What is Geology?
The word geology means ‘Study of the Earth’.
Also known as geoscience or earth science, Geology is the primary Earth science and looks at how the earth formed, its structure and composition, and the types of processes acting on it.
Geology is concerned with the history of the earth over the course of its 4.5 billion year life. By studying the structures of the earth we can unlock its hidden past and anticipate its future.
Relevance to the Irish Curriculum
For the Irish Curriculum, geology is part of education at all levels. The study of geology promotes observational skills, awareness of the whole earth and all the interconnecting systems, and an understanding of data and maps. Information on this website is of value to the following parts of the curriculum.
Primary: Social, Environmental and Scientific Education
Junior Certificate: New Geography syllabus, particularly Statements of Learning (SOL) 10, 16, and 18, and for Classroom-Based Assessment 2 – My Geography, Science SOLs 10, 16, 18, and 19.
Leaving Certificate: Geography Core Units and Optional Unit 7.
Image source: GeologyIn.com
Why do we study geology?
Geology looks at some of the most important issues in society today including energy sources and sustainability, climate change, the impacts of developments on the environment, water management, mineral resources and natural hazards.
How geology affects our lives
Geology is all around us, from the sand and stones used to build the walls and roads, to the numerous minerals found in our everyday objects from laptops to smartphones, in the food we eat, in the landscape around us and their effects on our lives.