TXESS Revolution

Institute A: (6/15) Geology Rock Garden
Was the Geology Rock Garden (cross-bedding on building stone and geology bldg specimens) activity helpful to understanding some of the different rocks, processes, structures, etc. that we covered during Day 1? Please elaborate

I enjoyed the rock garden tremendously. I collect rocks every place I go and have them bordering and strewn all over my flower gardens. I have always been able to transfer this enthusiasm to my students and colleagues. It has been great learning new info.

Institute A: (6/15) Geologic Mapping
Please comment on your comfort level with interpreting geologic maps after this afternoon's activities. How might you translate your new understanding of geologic maps into classroom activities (please refer to the applicable grade level or class

I teach 6th grade and , frankly, I am unsure how to implement that in my class. However, it is great for me to know and perhaps I can help the 8th grade teachers with mapping. It was an enjoyable exercise.

Have you ever created a topographic profile before this class? What did you find most challenging about creating a topographic profile today? How could you help your students address this challenge in your classroom? What kinds of activities have you done in class to help students visualize topographic maps, and how might you iintegrate Google Earth technology into those activities?

I had done a very simple profile. I had a problem today following the directions. I will have my students
make their markings on a separate strip of paper, then transfer to the graph. Throughout the unit, students can use computer stations for Google Earth.

After the basic review of rock identification, you were asked to create a geologic story of the history of a particular 'unknown' rock sample. This activity was meant to help you synthesize some of the activities we covered this morning, and let us assess your application of that knowledge. What other activities can you think of that would go along with this 'storytelling' activity to help assess students understanding of the previous material presented on basic geologic principles, landforms and geologic processes

To conclude the rock unit, students can be given some very simple rocks for storytelling.
This may be included as an assessment.

Was the review of basic physical geology (law of superposition, law of original horizontality, etc.) useful as an introduction to the field program? How

I studied geology quite a few years ago and really needed the review. The power point was great.

Have you had much experience with contour mapping previous to this class? Did you find this exercise increased your ability to visualize contour maps in 3-D? Could you use these same activities with your students? How might you adapt the activities in your classroom

I have taught very basic contour mapping of the surface as well as the ocean floor. Certainly, contour mapping helps me to visualize 3-D models. With modification, I can use these same activities with my students.

Using Google Earth as a tool to introduce geomorphology (the scientific study of landforms and the processes that shape them) is something relatively new to Earth Science education (last five years). What advantages can you see to introducing students to surface geology of the Earth using Google Earth vs. the traditional aerial photographs and maps approach? How might you use Google Earth to introduce your students to the importance of landforms and their origin

This was the first time I had used Google Earth and I loved it! I need a great deal of practice, however.
My students will probably learn it and develop an appreciation much faster. I look forward to sharing this with them. I plan to introduce Google Earth at the very beginning of the school year during tutoring period
( a full regular class period ). Later, those students can teach others during Science class.