11 Geoscience Education (Posters)

Monday, 18 March 2013
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Grand Ballroom South

A NEW GEOMORPHOLOGY TEXTBOOK, CREATED IN A NEW WAY

Paper number: 11-8
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Authors

Abstract

We have completed a new textbook, Key Concepts in Geomorphology, applying a model of extensive community involvement at all stages from initial outlining through chapter development and revision to final review. The textbook is designed to serve undergraduate students in first year courses about Earth Surface Processes, Physical Geography, and Quaternary Geology. It differs from existing textbooks because it is shorter and focuses on the key concepts of the discipline rather than on esoteric details or place-based examples. Such details are covered in a series of 250 electronic resources developed by community members as part of this project (see abstract by C. Massey and visit http://serc.carleton.edu/vignettes).

The US National Science Foundation provided support for review of each chapter by two experts well-versed in the chapter’s content as well as review of the entire textbook by two senior geomorphologists and a technical editor with expertise in Surface Processes and Quaternary History. Each chapter was vetted by 8 to 10 generalist reviewers before extensive copyediting.

The textbook has 14 chapters organized into four sections. Each chapter includes between 10 and 14 newly drafted, full-color figures designed specifically for novice learners. Between 20 and 30 annotated color photographs fill the chapters along with a worked problem and a series of questions that allow students to test their mastery of the material. At the end of each chapter, the Digging Deeper section presents an in-depth look at the development of scientific thought on a problem relevant to the chapter.

The book is scheduled for release in summer 2013. Sample chapters will be available for review at the presentation.