Docência e trabalhos de campo nas disciplinas Ciência do Sistema Terra I e II da UNICAMP

Abstract

The curriculum of introductory geological disciplines should focus on characteristics of the operation and long history of the planet. This requires the objectives of the activities to be clearly defined, and the most relevant themes to be highlighted. Earth System Science I and II disciplines develop geologic contents in the Geology and Geography undergraduate courses of the State University of Campinas. They must approach the nature and ways of production of geologic knowledge, therefore allowing the student to understand the planet. Fieldwork assumes a basic role. A detailed planning of short field trips along two semesters have defined three successive themes to be developed in the field: (a) geology of sand quarries and present-day sedimentation processes; (b) Permian-Carboniferous glaciations at the Parana basin; (c) rock cycle and Geologic Time. The fieldtrip framework stimulate the students: (1) to construct knowledge from observation and interpretation of geological processes and products; (2) to compare their own ideas with those formulated by colleagues and teachers; (3) to understand that science production requires formulation of theories, explanations and hypothesis. Fieldwork helps students to develop, individually or collectively, their proper learning, actively supported by the teachers.