GEOG 1 Artifact and Reflection 1: Evidence of Course Student Learning

Outcome 1

1. Define your course Learning Outcome 1 (SLO 1) (you may have to look this up in
your course syllabus).

SLO 1: Demonstrate scientific literacy by analyzing and interpreting physical geography data
(from the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere) and comprehending scientific
methodology and its limitation.

For my first article, I chose my Hydrosphere Map Set to represent SLO 1. I demonstrated
scientific literacy to analyze and interpret the physical geography data from the hydrosphere.
This topic is relevant since the hydrosphere describes the combined mass of water found on the
planet. Moreover, I reported the flood occurrence patterns in the United States.

2. What multiple sources (textbooks, peer reviewed articles, reputable .gov or .edu
websites, geography organizations) is the physical geography data taken from?

The process of completing my Hydrosphere map set included utilizing multiple sources from the
internet. I began my using the National Geographic Map Maker to build/ show the patterns of
floods in the world (specifically the U.S.). I then went on to use various websites for information
of certain areas. This included, “Historic Floods Are Ravaging Canada.” Popular Science, and
“With a Flooding Disaster in its Past, Utah Takes Dam Safety Seriously.” News Deeply.

3. How did you interpret (explain the meaning of) AND evaluate (to judge or
calculate the quality of) the data?

To interpret the data, I compared the patterns of the map to the information I gathered online. I
did this by focussing on a certain area of the map I found to be interesting, I then went on to do
research on that specific area to see if there was a correlation happening. This process allowed
me to see patterns that took place.

4. How did you develop a comprehensive analysis (careful study of something to

learn about its parts) AND synthesis (combination of parts to form a whole
idea) about the data?

I developed a comprehensive analysis by gathering information on the patterns and causes of

floods. This allowed me to understand why certain areas of the world are more prone to having
floods than other areas of the world. In the end, this gave me a better understanding of the
different types of conditions floods can thrive on.
 5. How did you question the viewpoints of experts (e.g. authors, institutions,
organizations) ?

I didn’t feel the need to question the viewpoints of the authors. Based of their research and the
way it was presented, I felt their work was reliable.

6. What technology (e.g. map makers, library databases, GPS, GIS, videos,
thermometer, sling psychrometer) did you select and use, and how did you apply
the technology to geography problems?

The technology I used was a map maker. I applied the technology towards the problems of
flooding in specific areas of the United States.