Theme: Developing Geocompetencies

The programming listed below seeks to address the topic of Developing Geocompetencies.

Teaching Geo-Competencies WORKSHOP
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:30am-11:30am Gordon: Symphony Meeting Room

Laurel Goodell, Princeton University

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Instructors can hit unanticipated roadblocks to covering content when students have deficiencies in "geo-competencies" such as quantitative skills, data analysis and geographic awareness. This workshop ...
Using the Science Literacy Documents to Guide Instruction AFTERNOON MINI WORKSHOP
Monday 1:30pm-4:00pm Ogg: Phillips Lounge

Don Haas, Paleontological Research Institution

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The Essential Principles and Big Ideas from the different documents listing Earth Systems Literacy Principles (for ocean, and atmospheric science, geology (a.k.a., Earth science), climate and energy) represent ...
A Lecture Tutorial on the Mahomet Aquifer in central Illinois
Tuesday 1:30pm-1:50pm Weeks Geo: 140

Eileen Herrstrom, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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The objectives of this activity are to make lecture more interactive, introduce methods used in lab, and increase lecture attendance. The activity is presented in the context of a lecture on groundwater which ...
Teaching Geoethics Across the Geoscience Curriculum TEACHING DEMONSTRATION
Tuesday 1:30pm-1:50pm Weeks Geo: AB20

Dave Mogk, Montana State University-Bozeman

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Geoethics is an important part of students' pre-professional training, but is typically not formally included in a degree program in a dedicated course or embedded in existing courses. This demonstration will introduce resources available for teaching Geoethics, basic principles that can be introduced (e.g., responsible conduct of research, responsibilities of using and communicating geoscience to the community, stewardship of Earth), and suggested instructional methods. A series of interactive "two minute" ethical challenges and case studies will demonstrate how Geoethics can be effectively taught in all geoscience classrooms.
What is a system? TEACHING DEMONSTRATION
Tuesday 1:50pm-2:10pm Weeks Geo: AB20

Lisa Gilbert, Cabrillo College
Karl Kruetz, University of Maine

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This activity introduces systems and systems thinking. The activity could be used in almost any course and includes an introduction of terminology, motivation for using systems thinking, practice reading, as well ...
Sediment Transportation in Stream Systems
Tuesday 1:50pm-2:10pm Weeks Geo: 140

Megan Sjoblom, Brigham Young University-Idaho

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My lab activity uses simple stream systems to teach and reinforce concepts in introductory geology courses. Each group of students receives a pvc half-pipe that they partially fill with a sand-gravel mixture to ...
Case Study
Tuesday 2:10pm-2:30pm Weeks Geo: 140

Jane Dmochowski, University of Pennsylvania

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Students are given information about Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). This information helps them to understand that these are persistent legacy contaminants banned in 1977 by the EPA for concerns about the ...
"ZirChron" Virtual Zircon Analysis App
Tuesday 2:30pm-2:50pm Weeks Geo: 140

Mark Schmitz, Boise State University
Karen Viskupic, Boise State University

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This application was developed to promote deeper understanding of the science of geochronology, including the integration of crystal-scale relative dating principles with numerical dating via radioisotope ...
What Are the Core Competencies and Skills for Earth Science Students? PANEL DISCUSSION
Tuesday 2:45pm-4:00pm Gordon: Concerto Meeting Room

Tim Bralower, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Dave Mogk, Montana State University-Bozeman
Paul Kelso, Lake Superior State University
Cathy Manduca, Carleton College

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Prior to redesigning the entire undergraduate geology curriculum at Lake Superior State University we conducted a national survey of all undergraduate geoscience programs through the American Geosciences Institute. ...
What is "Sustainability Education" and How do We Get There? PANEL DISCUSSION
Tuesday 2:45pm-4:00pm Gordon: Symphony Meeting Room

Nick Balster, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Julie Bartley, Gustavus Adolphus College
Rachel Teasdale, California State University-Chico

