Yellowstone Thought Questions

Barbara Nash
,
University of Utah
Author Profile

Summary

These thought questions provide students the opportunity to critically think about features they see on a field trip through Yellowstone National Park.

Used this activity? Share your experiences and modifications

Context

Audience

This activity was part of the 2003 Teaching Petrology in the 21st Century workshop. It is designed for an undergraduate required course in petrology.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

Students should have a basic understanding of mineralogy and petrology.

How the activity is situated in the course

This is a field exercise that is meant to reinforce ideas and provide real-world examples of concepts learned in class.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

The goals of this activity are to present regional examples of petrology concepts and to encourage critical thinking in students as they participate in a field trip through Yellowstone National Park.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

This activity involves critical thinking about observations made during the field trip.

Other skills goals for this activity

This activity could involve writing or oral presentation skills, depending on how students are required to answer the thought questions provided.

Description of the activity/assignment

These thought questions are designed for use by students from a petrology course for geology majors. They may be answered during a day-long trip through Yellowstone National Park.

Determining whether students have met the goals

Students have met the goals of this activity if they are engaged in the field trip experience and are able to thoughtfully and accurately answer the thought questions provided.

More information about assessment tools and techniques.

Teaching materials and tips

Other Materials

Supporting references/URLs