THE "DEEP IMPACT" OF INTERNATIONAL FIELD TRIPS: SUDBURY CRATER

The effects of planetary-scale geological process, such as impact cratering are difficult to convey in the classroom. This is a particular challenge for courses such as Penn State DuBois “Earth and the Solar System” Seminar (EARTH 400), in which field experience is fundamental to ground abstract concepts. In the spring of 2009, Senior Seminar students participated in an extended field trip to the Sudbury impact structure in Canada, which was conducted in collaboration with the Canadian Geological Survey. The Sudbury impact structure is the second largest impact crater that has been identified on Earth. As part of this trip, students observed the effects of extensive shock and metamorphism. Furthermore, the road leading to Sudbury offered many opportunities to review material learned courses leading to EARTH 400. For example, traveling across Canadian Shield provided many opportunities to observe igneous outcrops. A stop at Niagara Falls permitted a review of concepts learned in Environmental Geology and Water Resource Geochemistry, such as the effects of dam construction and mineral weathering on water composition. Field activities are invaluable opportunities to teach skill that transfer to careers in and out of Geoscience, such as careful documentation of sites and the value of taking detailed field notes and summarizing the day’s work. Finally, our visit to Sudbury was the first international trip in which several of my students participated. Penn State DuBois serves many adult learners, returning military personnel, and students who will be the firsts to attain a four-year degree in their families. Therefore, part of this work has been to present them with additional career options and a more global view on Geoscience.