A REALISTIC AND ORIGINAL PROBLEM-BASED EXERCISE FOR ASSESSMENT OF UNDERGRADUATE GEOSCIENCE STUDENTS

This poster session will present an original geologic exercise designed for the comprehensive assessment of undergraduate geoscience students. This exercise has been classroom tested and has been found to be an effective problem-based assessment that engages students. This realistic exercise begins by retaining the students as consultants hired to assess the geologic hazards associated with three parcels of land. Armed with nothing more than boring logs, rocks, and a map; the students work out the subsurface geology, geologic history, topography, and geologic hazards associated with the area in and around the parcels. This information is used to make and justify recommendations concerning future development of the parcels. Except for rocks, materials and instructions needed to conduct this exercise in your classroom will be provided by the author.