Geological Society of America

T112 Training, Assessment, and Outreach That Enhance Communication of Geosciences for Formal and Informal Audiences

Monday, 28 October 2013
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Room 405

THINKSPACE FOR THE GEOSCIENCES: A WORKSHOP MODEL TO CREATE CASE-BASED ASSIGNMENTS ON ‘HYDROFRACKING’ AND MINERAL IDENTIFICATION

Paper number: T112-13
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM

Authors

Cinzia Cervato
Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Beth Caissie
Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Don Duggan-Haas
Paleontological Research Institution, Ithaca, NY
Franciszek Hasiuk Presenting Author
Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Suzanne OConnell
Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT
Suzanne M. Smaglik
Central Wyoming College, Riverton, WY
Paul G. Spry
Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Carla Weiner
Iowa State University, Ames, IA

Abstract

ThinkSpace (www.thinkspace.org) is an e-learning environment created to host and deliver case-based assignments. While dozens of assignments exist for veterinary medicine, physics, horticulture, and other disciplines, only two ThinkSpace assignments have been authored covering aspects of the geosciences. A small group of geoscientists convened during a two-day authoring workshop to lay the foundation for the two new assignments. The expertise and interests of the participants clustered around two themes: hydraulic fracturing, and mineral and rock identification.

The ‘hydrofracking’ scenario is built around the premise that the grandfather of a New York State college student is faced with a decision about whether or not to allow an extraction company to operate on his land. The grandfather seeks advice in making this decision from his grandson who is in college and who stands to inherit the farm. The exercise is meant to scaffold the process of integrating scientific and environmental information to come to a reasoned decision.

The mineral and rock identification case involves a mysterious death by an unknown disease where the only clue is a rock specimen. Students are led through a “crime scene investigation” where they must evaluate certain medical and geological data to identify the recent history of the individual and what might have caused his untimely demise.

The cases are currently being further developed and will be classroom-tested during the spring semester. This presentation will outline the network-building and resource development process, and show examples of the current state of the cases as well as plans for their further refinement.