UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET: GEOLOGY HONORS OPTION AT DELAWARE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

This presentation will show how the faculty at Delaware County Community College have incorporated early undergraduate research into our geology program and gives example of the Students work. How to do involved students by doing mini-research projects with low to no funds will be discussed. Students in the Physical and Historical Geology classes at Delaware County Community College have the option of doing research outside the normal class time with our Honors program. The Honors students will participate in geological research project. The students will develop a Field and/or Laboratory project in which they will collect samples or data, prep the samples or data then analyze the samples or data. The student will present their findings and results to the class. Time commitment is normally spend 15-20 hours during the semester. Students in the past have also submitted abstract and presented oral as well as poster presentations to Geological Society of America section meeting. The students demonstrate methods of geological sample and data collection, laboratory procedures of sample preparation and analysis, followed by a presentation of results. The student receive upon completion an ‘H’ for Honors, on their transcripts.