Memoirs of an Unrepentant Geologic Field Trip Leader

Kevin Ray Evans, Ph.D.Geography, Geology, and PlanningMissouri State University

Memoirs of an Unrepentant Field Geologist: A CandidProfile of Some Geologists and their Science, 1921-1981:University of Chicago Press, 260 p.

“Why, oh why can’t geology be taught where geology isand not in the lecture hall?”

— Francis J. Pettijohn, 1984

Goosenecks of the San Juan, Utah, MSU, 2013

WHY?Geoscience teachers generally agree that student field trips

offer some of the best opportunities for student learning

Geologic field trips:Student field trips:

NoveltyImmersive engagementSocial interactionStudents can help develop field trips (guidebook chapters)Content is King — Know the Geology!Development of experiential skill sets

ObservationsIdentificationsInterpretations (with feedback via the Socratic

method)

Professional field trips:Controversial interpretationsContinuing education units (maintain certification)

Recreational field trips:Physical exertionGenerally acceptable risks

At Missouri State University, we average approximately 40 geology field trips per academic year:Physical Geology, Environmental Geology, Historical Geology, Speleology, Engineering Geology,Structural Geology, Stratigraphy, Geophysics, Petroleum Geology, Introduction to GIS, FieldMethods, and a dedicated Spring Break field trip

Johnson Shut-Ins State Park, Missouri, MSU, April 2010

HOW?New faculty:

Expectations for leading field tripsLittle experience other than as studentLocations, planning, content, and permissionsSafety issues

Where are the manuals?AGI Geologic Guidebooks of North America Database http://www.agiweb.org/georef/onlinedb/gnaintro.html

Earth Science Week (very basic)http://www.earthsciweek.org/forplanners/gettinginvolved/leadafieldtrip.html

Geological Society of America Section Handbook (professional field trips)http://www.geosociety.org/sectionmanual/toc.htm#ft

Remember:Field trips potentially are at risk because of budget cuts and liability issuesLeaders must represent the need for student field trips to administrators

WHAT?Potential Problems:

Inclement weatherPoor road conditionsBad navigation*Vehicle breakdownsMedical issuesEmotional issuesCommunication issuesNatural hazards…the list goes on…

Deer Trail, Colorado, MSU, March 2013

Eisenhower Tunnel, Colorado

24 hours, Arches National Park, UtahEverything eventually changes…

WHEN?Worst geologic field trip experience…so far…

Year: Spring 1992Institution: UNLVCourse: Sedimentology and StratigraphyTheme: Grand Canyon Field TripDestination: Whitmore WashIncident: Weather and vehicle mishapsOutcome: Near mutinyLesson learned: Avoid roads through gypsiferous shales when it rains and

always carry a Hi-Lift jack, tow strap, and shovel

St. George

Grand Canyon

Mt. Trumbull

UT

AZ

Here There BeGypsiferous Shale

WHEN?Best geologic field trip experience…so far…

Year: Spring 2005Institution: MSUCourse: Directed Field TripTheme: Modern CarbonatesDestination: Florida KeysIncident(s): Medical issuesOutcome: Unanimous enthusiasmLesson learned: Be adaptable

Cedar Key, Florida, March 2008, MSU

Florida Bay, 2008 Sanibel Island

Miami

Local culture, Homestead, Florida

Cross Key

Miami Oölite, Miami,

Barrier Reef, offTavernier Key

Mangrove andSabellid reefs,Key Biscayne

SUMMARY

Plan and prepare carefully

Be prepared for unexpected challenges

Be adaptable

Promote field trips to faculty, administrators, and students

All-in-all, there are few field trips where negative extrinsic factors have not served to make them memorable —

if not treasured — in hindsight

AAPG MSU Student Chapter MLK Day Annual Field TripBig Brutus, Galena, Kansas, January 2011