GEOLOGIST FOR A DAY: HANDS ON ACTIVITIES AND THEIR APPLICATION IN COMMUNICATING GEOSCIENCE CONCEPTS TO 2ND – 5TH GRADERS

Innovative methods of demonstrating scientific concepts are critical to engaging today’s students and raising their scientific awareness and competency. Faculty members at Baylor University have designed and built a number of physical models that demonstrate a wide variety of processes in the geological sciences. In the spring of 2012, a group of approximately fifty second through fifth graders visited Baylor University’s geology department for an enrichment activity focused on the Japanese earthquake and tsunami from March 11, 2011. Geology faculty and teaching assistants were on-hand to discuss the geologic origin of earthquakes and tsunamis as well as answering questions about what a geologist does. Students were given the opportunity to interact with a variety of physical models and age-appropriate hands-on activities with graduate student and faculty experts. Younger students enjoyed a rock and fossil dig and identification exercise, then learned about the effects of earthquakes on unreinforced masonry structures by building their own house and generating a shear wave. Older students observed the propagation of P and S waves through two different mediums, generated their own tsunami in a tank, and learned how to strengthen a building with floor and column construction. Student response was enthusiastic, leading to a continuation of this outreach as we try to engage future prospective scientists and work towards a scientifically literate community.