DIRECTING UNDERGRADUATE CLASS RESEARCH PROJECTS; LUMPING AND SPLITTING TO FIT STUDENT NEEDS
The large project was subdivided into seven smaller parcels at logical boundaries. They overlapped each other enough to make a continuum. For safety, transportation, and camaraderie most of the parcels were assigned to two member teams. The professor took each team into the field initially to introduce the students to the project. This introduction was followed up with at least two more visits during the semester to check on the team's progress. The final results were reported in a format that simulated professional standards (as PowerPoint® presentations) at an evening Geology Club meeting so the class members had a reasonable sized audience to present to. Other students, spouses, and a few parents in the audience had an opportunity to learn what was going on in class. The projects and presentations provided a reasonably detailed look at the structure of the Parowan Gap area. The students experienced a project-based laboratory assignment, and had a good learning experience.