ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL HONORS GEOLOGY COURSE IN THE HIGH SCHOOL

A successful honors geology course should parallel other honors courses in that it must include the strengthening of the necessary skills to prepare high school students for the university. Creating a balance between high standards and maintaining a population large enough to sustain your course may become your greatest challenge. The purpose of this session is to provide ideas to help others plan and implement a geology course.

A good place to start in the creation process is to outline the essential topics you want to include in the course. The next step is to decide ways in which you will present and assess the material. I discovered that a mix of traditional assessments and field experiences worked well with my group of students. Reading, writing and effective communication are the crux of my course. Utilizing local geologists, professors and geology graduate students is invaluable. I found them to be extremely willing to assist with editing my field trip itinerary and the students' written work. Involving students and teachers from other honors courses during student presentations provides a forum for good discussion.

Take enough time to research the best resources for your class. I chose five paperback books to supplement my lectures instead of a traditional textbook. Field guides, the Roadside Geology series and mandatory fiction books are great options. Become familiar with field trip procedures for your school and monies available for such activities. Review state laws regarding roadside stops, as you may need to notify the local or state police of your plans. Finally, obtain feedback from your students throughout the semester or school year. In some cases, their opinions could make or break the future of your course.