Undergraduate introductory course in geoscience

Students should be introduced to basic concepts in stratigraphy and geologic maps.

We have used activities like this as a homework assignment after the topic is introduced in lecture and reading, but it could also be used in class, in lab, or as group work.

Stratigraphy/Stratigraphic column

1. Understanding scale: converting thicknesses of stratigraphic units to make a scaled stratigraphic column.

2. Interpreting a geologic map: deciphering the relative ages of stratigraphic units from their positions on a geologic map. This is one example of what cognitive scientists call "disembedding": recognizing salient features in a visually complex scene.

This worksheet focuses on how a stratigraphic column can relate to a geologic map. Students are given a geologic map of a portion of the Grand Canyon. For each unit on the map, students are given the name of the unit, the age, thickness, and relative resistance (low, medium, high). Using this information, students build a stratigraphic column by drawing boxes that represent each unit's thickness (height of the box) and relative resistance (width of the box). Students place the boxes in order according to the provided ages to build the stratigraphic column. After this task is complete, students complete 3 multiple-choice questions about the concepts of the worksheet. Our goal is for students to understand the process of creating a stratigraphic column and how it represents the units present on a geologic map.

This worksheet uses the sketch-understanding program with built-in tutor: CogSketch . Therefore, students, instructors, and/or institution computer labs need to download the program from here: http://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/software/cogsketch/. At any point during the worksheet, students can click the FEEDBACK button and their sketch is compared to the solution image. The built-in tutor identifies any discrepancies and reports pre-written feedback to help the student correct their sketch until they are done with the activity. Once worksheets are emailed to the instructor, worksheets can be batch graded and easily evaluated. This program allows instructors to assign sketching activities that require very little time commitment. Instead, the built-in tutor provides feedback whenever the student requests, without the presence of the instructor. More information on using the program and the activity is in the Instructor's Notes.

We have developed approximately two dozen introductory geoscience worksheets using this program. Each worksheet has a background image and instructions for a sketching task. You can find additional worksheets by searching for "CogSketch" using the search box at the top of this page. We expect to have uploaded all of them by the end of the summer of 2016.

CogSketch has a gradebook feature that allows instructors to batch grade worksheets using the defined rubric in the worksheet. Once graded, instructors can also open all the sketches and evaluate student work. Instructions are given in the Instructor's Notes.

Download CogSketch: http://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/software/cogsketch/