USING CARTOONS AS A "NON-TRADITIONAL" EDUCATIONAL MEDIUM IN PHYSICAL GEOLOGY LECTURES

Creativity is often required to engage non-science majors enrolled in introductory-level courses in Geology. Scientific publishers have produced textbooks containing full-color illustrations and CD-ROM media with animations and PowerPoint presentations covering fundamental geologic principles, as well as Internet Websites covering the topics discussed in the "hard-copy" texts. However, my experience has been that it is difficult to induce non-science majors to visit these Websites, and to read material contained either within their textbooks or on a Website.

In an attempt to involve Physical Geology students in the educational process, and to provide "non-traditional" illustrations of fundamental geological concepts, in addition to the "formal" illustrations in textbooks, I have incorporated materials from newspapers and popular magazines in my lectures. In particular, I have found that cartoons covering geological topics have been an effective form of "alternative" educational illustrations. Through diligence and long-term effort, it has been possible to compile cartoons encompassing the entirety of topics discussed in any Physical Geology textbook. My lectures generally open with a cartoon slide covering that day's topic, and using cartoons to augment more "formal" textbook illustrations has been an effective means to convince students that Geology is a vital part of their lives.

Based on student feedback, it appears that some of these cartoon illustrations may be an effective alternative method for demonstrating geologic concepts, which remains in memory longer than the "formal" textbook photographs and illustrations. This teaching tool may represent a useful supplement to traditional geological illustrations and photographs in educational media, and could convince students of the "relevance" of geological principles, even to non-scientists.