Making Geology Relevant to Non-Science Majors Through the Environmental Site Assessment Project

Abstract

The Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) project was developed to make geology more relevant to the non-science majors in Appalachian State University's Environmental and Applied Geology course. Pedagogically, this exercise is an example of directed-inquiry. Students are guided in applying the geoscience theory learned in the formal classroom setting to the reality of their own independent research projects. Through participation in the ESA project, students investigate earth resource issues of water quality and water supply, and geologic hazards specific to each student's place of residence. Student survey results indicated that this project had a positive impact on students' perceptions of the value and relevance of geoscience, particularly that knowledge gained from the ESA project would be very helpful to them in future decision-making situations, such as home or business site selection. With little modification, this exercise is transferable to survey geology courses at other colleges and to middle and high school earth and environmental science programs.