ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY IN THE FIELD AND LAB
The goals of the field sampling and laboratory experiments are for students to learn sampling techniques and laboratory methods, to generate and comprehend the data, and to write and present a team report that discusses their findings. The sampling fieldtrips provide students with opportunities for real world experiences such as collecting stream and sediment samples, using field equipment, and working as a team. Some of the laboratory methods that are taught include proper scale and pipette use, clean-room techniques, and preparation of standards and samples for the IC, UV-Vis, and ICP-MS. This class is popular among environmental science students even though it is demanding. Over the years, students have reported on the aqueous and sediment chemistry and groundwater/surface water interactions of Oakta Creek.
This approach to hands-on research in the classroom can be used at a variety of sites, from urban settings to rural surroundings. We plan to use these methods in a new class at Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR) and will focus our studies on Spring River whose headwaters are located at Mammoth Spring in north central Arkansas. Students taking this applied class at Arkansas State University will explore the environmental chemistry of Spring River and Mammoth Spring while learning how to collect water and sediments samples and analyze them using IC, UV-Vis, and ICP-MS techniques.