Special Pre-workshop Events on Thursday, July 29

The National Center for Earth-Surface Dynamics at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory: Using Physical Models in Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, and Geomorphology Courses


APPLICATION REQUIRED FOR THIS WORKSHOP

Date: Thursday, June 29
Time: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (note change: an earlier start time and later end time); note 8:00 pick-up time.
Location: St. Anthony Falls Lab, University of Minnesota
Workshop Leader: Tom Hickson, PhD, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN
Email: tahickson@stthomas.edu
Phone: 651-962-5241
Application Deadline: June 14, 2004 (extended)

In this workshop we will investigate the ways in which physical models (experiments) can be used to teach fundamental concepts in sedimentology, stratigraphy, and geomorphology. In addition, we will discuss research opportunities at The National Center for Earth Surface Dynamics (NCED), housed at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL). This world-class facility houses a number of experimental channels, tanks, and ducts used to study sediment transport processes, earth surface processes, and basin-wide controls on stratigraphic architecture. The workshop will emphasize the design of hands-on, problem-based learning activities centered on the use of (1) small-scale physical models that you can build; (2) digital video analysis of experiments performed in larger apparatuses; and (3) static images of experimentally-created stratigraphy in the eXperimental EarthScape facility (XES, or "Jurassic Tank"). Workshop participants will also be given a tour of the facility and participate in several experiment demos.

This additional workshop is open to a limited number of participants (~15) in the Preparing for an Academic Career workshop. Housing for Wednesday, June 28 will be provided for those accepted to the workshop. For information specific to this add-on workshop, contact Tom Hickson.

To apply for the workshop, please send an email by June 14 with the EXACT subject heading of "NCED Workshop" (don't include the quote marks) to Tom Hickson. Include a statement of your interest in the workshop and how you would benefit from it. Participants will be selected based on their statement. University of Minnesota students with access to SAFL will be given lower priority. All those who apply by the deadline will be notified by June 17. Participants applying after June 14 will be considered on a space-available basis (as of June 22, some spaces are still available).


Introduction to the National Lacustrine Core Repository-LacCore
Facilitator: Dr. Brian Haskell, University of Minnesota

Time: Thursday, July 29, 1-2:30 pm
The National Lacustrine Core Repository is a state-of-the-art laboratory geared toward paleoclimate research. Funded by NSF, the analytical laboratory is open for use by the scientific community. Come see the laboratory, located six floors underground, and discuss your research interests with the core lab scientists on staff.

Meet at the registration desk of Riverbend Commons to walk over to this session. The Limnological Research Center Lake Core Repository is on the -6th floor, underground, in the Civil Engineering Building. From Memorial Union, cross Washington St, and walk down the pedestrian mall directly ahead of you (if you cross on the street at the light) (== Church St). At the end of the pedestrian mall, you run into Pillsbury Dr. Make a right, and walk about half a block. Civil Engineering is on the right, it has a ampitheatre in the front, but is only one story high.


Using Effective Scientific Visualisations in the Geoscience Classroom
Facilitator: Paul Morin, University of Minnesota

Time: Thursday, July 29, 3-4:30 pm
This miniworkshop introduces how scientific visualization and anaglyptic maps can be employed in a classroom setting to foster understanding of rigorous scientific concepts. Participates will experience state of the art technology, including anaglyptic maps projected on a geowall.

Meet at the registration desk of Riverbend Commons to walk over to this session. The GeoWall exhibition will be in Ford Hall. From Memorial Union, cross Washington St. and walk onto the Pedestrian mall (Church St), directly ahead of you. Immediately to the left and directly across from the Union is Ford Hall. There will be a sign on the door.


Other Options

Visit the Science Museum of Minnesota, a world-class science museum responsible for the development of many of the exhibits that travel nationally. See the OMNI film, Forces of Nature, or play a round of minigolf that educates about surface hydrology in the museum's big backyard. Admission $12.50/adult.