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Sustainability themes, in terms of meeting the needs of human society while sustaining environmental support systems of the planet, can be applied to a broad range of courses in the geosciences and provide the ...
Clouds in a Bottle: A versatile way to explore gas laws and phase changes
Tuesday 3:00pm-3:20pm Weeks Geo: 140

Todd Ellis, Western Michigan University

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In this activity, designed for introductory level undergraduates, but adaptable for K-16 learners, we explore fundamental ideas about the Ideal Gas Law as it applies to the atmosphere, and specifically to the ...
Low Cost Science: The Solar System in Your Classroom
Tuesday 3:20pm-3:40pm Weeks Geo: 140

Daniel Barth, University of Arkansas Main Campus
Katherine Auld, Northwest Arkansas Community College

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Participants will use low-cost materials to construct scientifically accurate models in the classroom. The first model will allow the student to investigate the Earth-Moon system including lunar phases, elliptical ...
Mineral Identification using FTIR Spectroscopy TEACHING DEMONSTRATION
Tuesday 3:40pm-4:00pm Weeks Geo: AB20

John Brady, Smith College
M. Darby Dyar, Mount Holyoke College
Eileen McGowan, Springfield College

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Opportunity to introduce FTIR and Raman spectroscopy into the undergraduate Geoscience curriculum at all levels at modest cost. We have acquired and used these instruments in introductory and intermediate courses ...
Phases of the moon: Exploring perceptions from around the globe and outer space
Tuesday 3:40pm-4:00pm Weeks Geo: 140

Scott Clark, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

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Cream-filled, chocolate sandwich cookies, such as Oreo®, are a popular way to teach students about the phases of the moon, and numerous images and lesson plans are readily available online. However, activities ...
Improving undergraduate writing by communicating local geological knowledge POSTER SESSION
Tuesday 4:30pm-5:30pm Red Gym

Benjamin Linzmeier, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Stephen R. Meyers, University of Wisconsin-Madison

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Local geological knowledge is usually not highlighted in general geology textbooks that are used in high schools, and thus they do not incorporate hands-on learning opportunities that can engage and inspire new ...
CogSketch worksheet: Promoting sketching in the geosciences with interactive technology POSTER SESSION
Tuesday 4:30pm-5:30pm Red Gym

Bridget Garnier, Blue Valley School
Maria Chang, Northwestern University
Carol Ormand Ph.D., Carleton College
Basil Tikoff, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Tim Shipley, Temple University

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Sketching is a valuable activity to help students develop spatial skills and understand difficult geoscience concepts. Yet, sketching is rarely implemented at the introductory level due to the time needed to grade ...
Experiencing the Scientific Method in a General Education Weather Course POSTER SESSION
Tuesday 4:30pm-5:30pm Red Gym

Thomas Kovacs, Eastern Michigan University

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The main learning objective of the Eastern Michigan University (EMU) course, Introduction to Weather and Forecasting, is to obtain a working knowledge of the development of a weather forecast. Developing a weather ...
Gauging how novice geologists process and learn in first field experiences POSTER SESSION
Tuesday 4:30pm-5:30pm Red Gym

Megan D'Errico, Sonoma State University
David Kimbrough, San Diego State University

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Field-based courses at the university level are logistically difficult, but an essential part of the learning process in geology. We present a pilot study related to two field trips (Grand Canyon, AZ; Rainbow ...
Project-based science instruction for general-education undergraduates and seventh graders: Practices, proficiency, and pitfalls POSTER SESSION
Tuesday 4:30pm-5:30pm Red Gym

Walter Borowski, Eastern Kentucky University
Malcolm P. Frisbie, Eastern Kentucky University

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For three semesters we conducted a general-education course designed for both undergraduates and seventh-graders in which students investigated contaminant sources and water quality of a local stream. The middle ...
Utilizing an Interdisciplinary Approach to Geoscience Writing for Introductory Geology Courses POSTER SESSION
Tuesday 4:30pm-5:30pm Red Gym

