Abstract

Abstract. The COVID-19 pandemic hindered the ability to conduct field geology courses in a hands-on and boots-on traditional manner. In response, we designed a multi-part virtual field module that encompasses many of the basic requirements of an advanced field exercise, including designing a mapping strategy, collecting and processing field observations, synthesizing data from field-based and laboratory analyses, and communicating the results to a broad audience. For the mapping exercise, which is set in deformed Proterozoic crystalline basement exposed in the Front Range of Colorado (USA), student groups make daily navigational decisions and choose stations based on topographic maps, Google Earth satellite imagery, and iterative geological reasoning. For each station, students receive outcrop descriptions, measurements, and photographs from which they input field data and create geologic maps using StraboSpot. Building on the mapping exercise, student groups then choose from six supplements, including advanced field structure, microstructure, metamorphic petrology, and several geochronological datasets. Because scientific projects rarely end when the mapping is complete, the students are challenged to see how samples and analytical data may commonly be collected and integrated with field observations to produce a more holistic understanding of the geological history of the field area. While a virtual course cannot replace the actual field experience, modules like the one shared here can successfully address, or even improve on, some of the key learning objectives that are common to field-based capstone experiences while also fostering a more accessible and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Highlights

  • The COVID-19 pandemic hindered our ability to conduct inperson field geology courses and prompted worldwide efforts to design effective alternative online educational experiences

  • Field mapping exercises have traditionally been a central component of undergraduate geology curricula

  • These serve tofamiliarize students with key concepts and tools that they need for the mapping exercise and to help overcome initial concerns or barriers to engagement (e.g., Stokes and Boyle, 2009; Orion and Hofstein, 1994)

Read more

Summary

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic hindered our ability to conduct inperson field geology courses and prompted worldwide efforts to design effective alternative online educational experiences. The 2021 report from the Future of Undergraduate Geoscience Education initiative (Mosher and Keane, 2021) found that collaborative, problem-based learning exercises – typical of both virtual and in-person field activities – improve overall learning outcomes, and are beneficial for inclusion and retention of students from historically underrepresented minority groups. With rapid improvement and evolution in digital mapping and online collaboration tools (Walker et al, 2019), integrating modern technology into education is a valuable addition to virtual and traditional in-person field courses (Whitmeyer et al, 2009a). In this contribution, we describe a multi-part activity involving virtual mapping and group collaboration with associated analytical datasets (Fig. 1). The module should take approximately 2 weeks to complete in an immersive field course (all day, every day) or could be spread over a longer period during a semester

Learning objectives
Materials provided
Technology requirements and recommendations
Geologic background
Running the module
Part II: analytical datasets
Part I: mapping
Part II: additional datasets and analyses
Advanced field structural analysis
Microstructural analysis
Metamorphic petrology
Monazite geochronology
Igneous zircon geochronology
Detrital zircon geochronology
Part III: written reports and oral presentations
Assessment of student learning
Advantages and disadvantages of virtual field modules
Conclusions
Part II: analytical dataset assignments
Part III: reports
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call