Geomorphology in the news

Nicole Gasparini
,
Tulane University
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Summary

The activity requires students to present a current news story that has a geomorphic component. The students must relate course material to current events and society.

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Context

Audience

Undergraduate course in geomorphology

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

The students should understand basic hillslope and fluvial processes.

How the activity is situated in the course

This was a stand-alone exercise.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

The goal is to make students aware of the interface between geomorphology and society.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

The students are required to critically read an article. The students are required to apply ideas from class to a real-life scenario.

Other skills goals for this activity

oral presentation, searching the web

Description of the activity/assignment

Each student must choose a current news article that relates to geomorphology. Each student will given an oral presentation about the article, including a synopsis of the story and a description of geomorphic processes that are involved. The other students are able to ask questions. The activity gives the students a chance to relate what they are learning about in class to current events and social issues.
Designed for a geomorphology course
Has minimal/no quantitative component

Determining whether students have met the goals

Did the other students in the class understand the presentation?

Did the student include some discussion of concepts talked about in class?

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