Mitchell Scharman, Marshall University
Kristen Lorraine Lillvis, Marshall University
Anna Rollins, Marshall University
Amber Wright, Marshall University
Shayla Owens, Marshall University

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In the geosciences, writing is key to describing thoughts, observations, and data to effectively communicate results and interpretations. However, written communication of geological ideas is often a difficult task ...
Is Punxsutawney Phil accurate? Using pop culture to teach undergraduates data analysis techniques POSTER SESSION
Tuesday 4:30pm-5:30pm Red Gym

Karen Koy, Missouri Western State University

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The 100-level Introduction to Meteorology course is a requirement for Natural Sciences and secondary science education majors. It also attracts a significant proportion of non-majors. This seems to be the perfect ...
TerraElm: An exercise in earth science instruction POSTER SESSION
Tuesday 4:30pm-5:30pm Red Gym

Peter Anderson, Wharton County Junior College

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Public science education is a not just a service industry for the community it can also act as a tool by which graduate students in the field of Earth Science can be trained. The classroom setting is often a ...
From zero to Matlab in six weeks POSTER SESSION
Tuesday 4:30pm-5:30pm Red Gym

Frederik J Simons, Princeton University
Adam Maloof, Princeton University

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In 2015, a Fall "Freshman Seminar" at Princeton University (http://geoweb.princeton.edu/people/simons/FRS-SESC.html) taught students to combine field observations of the natural world with quantitative ...
The Earthcube iSamples Network engagement and training: Helping teach sample management and stewardship to a broad audience of new geoscientists POSTER SESSION
Tuesday 4:30pm-5:30pm Red Gym

Benjamin Hallett, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Ashlee Dere, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Amanda J. Waite, University of Florida
Michael L. Tuite, Nasa
Kerstin A. Lehnert, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Megan Carter, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

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Most geoscientists collect and study physical samples (soil, rock, fossils, drill core, thin sections, water, gas, etc.). However, systems with the ability to link physical samples with digital information, such as ...
Evaluation of Field-based Service Learning in Sustainability Courses POSTER SESSION
Tuesday 4:30pm-5:30pm Red Gym

William Forbes, Stephen F Austin State University

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This poster presents evaluation of field-based learning in courses within the Sustainable Community Development program at Stephen F. Austin State University. Course fieldwork includes: citizen restoration of an ...
A Pilot Study of Spatial Thinking for Meteorology Education POSTER SESSION
Tuesday 4:30pm-5:30pm Red Gym

Peggy McNeal, Towson University
Todd Ellis, Western Michigan University
Heather Petcovic, Western Michigan University

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The important role of spatial thinking in STEM education is established, yet minimally applied to meteorology education and the study of atmospheric sciences. Weather forecasting, involving hand plotting of ...
Teaching and Developing Quantitative Literacy in the Geosciences AFTERNOON MINI WORKSHOP
Wednesday 1:30pm-4:00pm Ogg: Classroom 1227

Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, Western Washington University

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Geology is perceived by many students as a qualitative science, and thus is attractive to students who love science but are afraid of math. As a result, many students of geology are either intimidated by, or ...
Place-based Geoscience Teaching in Support of Sustainability AFTERNOON MINI WORKSHOP
Wednesday 1:30pm-4:00pm Gordon: Symphony Meeting Room

Steven Semken, Arizona State University at the Tempe Campus

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Places are made by people. Place-based teaching draws on the importance of places to people, as context for locally situated geoscientific inquiry and to promote local environmental and cultural sustainability. ...
Developing Geocompetencies ORAL SESSION
Wednesday 1:30pm-4:00pm Weeks Geo: 140

Rachel Headley, Albertson College of Idaho
Steve Whitmeyer, James Madison University

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Skip to Main ContentSkip to Navigation Login Earth Educators' RendezvousMadison, WI July 18-22, 2016 View the Program | Search the Program ...
This equation hurts my brain: Math Anxiety & Geoscience Students
Wednesday 1:30pm Weeks Geo: 140

