Teaching Environmental Geochemistry: An Authentic Inquiry Approach

• DOI: 10.5408/11-273.1
• Publication Date: 2012-11-08T09:43:23Z
• Authors: Carla M. Koretsky; Heather L. Petcovic; Katherine L. Rowb...
• Keywords: Course evaluation

A field-based environmental geochemistry course was developed at Western Michigan University for undergraduate geosciences and studies students to (1) improve student understanding of complex systems, specifically targeting lake systems; (2) facilitate development professional-level, field- laboratory-based skills water sediment analysis; (3) strengthen teamwork communication skills. In this course, designed completed a study quality in local kettle lake. The instructor used short "question the day" exercises, brief lectures, in-class exercises familiarize with analytical field techniques relevant posed problem. At end semester, presented their work public poster session written report submitted community association. assessed using work, preinstruction experience survey, postinstruction evaluation, pre- knowledge test, series interviews select students. Analysis full suite assessment data suggests that significantly improved systems process eutrophication perceived interpersonal However, lower-performing (i.e., those lower grade point average) weaker backgrounds tended provide less sophisticated test responses showed ability transfer gained other systems. Overall, reported strong sense satisfaction authentic inquiry community-oriented nature course. Compared first year second offering appeared be somewhat excited engaged, which may reflect lack novelty new discovery about site question. Thus, insure continued high levels engagement subsequent years, we recommend periodically shifting either or central research question addressed by class.