memoirs of an unrepentant geologic field trip leader kevin ray evans, ph.d
DESCRIPTION
Memoirs of an Unrepentant Geologic Field Trip Leader Kevin Ray Evans, Ph.D. Geography, Geology, and Planning Missouri State University. “Why, oh why can’t geology be taught where geology is and not in the lecture hall?” — Francis J. Pettijohn , 1984. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Memoirs of an Unrepentant Geologic Field Trip Leader
Kevin Ray Evans, Ph.D.Geography, Geology, and PlanningMissouri State University
Memoirs of an Unrepentant Field Geologist: A CandidProfile of Some Geologists and their Science, 1921-1981:University of Chicago Press, 260 p.
“Why, oh why can’t geology be taught where geology isand not in the lecture hall?”
— Francis J. Pettijohn, 1984
Goosenecks of the San Juan, Utah, MSU, 2013
WHY?Geoscience teachers generally agree that student field trips
offer some of the best opportunities for student learning
Geologic field trips:Student field trips:
NoveltyImmersive engagementSocial interactionStudents can help develop field trips (guidebook chapters)Content is King — Know the Geology!Development of experiential skill sets
ObservationsIdentificationsInterpretations (with feedback via the Socratic
method)
Professional field trips:Controversial interpretationsContinuing education units (maintain certification)
Recreational field trips:Physical exertionGenerally acceptable risks
At Missouri State University, we average approximately 40 geology field trips per academic year:Physical Geology, Environmental Geology, Historical Geology, Speleology, Engineering Geology,Structural Geology, Stratigraphy, Geophysics, Petroleum Geology, Introduction to GIS, FieldMethods, and a dedicated Spring Break field trip
Johnson Shut-Ins State Park, Missouri, MSU, April 2010
HOW?New faculty:
Expectations for leading field tripsLittle experience other than as studentLocations, planning, content, and permissionsSafety issues
Where are the manuals?AGI Geologic Guidebooks of North America Database http://www.agiweb.org/georef/onlinedb/gnaintro.html
Earth Science Week (very basic)http://www.earthsciweek.org/forplanners/gettinginvolved/leadafieldtrip.html
Geological Society of America Section Handbook (professional field trips)http://www.geosociety.org/sectionmanual/toc.htm#ft
Remember:Field trips potentially are at risk because of budget cuts and liability issuesLeaders must represent the need for student field trips to administrators
WHAT?Potential Problems:
Inclement weatherPoor road conditionsBad navigation*Vehicle breakdownsMedical issuesEmotional issuesCommunication issuesNatural hazards…the list goes on…
Deer Trail, Colorado, MSU, March 2013
Eisenhower Tunnel, Colorado
24 hours, Arches National Park, UtahEverything eventually changes…
WHEN?Worst geologic field trip experience…so far…
Year: Spring 1992Institution: UNLVCourse: Sedimentology and StratigraphyTheme: Grand Canyon Field TripDestination: Whitmore WashIncident: Weather and vehicle mishapsOutcome: Near mutinyLesson learned: Avoid roads through gypsiferous shales when it rains and
always carry a Hi-Lift jack, tow strap, and shovel
St. George
Grand Canyon
Mt. Trumbull
UT
AZ
Here There BeGypsiferous Shale
WHEN?Best geologic field trip experience…so far…
Year: Spring 2005Institution: MSUCourse: Directed Field TripTheme: Modern CarbonatesDestination: Florida KeysIncident(s): Medical issuesOutcome: Unanimous enthusiasmLesson learned: Be adaptable
Cedar Key, Florida, March 2008, MSU
Florida Bay, 2008 Sanibel Island
Miami
Local culture, Homestead, Florida
Cross Key
Miami Oölite, Miami,
Barrier Reef, offTavernier Key
Mangrove andSabellid reefs,Key Biscayne
SUMMARY
Plan and prepare carefully
Be prepared for unexpected challenges
Be adaptable
Promote field trips to faculty, administrators, and students
All-in-all, there are few field trips where negative extrinsic factors have not served to make them memorable —
if not treasured — in hindsight
AAPG MSU Student Chapter MLK Day Annual Field TripBig Brutus, Galena, Kansas, January 2011