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Memoirs of an Unrepentant Geologic Field Trip Leader Kevin Ray Evans, Ph.D.

Memoirs of an Unrepentant Geologic Field Trip Leader Kevin Ray Evans, Ph.D. Geography, Geology, and Planning Missouri State University. “Why, oh why can’t geology be taught where geology is and not in the lecture hall?” — Francis J. Pettijohn , 1984.

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Memoirs of an Unrepentant Geologic Field Trip Leader Kevin Ray Evans, Ph.D.

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  1. Memoirs of an Unrepentant Geologic Field Trip Leader Kevin Ray Evans, Ph.D. Geography, Geology, and Planning Missouri State University

  2. “Why, oh why can’t geology be taught where geology is and not in the lecture hall?” — Francis J. Pettijohn, 1984 Memoirs of an Unrepentant Field Geologist: A Candid Profile of Some Geologists and their Science, 1921-1981: University of Chicago Press, 260 p. Goosenecks of the San Juan, Utah, MSU, 2013

  3. Geoscience teachers generally agree that student field trips offer some of the best opportunities for student learning Geologic field trips: Student field trips: Novelty Immersive engagement Social interaction Students can help develop field trips (guidebook chapters) Content is King — Know the Geology! Development of experiential skill sets Observations Identifications Interpretations (with feedback via the Socratic method) Professional field trips: Controversial interpretations Continuing education units (maintain certification) Recreational field trips:Physical exertion Generally acceptable risks WHY?

  4. 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, Field Methods, and a dedicated Spring Break field trip Johnson Shut-Ins State Park, Missouri, MSU, April 2010

  5. New faculty: Expectations for leading field trips Little experience other than as student Locations, planning, content, and permissions Safety 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 issues Leaders must represent the need for student field trips to administrators HOW?

  6. Potential Problems: Inclement weather Poor road conditions Bad navigation* Vehicle breakdowns Medical issues Emotional issues Communication issues Natural hazards…the list goes on… WHAT?

  7. Deer Trail, Colorado, MSU, March 2013 Eisenhower Tunnel, Colorado

  8. 24 hours, Arches National Park, Utah Everything eventually changes…

  9. Worst geologic field trip experience…so far… Year:Spring 1992 Institution: UNLV Course: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy Theme: Grand Canyon Field Trip Destination: Whitmore Wash Incident: Weather and vehicle mishaps Outcome: Near mutiny Lesson learned: Avoid roads through gypsiferousshales when it rains and always carry a Hi-Lift jack, tow strap, and shovel WHEN?

  10. St. George UT AZ Mt. Trumbull Grand Canyon

  11. Here There Be Gypsiferous Shale

  12. Best geologic field trip experience…so far… Year:Spring 2005 Institution: MSU Course: Directed Field Trip Theme: Modern Carbonates Destination: Florida Keys Incident(s): Medical issues Outcome: Unanimous enthusiasm Lesson learned: Be adaptable WHEN?

  13. Cedar Key, Florida, March 2008, MSU

  14. Sanibel Island Florida Bay, 2008 Miami

  15. Local culture, Homestead, Florida

  16. Cross Key

  17. Miami Oölite, Miami,

  18. Barrier Reef, off Tavernier Key

  19. Mangrove and Sabellid reefs, Key Biscayne

  20. 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 SUMMARY

  21. AAPG MSU Student Chapter MLK Day Annual Field Trip Big Brutus, Galena, Kansas, January 2011

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