REIMAGINING ‘THE FIELD’: EXPLORATIONS IN URBAN GEOLOGY

Field geology activities in introductory physical geology classes provide students the opportunity to practice skills that are valuable both in upper division geology classes, as well as in other fields of study. For example, while mapping and describing outcrops at a field site, students practice skills such as close observation, integrating complex information, problem solving, and team work. In many cases, field experiences may be limited in introductory classes due to transport costs and complicated logistics, among other factors. Alternative activities, such as virtual field trips, have become more popular in recent years and have been used to supplement or replace traditional field experiences. Here I describe a different type of alternative activity that can also complement traditional field trips and is appropriate for an introductory class: an urban geology lab in which students explore the geology behind the built environment, as well as the geological basis of art and artifacts at a local museum. Similar to the process of unraveling the geological history of an area, students work together to use physical observations and background research to interpret how geological materials in the built environment were formed and modified for human use. As an added benefit, urban geology is easily accessible regardless of location and allows students to directly connect the course material to their everyday experiences.