MULTILEVEL INSTRUCTION USING THE GEOLOGY OF NE WISCONSIN

St. Norbert College, situated near the mouth of Green Bay in NE Wisconsin, is ideally located for integrating the local geology (LG) into the pedagogy. The proximal LG includes well-exposed Precambrian rocks, excellent road cut and quarry exposures of Paleozoic sedimentary rocks, spectacular Pleistocene glacial landforms, and shoreline features and processes associated with Lake Michigan.

The LG is integrated throughout the geology program from the non-major general education courses through a standard curriculum that regularly includes a senior thesis. At the introductory level, the LG is incorporated into laboratory exercises and includes daylong field trips. The intent is to: a) provide an introduction to and appreciation for the local geology, including the relationship to current environmental and resource issues, b) illustrate broad geologic concepts such as geologic time and scale, c) develop skills such as three dimensional visualization. At the intermediate level, the intent is to reinforce introductory concepts and to develop basic geologic skills that relate to critical thinking such as observation. For example, the geologic evolution of the North American mid-continent is examined through systematic observation and interpretation of outcrops in a regional context, including consultation of the relevant literature. At the senior level, the LG is designed to focus on the development of independent critical thinking/problem solving skills. In this regard, the senior thesis is particularly useful and the presentation of these results at professional meetings is encouraged.

In summary, the LG of NE Wisconsin is a valuable instructional resource and different instructional levels require specific objectives and learning strategies in order to achieve the highest educational outcomes.