Rachel Headley, Albertson College of Idaho
Allison Liegler, University of Wisconsin-Parkside

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Math anxiety involves moderate to extreme fear, anxiety, and occasionally physical pain associated with anticipating or performing mathematical tasks. High levels of math phobia have been tied to students taking ...
Teaching Geology to Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering Students
Wednesday 1:45pm Weeks Geo: 140

Patricia Gallagher, Drexel University
Robert Swan, Jr., Drexel University

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We teach the sole required geology course for undergraduate civil, architectural, and environmental engineering students at Drexel University. We are on the quarter system, so we have just ten weeks to undertake ...
Interactive, Web-Based Geoscience Education Resources
Wednesday 2:00pm Weeks Geo: 140

Steve Whitmeyer, James Madison University
Declan De Paor, Old Dominion University
Callan Bentley, Piedmont Virginia Community College

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The geosciences are highly visual, and benefit greatly from computer visualizations, but also stress hands-on and tactile student experiences. Digital methodologies are recent additions to a toolkit of skills ...
Incorporating an Augmented Reality Sandbox in an Online Geology Course
Wednesday 2:15pm Weeks Geo: 140

Christine Clark, Eastern Michigan University
Katherine Ryker, University of South Carolina-Columbia

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Learning in the geosciences requires students to use spatial thinking, including tasks such as making and interpreting geologic and topographic maps (Kastens and Ishikawa, 2006). The ability to think critically ...
Student-Developed Virtual Field Trips
Wednesday 2:45pm Weeks Geo: 140

Sherry D Oaks, sherry.oaks@colorado.edu
Sadredin Moosavi, RCTC

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Five faculty-mentored student-developed virtual field trips (VFTs) are planned during 2016-2017 in Colorado where geology and meteorology significantly affect weather and climate. The first of these presentations ...
Empowering the Student Voice in Place-Based Geoscience Education: From Field Trips to Case Studies
Wednesday 3:00pm Weeks Geo: 140

Sadredin Moosavi, RCTC
Sherry D Oaks, sherry.oaks@colorado.edu
Julie Bartley, Gustavus Adolphus College

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Geoscience education research strongly supports the use of place-based approaches to effectively teach Earth science content, particularly when working with general education students and members of underserved ...
Sustainable Rivers: Using Placed-Based Learning to Integrate Science Across the Liberal Arts Curriculum
Wednesday 3:15pm Weeks Geo: 140

Mark Sweeney, University of South Dakota

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As part of the InTeGrate implementation program, the University of South Dakota (USD) began incorporating science and sustainability issues related to the Missouri River into courses across the liberal arts ...
Community Tools and Support for Data Driven Education
Wednesday 3:30pm Weeks Geo: 140

Jon Pollak, Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc
Liza Brazil, Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc

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The CUAHSI Water Data Center is an NSF funded program that builds and maintains cyberinfrastructure for publishing and reusing water related environmental data. Through this program, which was originally funded in ...
Teaching Sustainability and the Environment Within and Across Disciplines WORKSHOP
Thursday, Friday 8:30am-11:30am Weeks Geo: A259

Rick Oches, Bentley University
David Szymanski, Bentley University

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Sustainability challenges are often "wicked problems" that require a transdisciplinary approach to adequately define and understand. As such, teaching sustainability requires faculty to teach outside of ...
Spatial Reasoning in the Geosciences WORKSHOP
Thursday, Friday 8:30am-11:30am Ogg: Classroom 1227

Carol Ormand Ph.D., Carleton College
Eric Riggs, Humboldt State University

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How can we improve students' spatial reasoning? This workshop will present an overview of research on spatial skills and how those research results can be applied to student learning in the classroom, lab, and ...
Connecting magma formation, origin of crust, and the meaning behind igneous rocks using research-based diagrams, analogies, and games in physical geology
Thursday 1:30pm-1:50pm Weeks Geo: 140

