Within a module Introduction to Geomorphology students, in groups of three, are set a series of open-ended tasks. The materials are provided to give experiential learning in some physical principles which are directly related to geomorphic processes.
Lectures take place alongside, and there is fieldwork earlier in the course.
They are also provided with cuboids of various rock types, differing in mass and shape. Some are round and some are square in cross section. A dowel is clamped at one end and weights are suspended at the other, whilst deformation is recorded and the mass at point of failure is noted. The third experiment involves a cuboid of plasticene. Weights are placed on top and deformation measured.