INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY IN THE TEACHING OF FIELD GEOLOGY

As geology graduates are faced with technology advancements in the geological professions, it is critical that they learn how to apply technology in field studies. In addition to a traditional curriculum in teaching field geology, the field program at SUNY-Oswego has developed projects that adopted numerous technology-based field tools to enhance the learning experience and to better equip graduates for employment or advanced study. We illustrate and explain some of the learning activities the students experience.

The field program contains 3 projects over 5 weeks in the Adirondacks and Tug Hill Plateau. Project 1 focuses on igneous, metamorphic & structural geology near Indian Lake, NY. The geology for the Project 1 is relatively simple (edge of a pluton that is deformed with the country rock); but, the orienteering is challenging. Along with using topographic maps and air photos in the field, students also use hand-held GPS units to collect geographic coordinates. Each day the GPS information is downloaded into a field computer with mapping software. Students compare the GPS positions with their field maps. Early in the project, discrepancies exist, but diminish as the students hone field navigational skills. Cartographic and GIS software for plotting maps are introducted during this project. The focus of Project 2 is stratigraphy & brittle structure in the Tug Hill Plateau. Near the completion of Project 2, reports including maps, correlation diagrams and cross sections are compiled using field computers. Project 3 integrates igneous & metamorphic geology, stratigraphy & structural geology in the Moose River Recreation area, Adirondacks. Both the terrain and geology are difficult. Students are required to utilize traditional and technology-based tools to understand the field area over a two-week period. By this stage of the field program, students are comfortable using GPS integrated with GIS for navigation and map generation. They use digital topographic maps and air photos to plan traverses and they compile field data daily using computer programs. At the completion of the field program, students are able to produce technical reports similar to what they may be required to produce while working in the environmental, natural resource or energy industries.