Teaching Geology

Catherine C. AbonNational Institute of Geological Sciences

UP-Diliman

Responsibilities of a teacher

The best teacher is the one who suggests rather than dogmatizes, and inspires his listener with the wish to teach himself.

~Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Organizing a topic

Regardless of the method, the topic should be properly organized.

http://www.dynamicflight.com/avcfibook/methods/

1. Introduction

• The main part of the lesson• develops the subject matter in a

manner that helps the students achieve the desired learning outcomes

• E.g. simple to complex, known to unknown, past to present

Organizing a topic2. Development

Organizing a topic

• review and wrap-up of ideas reinforces student learning and improves the retention of what has been learned

3. Conclusion

Methods of Teaching

• Lecture• Cooperative or Group Learning• Guided Discussion• Demonstration-Performance• Computer-based Training

Geology as a course

• Important in understanding Earth’s history and processes

• Know what are the resources that can be obtained from the earth

1.the relevance of time

2. the issue of scale

3. the complexity of replicating natural systems and phenomena in the laboratory

GEOLOGY AS A DISCIPLINE

Some topics in Geology and how they are taught

• Through lectures and discussion using powerpoint

E.g. Basic concepts in the history of Geology 1. Uniformitarianism 2. Catastrophism

Some topics in Geology and how they are taught

E.g. Branches of Geology

• Through guided discussion

Historical Geology

Paleontology

Stratigraphy

Geochronology

Physical Geology

Volcanology, Seismology

Environmental Geology, Engineering Geology

Mining Geology, Petroleum Geology

Mineralogy, Petrology

Geomorphology

Geophysics, Geochemistry, Planetary Geology

Some topics in Geology and how they are taught

• By using colorful pictures, actual samples and demonstrations

• E.g. Minerals/Rocks

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF

MINERALS

ColorColor

caused by the absorption, or lack of absorption, of various wavelengths of light

malachite fluorite

Streak- the color of a mineral in powdered form

the shapes and aggregates that a certain mineral is likely to form

fibrous acicular platy

Crystal Habit

the tendency of a mineral to break in particular directions due to zones of weakness in the crystal structure

Fractures or irregular breakages occur when bond strengths in a crystal structure is equal in all directions.

cleavage in 3 directions

cleavage in 3 directions conchoidal

fractureconchoidal

fracture

Cleavage

the ability of minerals to reflect light

metallicmetallic

non-metallicnon-metallicglassyglassy

earthyearthy

Luster

Some topics in Geology and how they are taught

• Use of Illustrations and motion films

• E.g. Plate Tectonics theory- The unifying theory of geology- All geological features and processes

are related

PANGAEA

GondwanalandLaurasia

See how it works!

Evidence for Continental DriftJigsaw puzzle fit

Present-day continents

South America

Africa

Evidence for Continental DriftFossils

Africa

Evidence for Continental DriftPaleoclimatic (ancient climate) evidence

- coal forms under tropical climates

Why do we have coal deposits in the Antarctica?

Antarctica must have been situated closer to the equator, in a more temperate climate where lush, swampy vegetation could grow.

Evidence for Continental DriftRock type and structural similarities

- rocks found in one continent closely match (in age and type) those rocks found in the matching continent

Continental Drift: Summary

• Fit of continents

• Fossil evidence

• Rock type and structural similarities

• Paleoclimatic evidence

Some topics in Geology and how they are taught

• Use of short films for topic introduction and mood setting

• E.g. Groundwater

Click here to be surprised!!

Some topics in Geology and how they are taught

• Use of real life examples and of personal experiences (these enhances the appreciation of the students add to the teacher’s credibility on the subject)

• E.g. Mass wasting/ Deformations

Who’s fault is it?

Beaching around!

Some other Methods

•Field trips

•Film showing

•Reporting

Field trip in Taal

Fieldtrip in Rizal

Some hints • Crack jokes• Tell real life situations• Show pictures of Philippine setting scenarios• Engage students to participate in discussion• Ask a LOT of questions• Recognize the students’ inputs• Film showings• Demonstrate concepts• Listen to the students’ ideas• Have Fun!!

Thank You!!!