{"id":207,"date":"2016-05-20T11:52:22","date_gmt":"2016-05-20T18:52:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/eoassei\/?p=207"},"modified":"2016-05-20T12:04:02","modified_gmt":"2016-05-20T19:04:02","slug":"first-year-non-science-students-interpreting-geology-maps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/eoassei\/2016\/05\/20\/first-year-non-science-students-interpreting-geology-maps\/","title":{"rendered":"First year & non-science students interpreting geology maps?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"vg-logo\"<\/a>Visible Geology (app.visiblegeology.com<\/a>) is an interactive tool for building, modifying and exploring 3D geological structures. Features include adding, removing and adjusting Geologic Beds, Geologic Folds, Faults, Domes & Basins, Dikes, Topography, Cross-Sections, Boreholes, and Strike Decals.<\/p>\n

Here in EOAS the tool has been used in several courses. Students in the general science course EOSC110, The Solid Earth: A Dynamic Planet use it as a homework exercise to build skills necessary for an awesome follow-up exercise run using worksheets and small groups in the classroom. It involves interpreting the large-scale geological map of the state of Wyoming in terms of geological structures and tectonics of the region.<\/p>\n

Getting first year and non-science students to productively interpret ordinary maps is difficult, let alone geological maps! The Visible Geology homework exercise is the second in a three-part activity sequence. It involves self-directed completion of a worksheet followed by an online quiz to test the new geological map interpretation skills. The quiz includes 7 quantitative and qualitative feedback questions.<\/p>\n

The success that students demonstrate at 3D thinking and geology map interpretation in the capstone activity is a testament to the benefits of practicing these expert-like skills using Visible Geology. It also reflects the pedagogic expertise of those who developed this 3-part sequence: Brett Gilley<\/a> and Lucy Porritt<\/a>.<\/p>\n