This resource is designed for use in freshman introductory geoscience courses (intro to physical geology, Historical Geology), but can also be used in a wide array of formal and informal educational settings. It features a self-guided virtual field trip (VFT) with free exploration that gives the instructor maximum flexibility to customize the learning outcomes. There is also a series of six online adaptive learning labs (pop-out windows in the VFT) that can be used enhance the activity.

For teachers based in the Phoenix area, the hands-on Upheaval Dome! Experience Box is available that contains different types of rocks, impact breccia, shatter cones, tektites, meteorites, asteroid models, DVDs, posters and books. There is also the Impact Cratering Experience Box with materials to conduct basic cratering activities that can be borrowed and used with the VFT.

Students should be familiar with geologic time (or deep time), weathering and erosion, basic types of rocks, the rock cycle, age dating of rocks, meteorites, and impact cratering.

This resource is a stand-alone activity to be used after students have been introduced to the concepts of geologic or deep time, weathering and erosion, basic types of rocks, the rock cycle, age dating of rocks, meteorites, and impact cratering.

Activity Length

This activity involves free exploration so its duration is set by the teacher. Exploration of the virtual field site with its embedded media which includes still images of the fossils, videos and an interactive gigapixel images, is estimated to take about 45 minutes. Additionally, there are six optional adaptive learning labs that are available with this VFT. It is estimated to take two class periods to complete them.

This virtual field trip with online (optional) adaptive learning labs, explores the mysterious landform called Upheaval Dome in the Canyonlands of Utah. Students investigate its features, the local rock formations, and the two main theories that explain its formation.

There are six optional labs included with this VFT that focus on the following topics:
Lab 1.1: Explore the rock cycle and the main rock types that form Upheaval Dome
Lab 2.1: Discover the differences between weathering and erosion and the processes involved
Lab 3.1: Understand how rocks can be dated and the main types (relative and absolute)
Lab 4.1: Investigate how rocks are deformed and what features can be formed
Lab 5.1: Learn about meteorites and impact cratering
Lab 6.1: Compare the two main theories on how Upheaval Dome formed

Teachers in the Phoenix area also have the option to borrow the hands-on classroom kits, Upheaval Dome! and Impact Cratering Experience Boxes that can be used with the VFT.

Learners explore the puzzling geology at Upheaval Dome, interpret evidence recorded by the rocks, and compare the two main theories about how it formed.

Make observations and analyze data to test which model best fits the evidence.

This activity is accessible at https://vft.asu.edu/ through the Center for Education Through eXploration (https://etx.asu.edu/) at Arizona State University. They build adaptive digital learning experiences for K-12 education that engage learners in virtual environments and bring Earth and space science to life.

Technology Needs

Real-time Internet access is required to view this VFT. We recommend the use of the browsers Google Chrome or Firefox for the best results. It is not optimized for viewing on mobile devices.

There are no embedded assessments associated with this self-guided VFT and it is up to the teacher to design an assessment tool to meet whatever learning outcomes they specify. However, if the pop-up labs (1-6) are used, students will receive a score at the end of each lab.