The Oil Game: Problem-based learning exercise in an Environmental Geology lecture-format class part of Geoscience in Two-year Colleges:Activities
This is an active engagement exercise as a capstone exercise in a unit on energy in an Environmental Geology class of non-science majors combining a 'field-based' simulation and 'office-based' geological modeling. It uses readily available supplies and easily constructed equipment that can take 1 or 2 class meetings.

Introduction to Mineral Identification part of Geoscience in Two-year Colleges:Activities
The exercise uses an inquiry-based approached to overcome the fear of tackling mineral identification. Few instructions are given and students discover for themselves how to approach identification.

Observational Skills in a Simple Crystal Growing Experiment part of Geoscience in Two-year Colleges:Activities
Students grow crystals and identify the crystal system by observing their basic geometric form. Students all research crytallization processes.

Mineral Properties -- Learning through Experience part of Geoscience in Two-year Colleges:Activities
Students are each given a mineral and asked to locate all other students in the room with the same mineral (knowing there are a total of 5 different minerals). Once groups form, they need to decide what characteristics are similar for all their samples and ultimately report out to the whole class on their observations.

Digging for Fossils part of Geoscience in Two-year Colleges:Activities
"Digging for Fossils": A student laboratory activity

Help a geochronologist part of Geoscience in Two-year Colleges:Activities
This activity allows students to better understand radiometric dating and absolute dating techniques by calculating radiometric ages of zircon crystals. Their calculated ages then serve as tools to practice creating graphs, interpret analytic data, and reconstruct geologic events.

1993 Missouri River Flood Exercise part of Geoscience in Two-year Colleges:Activities
An exercise on the effects of flooding that took place in the upper Mississippi River drainage basin in 1993, using before and after satellite images.

Well Core Analysis: Capstone Activity for Historical Geology part of Geoscience in Two-year Colleges:Activities
A final group project in introductory historical geology involving description and analysis of a well core and associated geophysical log. Students apply course knowledge of sedimentary geology and paleontology to interpret the depositional environment. Results of their research are summarized in a group presentation and written report.

Marine Noise Pollution Silent Socratic Dialogue part of Geoscience in Two-year Colleges:Activities
In this Oceanography activity, students learn about the history of marine noise pollution and its effects on marine life, particularly cetaceans. The activity concludes with a paired debate using the Silent Socratic Dialogue method.