FIELD CAMPS REMAIN AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ANY GEOLOGICAL CURRICULUM, BUT MUST BE RELEVANT

Field geology must remain a fundamental part of any Earth Science curriculum. Even though the Earth Sciences have greatly expanded and diversified within the last two decades and new technologies have been developed much geologic analysis remains based on field observations. Rock relationships must be correctly understood even when applying many sophisticated new technological tools. All these developments present a challenge, but also offer a real opportunity to reexamine teaching field geology relevant to the needs of students, the science, government, industry and society. Field camps must be designed creatively to broaden their base and integrate different geological subjects so that students can learn techniques that can be applied to many different types of investigations that range from bedrock to environmental geology. This means careful selection of areas for field camps and broadening of faculty participation. Emphasis must remain on teaching problem solving: how to go from recognition of rock types and landscapes to formulation of evolutionary and genetic interpretations that can be tested. Learning how field data can be accurately displayed on maps remains fundamental. Field camps must not degenerate into glorified field trips, students must experience grappling with day-to-day problems of working out geological relationships. Integration of new technologies into the field camp can enhance fieldwork. Handheld IPAC's can be used for recording digital notes, data and GPS locations. IPAC's also store digital data used in the field, such as satellite imagery, DEM's, previous mapping etc. Data gathered in the field can be downloaded into computers at camp during the evening, making a growing digital camp map that can be printed each evening to be used for field parties the next day to guide field work. By the end of the camp a complete digital map of the area can be produced. This leaves time for more complete analysis and discussion during report writing.