Transcript The Geology of LaSalle County: An Example of a College

The Geology of LaSalle County:
An Example of a College-Sponsored,
Non-Credit Mini-Course for the General Public
Michael Phillips
Geology Instructor
Illinois Valley Community College
Oglesby, Illinois
What is a Mini-Course?
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Public Outreach
Continuing Education
No credit/no grade
Public Interest
Low Cost
What to Do
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Find a mini-course program
Contact the coordinator
Select a topic
Submit a proposal
Present the course
Evaluate your performance
• Example: The Geology of LaSalle County
Who sponsors Mini-Courses?
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Colleges and Universities
Museums
Scientific societies and associations
Libraries
Parks (National, State, Local)
Other organizations
Contact the Mini-Course
Coordinator
• Course Options
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General Public
Children
Elderhostel
Other
• Location
– Classroom
– Lab
– Field
• Equipment/supplies
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audiovisual
Handouts
lab (rocks …)
field (hammers…)
• Day & Time
• Advertisement
• Compensation
Selecting a Topic
• Audience
– age
– prior knowledge
• Local interest
• Location (inside &/or outside)
– time of year
– appropriate to topic
• Available references
Submit a proposal
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Fill out the forms
Develop a catchy topic & description
Day(s) & time
Supply request
Lab vs field (including contingencies)
Waivers
Contact the Mini-Course
Coordinator
• Course Options
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General Public
Children
Elderhostel
Other
• Location
– Classroom
– Lab
– Field
• Equipment/supplies
–
–
–
–
audiovisual
Handouts
lab (rocks …)
field (hammers…)
• Day & Time
• Advertisement
• Compensation
Present the Course
• Talk with students as they arrive.
• Provide copies of notes, key figures, and
appropriate sources.
• Use multiple forms of presentation (verbal,
visual, samples).
• Encourage discussion.
• Keep it simple.
The Geology of LaSalle County
• Audience:
– General Public (age 16 and up)
– limited prior knowledge
• Location: College lab and State Park
– the college lab is used for an introduction to
geology
The Geology of LaSalle County
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audiovisual: slide projector, overhead
handouts: notes, field trip guidebook (ISGS)
lab: rock samples
field: hand lenses, acid, Brunton compasses
• Day & Time: Saturday, 9 am to 3:30 pm
• Advertisement: Circular distributed by the
College
The Geology of LaSalle County:
Morning Session
• Minerals & Rocks: formation,
identification, & interpretation
• A small bit about plate tectonics
• Fossils: formation, identification, &
interpretation
• Interpreting geologic history: relative and
absolute dating
• An overview of the geology of Illinois
The Geology of LaSalle County:
Afternoon Session
• Lunch at Matthessien State Park
• The Park through the eyes of a geologist:
– Surficial processes: erosion of the canyon,
slope failure, glaciation, flooding
– Rocks: sedimentary rocks, fossils, EOD, glacial
erratics
– Structure: strike & dip, LaSalle Anticline, fault,
joints
• Evaluation
Disadvantages
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Takes time: preparation & presentation
Takes effort: planning & research
Non-technical audience
Bad students (rare)
Advantages
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A chance to share what you know
Contribute to your community
Meet people interested in geology
Appreciative audience (feels good)
A personal refresher on the basics
A little pocket money
Your Turn
• Identify a mini-course program.
• Contact the coordinator.
• Spread the word about geology.