Show and Tell…and Touch: Passing Around Materials to Augment Student Learning in Introductory Earth Science Classes
Abstract
Student learning, understanding, and enjoyment can be increased in introductory Earth Science classes by providing materials that can be passed around, touched, and handled to promote hands-on learning. This is particularly useful and beneficial in lecture-style classes that lack a laboratory component. In many Earth Science classes rocks and minerals are among the first items to make this list. Looking at, touching, and holding samples is far superior to simply seeing images on a screen. Other items can be of use as well. Students are happy to pass around a bowl of oobleck while discussing non-Newtonian fluid behavior. Ooze tubes and common kitchen items can be used to illustrate viscosity. This poster will highlight a collection of materials used in introductory geoscience and Earth Science lecture classes to create small, but relevant experiential learning opportunities. Student evaluations of teaching consistently indicate a high degree of satisfaction and enjoyment associated with this method.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019AGUFMED53D0883C
- Keywords:
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- 0810 Post-secondary education;
- EDUCATION;
- 0825 Teaching methods;
- EDUCATION