D848 is the laboratory partner to General Earth Science I. WGU's guidebook says students apply the scientific method, design controlled experiments, follow lab safety protocols and collect data from field observations, experiments and virtual simulations such as erosion.
A distinctive feature is that students also identify and analyze the components of a lab report by answering questions about a simulated report. Reading a report critically is a skill in itself.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Western Governors University (WGU) |
| Course code | D848 |
| Program | BS Science Education (Secondary) |
| Size | 1 competency unit |
| Competency | Conduct scientific investigations using experimentation in Earth science |
| Companion course | D847 General Earth Science I |
What D848 Covers
| Skill | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Scientific method and controls | Designing a fair experiment |
| Lab safety | Following protocols and understanding their purpose |
| Data collection | Field observations, experiments and virtual simulations |
| Analyzing Earth data | Weather, climate and seismic data with basic techniques |
| Lab report components | Identifying and analyzing the parts of a simulated lab report |
| Communication | Interpreting data, drawing conclusions and sharing findings |
Key Concepts Explained
Reading a Lab Report Critically
For each section ask: does it do its job? A hypothesis should be testable, a method repeatable, results presented without interpretation and a conclusion supported by the data.
Example: A simulated report claims that slope angle does not affect erosion, but the results table shows more sediment moved at steeper angles. The critique: the conclusion contradicts the data, so it is unsupported, and the method should be checked for uncontrolled variables such as rainfall rate.
Time Series Data
Weather and climate data are often series over time. Look for trends, cycles and outliers, and avoid reading a short-term change as a long-term trend.
Seismic Data
Seismograms show arrival times of wave types. The gap between wave arrivals helps estimate distance from an earthquake.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
The guidebook lists one competency and no task names. These are typical elements of such lab work.
| Work type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Experiment design | Controls and variables | State independent, dependent and controlled variables |
| Simulation data collection | Careful recording | Table with units, repeat trials where possible |
| Weather or seismic analysis | Basic data techniques | Describe the pattern, then what it indicates |
| Simulated lab report questions | Report literacy | Quote the part of the report that supports your answer |
Lab Planning Table
| Stage | Goal | Evidence to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Know the question and safety steps | Variable list |
| Data collection | Accurate observations | Raw table with units |
| Analysis | Find patterns | Graph and short description |
| Interpretation | Link to Earth science concepts | Claim, evidence, reasoning |
Questions to Ask of a Simulated Lab Report
Use these questions to analyze each part of a report.
| Section | Ask |
|---|---|
| Hypothesis | Is it testable and specific? |
| Method | Could someone repeat it? Which variables are controlled? |
| Results | Are data clear and in units? Is interpretation kept separate? |
| Conclusion | Does it follow from the data and admit limits? |
Before You Submit
- Variables and controls are named.
- Data tables have units.
- Patterns are described before they are explained.
- Answers about the simulated report quote its text.
- Safety steps are acknowledged where relevant.
Worked Example: Interpreting Seismic Data
A seismogram from a station shows a first wave arriving, then a stronger wave arriving 40 seconds later. The gap between the two arrival times increases with distance from the earthquake, so a bigger gap means a farther epicentre.
With a travel-time chart or simulation tool, you read the gap to estimate distance. With distances from three stations, the epicentre can be located. In a report you would state the readings, the method and the uncertainty, then conclude with the estimated location.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Mixing results and interpretation. Keep them in separate sections.
- Missing controls. Identify what must stay constant.
- Weak critique of reports. Point to specific text and data.
- Over-reading short data. Be cautious about trends.
Study Tips for D848
- Practice labeling each part of any published lab report.
- Write a one-sentence purpose for each lab section.
- Record units automatically on every data entry.
- Link findings to what you learned in D847.
How We Help with D848
Send your data, notes and questions. A tutor can explain how to analyze results and critique a report, give feedback on your answers or show a model write-up from sample data. For more detail, see our lab report guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Scientific investigations in Earth science using field, experimental and simulated data, and analysis of a simulated lab report, per WGU's guidebook.
1 in the BS Science Education guidebook.
The learner conducts scientific investigations to answer questions using experimentation in Earth science.
Basic data techniques are used. Focus on clear tables and graphs.
Whether each section does its job and whether the conclusion matches the data.
No. We never create data. We offer tutoring and feedback on your own work.