PRS1010 Overview Of Alberta Geology

Introductory · 1 credit · NAT - Natural Resources

Description: Students examine the nature and origin of Alberta’s hydrocarbon and mineral resources, and their significance in society.
Prerequisite: None
Parameters: Access to geological maps available from relevant government agencies and professional associations (e.g., Natural Resources Canada, Alberta Geological Survey, Energy Resources Conservation Board). Access to samples of hydrocarbon bearing rocks and/or minerals available from local industry. Access to a science laboratory, an outdoor geological site where earth layers are exposed (e.g., river bank, recovery site) and a museum of natural history (e.g., Tyrrell Museum).

Outcomes The student will:

1 describe the nature and origin of Alberta’s hydrocarbon and mineral resources within the North American geological context
- 1.1 define and compare renewable and nonrenewable hydrocarbon resources
- 1.2 describe and locate on a map known reserves of nonrenewable hydrocarbon resources in Alberta; e.g., oil, natural gas, bitumen
- 1.3 describe and locate on a map the major types of metallic and nonmetallic minerals found in Alberta; e.g., coal, copper, iron, limestone, magnesium, uranium, diamonds, sulphur, gold, peat, quartz, salts, sodium sulphates, sand and gravel
- 1.4 identify and describe the physical characteristics of basic hydrocarbon-bearing rocks; e.g., dolomite, limestone, sandstone and shale
- 1.5 identify and describe the physical characteristics of metallic and nonmetallic minerals; e.g., coal, copper, iron, limestone, magnesium, uranium, diamonds, sulphur, gold, peat, quartz, salts, sodium sulphates, sand and gravel
- 1.6 draw or construct a historical representation of the western sedimentary basin that illustrates Alberta’s current topographical features
- 1.7 draw or construct a vertical cross-section of any part of Alberta showing the location of hydrocarbon-bearing formations, mineral deposits and surface resources
2 explain the social, economic and environmental significance of hydrocarbon and mineral resources in Alberta
- 2.1 identify and describe major hydrocarbon and mineral use sectors in society; e.g., residential, commercial, industrial and transportation
- 2.2 explain how the hydrocarbon and mineral industries influence the local and national economies; e.g., describe trends in hydrocarbon and mineral markets, competition from raw material substitutes
- 2.3 describe the flow of hydrocarbon and mineral resources between Canada and other nations; e.g., import partners, export partners
- 2.4 identify and describe environmental issues associated with the development of Alberta’s hydrocarbon and mineral resources
3 demonstrate basic competencies
- 3.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
  - 3.1.1 communicate
  - 3.1.2 manage information
  - 3.1.3 use numbers
  - 3.1.4 think and solve problems
- 3.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
  - 3.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
  - 3.2.2 be responsible
  - 3.2.3 be adaptable
  - 3.2.4 learn continuously
  - 3.2.5 work safely
- 3.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
  - 3.3.1 work with others
  - 3.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
4 make personal connections to the cluster content and processes to inform possible pathway choices
- 4.1 complete/update a personal inventory; e.g., interests, values, beliefs, resources, prior learning and experiences
- 4.2 create a connection between a personal inventory and occupational choices