Using Candies to Demonstrate Concepts of Weathering and Sedimentary Processes in Lecture-Based Introductory Earth Science Courses

Abstract

Students enrolling in undergraduate level introductory earth science courses often have little or no science background. For lecture format courses, demonstrations or hands-on activities used to illustrate geologic concepts may be valuable teaching tools to facilitate student learning. Demonstrations using materials with which students have familiarity can be especially effective. We used peanut M&M's® in a series of classroom demonstrations to illustrate concepts of physical and chemical weathering, sediment transportation, and deposition. Student response to this and other demonstrations has been favorable. The demonstrations have fostered student interest in lectures. Results from student learning surveys indicate that most students found such classroom demonstrations aided their understanding of the course material. In particular, when asked about specific aspects of the course and the relationship to learning, most students considered physical activities to be more effective in their learning than other course-related activities such as reading the textbook or working on non-physical group activities.