global climate change your place is already experiencing, what the projected impacts of climate change on your home place may be—and what is currently being done, if anything, to address these challenges.

Your final paper should meet the following requirements:

• 6-8 pages in length (does not include title page, reference page, visual elements)
• 8-10 credible outside sources
• 4-6 visual elements that contribute to your paper (your own photographs particularly encouraged)
• Formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements (Links to an external site.)

Option #2: Earth Science in a National Park

Choose a national park of particular interest to you; here is a list of all 58 of them: https://www.nationalpark-adventures.com/united-states-national-parks.html (Links to an external site.). What does Earth Science reveal about that national park through time? This research paper will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about a chosen park. In your report, be sure to cover the following topics:

• The geography of your national park – where it is located on Earth, what the topography is like (major mountains, lakes, etc.), and what surface processes are currently shaping it (rivers, ocean waves, etc.)
• The plate tectonic setting of your national park – where it is located relative to plate boundaries, what tectonic processes are active in your region (earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.)
• The geologic story of your national park – what rocks and minerals are found there, and what stories they tell about how your park has changed over geologic time. (For instance, was it once the site of an ocean or sea? If so, what evidence is there for that, and when did it happen?)
• The weather and climate of your national park – what the climate is like in your park, what extreme weather your park experiences, what effects of global climate change your park is already experiencing, what the projected impacts of climate change on your park may be—and what is currently being done, if anything, to address these challenges.

Your final paper should meet the following requirements:

• 6-8 pages in length (does not include title page, reference page, visual elements)
• 8-10 credible outside sources
• 4-6 visual elements that contribute to your paper (your own photographs particularly encouraged)
• Formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements

The following is the assignment to be completed this week

Prepare a detailed outline for your final paper. The outline should have six major sections:

• Section 1: Begin this section with your introduction, which must include a thesis statement (the central argument, or main point, of your paper).
• Sections 2-5: These sections should cover the four topic areas specified in the assignment instructions, in whichever order you choose to cover them; and 6)
• Section 6: Your outline should end with the conclusion, summarizing the key points and re-stating the thesis.

Your outline should meet the following requirements:

• 2-3 pages in length (not counting your references)
• 8 credible outside sources. These sources should be cited within the outline where you plan to use them.
• Formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements