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The Geology of LaSalle County: An Example of a College-Sponsored, Non-Credit Mini-Course for the General Public

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?. Public Outreach Continuing Education No credit/no grade

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The Geology of LaSalle County: An Example of a College-Sponsored, Non-Credit Mini-Course for the General Public

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  1. 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

  2. What is a Mini-Course? • Public Outreach • Continuing Education • No credit/no grade • Public Interest • Low Cost

  3. What to Do • Steps • 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

  4. Who sponsors Mini-Courses? • Colleges and Universities • Museums • Scientific societies and associations • Libraries • Parks (National, State, Local) • Other organizations

  5. Course Options General Public Children Elderhostel Other Location Classroom Lab Field Equipment/supplies audiovisual Handouts lab (rocks …) field (hammers…) Day & Time Advertisement Compensation Contact the Mini-Course Coordinator

  6. Selecting a Topic • Audience • age • prior knowledge • Local interest • Location (inside &/or outside) • time of year • appropriate to topic • Available references

  7. Submit a proposal • Fill out the forms • Develop a catchy topic & description • Day(s) & time • Supply request • Lab vs field (including contingencies) • Waivers

  8. Course Options General Public Children Elderhostel Other Location Classroom Lab Field Equipment/supplies audiovisual Handouts lab (rocks …) field (hammers…) Day & Time Advertisement Compensation Contact the Mini-Course Coordinator

  9. 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.

  10. 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

  11. The Geology of LaSalle County • Equipment/Supplies: • 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. Disadvantages • Takes time: preparation & presentation • Takes effort: planning & research • Non-technical audience • Bad students (rare)

  15. Advantages • 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

  16. Your Turn • Identify a mini-course program. • Contact the coordinator. • Spread the word about geology.

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