An example set of tasks and questions for the first field trip of a 300-level Sedimentology and Stratigraphy course.

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In this lab, students measure a topographic and geologic cross-section across a floodplain by simple surveying and auguring techniques.

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Students work with data bases and GIS to develop saturated thickness maps. Each data base consists of observations made by drillers where they have encountered the High Plains aquifer base and the annual water-level measurements taken in wells screened in the High Plains aquifer by field technicians.

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The introductory level course teaches geology majors basic skills in the context of a field-based problem, the integrating theme for the semester, so that they can more rapidly achieve an advanced skill level in their upper-division courses.

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This is a 10-day field experience class that focuses on the geology of the Grand Staircase of the Colorado Plateau, culminating in a rim-to-rim backpack trip across the Grand Canyon, Arizona.

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Students complete a geologic map of a small area.

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Students describe and interpret glacial features exposed in gravel pits and outcrops.

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Analyzing an outcrop for the first time is challenging for many students. In an effort to prepare students for their field trip, this exercise gives students practice with basic outcrop analysis before going into the field. Although this exercise is not a substitute for a field experience, it requires students to think about what they should be observing and noting at an outcrop before visiting an actual field site. First, students watch a short video tutorial on analyzing an outcrop. Then, they are given a color photograph of an outcrop and a hand sample and complete a field notebook entry for the outcrop.

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The primary activity described here is measurement of sub-surface water properties in a local pond (e.g., temperature and dissolved oxygen). This activity combines concepts and skills from Geology, Biology and Chemistry.

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The is a two part lesson designed to given in-service teacher an experience in field geology. The lesson is designed by Canyon de Chelly, AZ but can be used anywhere there are outcrops of two or more rock types.

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Students use field lab periods to construct a composite stratigraphic section of the area surrounding their campus.

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This extended exercise engages soils students in both field and laboratory work through the collection and preservation of a soil monolith.

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In this exercise students map a trail and geologic outcrops along that trail using stride and compass and a GPS unit, and combine this data with other spatial data in GIS software. Students use the traverse method of surveying.
Learning objectives include:

Students will develop observational skills in recognizing bedrock outcrops.
Students will learn how to use a handheld GPS unit to map geologic features.
Students will gain expertise with recording waypoints with the GPS unit.
Students will gain expertise with translating tape-compass points into the UTM reference frame.
Students will gain facility with inputting data into GIS software.
Students will learn how retrieve free spatial data online.
Students will learn how to manage and combine spatial data in a computer-based mapping environment.
Students will develop skills in creating custom digital maps.

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The Silurian coastal Maine magmatic province is characterized by commingled gabbroic and granitic magmas that have resulted in magmatic structures such as pillows and pipes that can be used to determine the kinematics of the magma chamber. On the Eastern Head of Isle Au Haut, students map and collect structural data on the contacts between commingled gabbroic and granitic/dioritic sheets and the pipes and pillows that form along the base of these. A bedrock geologic map and cross section are then made in ArcGIS showing the geometry of the magmatic sheets. We kayak out to the island to map it, but there is also a ferry there. Eastern Head is situated within Acadia National Park and, as a result, no hammers can be used.

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Each spring, students in a 300-level field course collect samples from urban community gardens to monitor soil lead concentrations.

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Hydrology students are asked to participate in a service-learning project that involves a long-term stream monitoring project. The strengths of this laboratory exercise are that it integrates classroom knowledge with fieldwork, as well as providing the students with a "reason" for doing the lab.

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Students use compasses and a map of campus to navigate and find orienteering markers. This lab helps to reinforce map navigation skills. Students enjoyed the activity.

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Mapping of complexly deformed high-grade metamorphic rocks in areas of relatively poor exposure, such as the southern Appalachian Blue Ridge, is very challenging. A traditional mapping project in such areas may be too difficult and frustrating for most undergraduate students and may be ineffective. Mapping parts of the outcrop at Woodall Shoals, with the benefits of 100% exposure and a relatively small area, provides a good alternative. This very large (2,000-square-meter) outcrop contains a full compliment of rock fabric and complex geologic structures typical of such areas. For purposes of the present exercise, it serves as a generic scale model of an exhumed high-grade terrain. The detailed map of the outcrop by Hatcher et. al. (1989, Georgia Geological Society Guidebook, v. 9, n. 3, Plate 3) is used as a solution to the exercise.

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In Part 2 of this unit, student groups will plan and execute the field collection of sensory data (scents and/or sounds) using previously developed data collection protocols. The advantage of using sensory data is that students are equipped with the analytical equipment (ears and nose) and are familiar with its use.
Class time will be devoted to developing a field investigation plan. Students will create guiding questions and choose a study area, develop or obtain maps of the study area, assign field roles to group members, and develop a timeline for completion of fieldwork. The plan will need to ensure proper execution of data collection protocol, a clear record of the data collected, and a record of field conditions.
Careful planning of fieldwork is important to ensure that the time in the field is utilized efficiently and effectively and that the data collected meets the intended requirements. Likewise, an environmental professional (such as a geoscientist) undertaking an environmental investigation would need to develop a field investigation plan to meet the needs of the investigation.

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Use valley and slope deposits to reconstruct recent landscape erosion and sedimentation history.

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