Geoprofiles

Matt Brueseke

Kansas State University

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Initial Publication Date: April 30, 2008

Summary

An essay describing the work geologists/earth scientists perform, based on profiles in Monroe and Wiccander's Physical Geology textbook (5th ed.).

Geoscience | College Introductory

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Context

Audience

Used for an introductory Physical Geology class.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

Nothing related to the Geology/Earth Science.

How the activity is situated in the course

Stand-alone homework assignment given early in the semester.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

Better understanding of what Geologists/Earth Scientists do for a living.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

The project involves reading brief essays (Geoprofiles) and writing a summary that answers a set of questions (five) about one of the essays. Summarizing how the Geoprofiles relate to the individual student's interests is the main critical thinking component.

Other skills goals for this activity

Description of the activity/assignment

My overall goal was to expose the students to what geologists actually do for work (e.g. that there are lots of different career paths) and simultaneously use the assignment as a recruiting tool. I also use this as an opportunity to help my students' writing skills. In the future, I will probably use a similar exercise for Introductory Physical Geology courses, though it will likely be with different "Geoprofiles" as I use a different textbook.