Through field trips , independent library and internet research and in-class workshops , students learn the geologic history of the upper Midwest , discover where in the area significant geologic features and processes can be directly observed and learn how to organize and conduct real and virtual earth science field trips. Course Objectives Students in this course have a wide variety of technical knowledge, teaching skills, professional and academic experience. The course objectives are broadly designed to individually challenge students to improve their communication, research and instruction skills, scientific knowledge, and computer literacy. The course is loosely organized around 4 Saturday field trips and weekly evening class meetings.
Field trips are typically day-long events, including travel to and from a site.
Class meetings will involve lecture, group discussion of lesson plans and exercises, student presentations and technology seminars. Classes are taught in a workshop format, where student participation is encouraged and group discussion is essential. This course has no exams or quizzes, but relies on four large projects and course participation to assess whether you have met the course objectives. Student performace on each project will be assessed against project performance objectives provided by the instructor. In addition to assessments done by the instructor, students will be asked to assess one another on classroom-presented and internet projects.