This is the next call for submissions for August's edition of the Accretionary Wedge. You can find July's edition, Geologic Inspiration at Volcanista's Magmalicious Blog.
Having been particularly interested in geological education for sometime, I have wrestled with the best ways to teach students. Now we all have to admit that not everything in geology will appeal to everyone (some more than others) and not everything has the glitz and glamour of volcanoes and earthquakes. So how do we as geological professionals get out that information. There is the standard textbook and lecture approach, but that often fails to get the ADD generations attention. In this ever evolving world of technology and instant communication, what is there that is useful that we could use to teach the next generation. I for one have thought about using bad geology movies or references in fiction literature as possible teaching tools. I figure if the information is coming from an unusual source, they might be apt to remember it better.
So your mission is this: "What out of the box ideas do you use to teach people about geology or geological concepts?" No need to limit yourself on ideas you have actively used. If you have used it and you think it is good, great. Is it an idea you have worked up on and gotten ready but haven't had the chance to use it yet, also great (this is pretty much my scenario). What if it is just a theory that you think would be something different and cool, even better. Anything works, as long as it is "Outside the Box" (i.e. not your typical lecture and textbook approach).
The deadline is Friday, August 21st since this is the last Friday before classes start (for me at least). And this way I can compile responses over the weekend. Early submissions are recommended but not necessary since I probably won't get to combining them until after the deadline. Late submissions will be added as I get time. Leave your link in the comments section below.
I think you mean "Outside the Box," not "Out of the Box," but I think your meaning is clear. I've posted an announcement at the AW homepage.
ReplyDeleteI believe that is a case for semantics.
ReplyDeletehttp://searchcio.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid182_gci213466,00.html#
ReplyDeleteSorry, I meant to type in the ;) emoticon to indicate I wasn't really being too serious. But when I was a grad student in science ed, it became sort of a running joke to distinguish "out of the box" (prepackaged, unmodified- traditional) methods from "outside the box," carefully crafted and considered methods. Hence my reaction.
ReplyDeleteSo, it's probably just me, and like I said, I thought your description was clear and intriguing.
Not a problem, I don't really see a difference but I can understand where one comes from.
ReplyDeleteHere's my contribution: http://christieatthecape.blogspot.com/2009/08/cake-practical.html
ReplyDeleteMy offering, also food related (do I detect a theme developing?), is here. Yes, we have a banana.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to give you an old one: http://scienceblogs.com/stressrelated/2009/06/how_i_learned_to_stop_worrying.php
ReplyDeleteCallan put up a few new geo-nalogies a couple of weeks ago, a follow up to his post on the same topic last year. That was preceded by a call for others' favorites; many other great analogies for teaching geo concepts in the comments at the last one.
ReplyDeleteIf he doesn't send in a submission, you could send him a note or comment and ask if you could use those for the AW.
Sorry for the long delay but the Accretionary Wedge #19 is finally posted: http://jazinator.blogspot.com/2009/08/accretionary-wedge-19-out-of-box.html
ReplyDelete