Andrea Bair, Delta College

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This activity aims to: dispel common misconceptions about the origin of magma (i.e., from a liquid layer of Earth), promote understanding of the processes of magma generation, help students see igneous rocks as ...
Equation Journaling TEACHING DEMONSTRATION
Thursday 1:50pm-2:10pm Weeks Geo: AB20

Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, Western Washington University

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Many students perceive equations as simply collections of variables, and when solving problems may choose an equation because it has the right variables rather than because it represents the right process. Helping ...
Seafloor Spreading
Thursday 1:50pm-2:10pm Weeks Geo: 140

Andrew Goodwillie, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

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Plate tectonics forms a fundamental component of our understanding of how Earth works. In this activity, students examine the age of the ocean crust, calculate the rate of seafloor spreading at different locations ...
Word Problems: Living at the Intersection Of Quantitative Literacy and Geological-Mathematical Problem Solving TEACHING DEMONSTRATION
Thursday 2:10pm-2:30pm Weeks Geo: AB20

Len Vacher, University of South Florida
Chuck Connor, University of South Florida
Victor Ricchezza, Georgia State University

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A course in geological mathematical problems solving has been evolving in the undergraduate curriculum at the University of South Florida for nearly 20 years. Now called Computational Geology (after the column of ...
Polar wandering or continental drift? It all depends on where you stand.
Thursday 2:10pm-2:30pm Weeks Geo: 140

Karla Panchuk, University of Saskatchewan/ St. Peter's College

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This activity demonstrates apparent polar wandering by using paper compasses to simulate paleomagnetic records. In the first part of the activity the demonstrator plays the role of a stationary continent. She ...
World Climate Simulation TEACHING DEMONSTRATION
Thursday 2:30pm-2:50pm Weeks Geo: AB20

Juliette Rooney-Varga, University of Massachusetts-Lowell

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World Climate is a simulation-based role-playing exercise in which participants take on the roles of delegates to the UN climate negotiations and are challenged to create a global deal that, according to current ...
Features of different Volcanos
Thursday 2:30pm-2:50pm Weeks Geo: 140

Doug Czajka, Utah Valley University

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This is a lesson I use when teaching about the different volcano types. Previously students would have learned about controls on magma viscosity and how viscosity influences volcanic eruptions. They would have ...
Field Camp for a Technological World PANEL DISCUSSION
Thursday 2:45pm-4:00pm Gordon: Symphony Meeting Room

Steve Whitmeyer, James Madison University
Joe Elkins, University of Northern Colorado
Donna Charlevoix, EarthScope Consortium
Eric Riggs, Humboldt State University

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Incorporating cutting edge technologies in field camps and course experiences is highly rewarding for students and often very challenging for instructors. Geodetic tools such as GPS, terrestrial laser scanning, ...
"Jelloea" and Understanding Basaltic Volcanism
Thursday 3:00pm-3:20pm Weeks Geo: 140

Laurel Goodell, Princeton University

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"Volcanoes" are formed from bowls of gelatin inverted onto pegboard. "GPS stations" (pushpins) are installed and "housing developments" (Monopoly™ houses and hotels) are built. Then, ...
Evolution of GCMs and Super Mario TEACHING DEMONSTRATION
Thursday 3:00pm-3:20pm Weeks Geo: AB20

Ben Maas, Metropolitan State University

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The concept of global climate models, GCMs, is difficult for introductory environmental science students to grasp due to the global scale of thinking involved, fluxes, and simplifying assumptions. While the idea of ...
Igneous Cooling Rates, Crystal Size, and NOT Getting the 'Right' Experimental Results
Thursday 3:20pm-3:40pm Weeks Geo: 140

Mary Colson, Moorhead Public Schools
Russ Colson, Minnesota State University-Moorhead

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The organic compound thymol, with a melting temperature of 48°C, can be used to give students an opportunity to experiment with the effects of cooling rate on crystal size. We examine how a cookbook lab, which ...