Dream courses that should be offered in "Geology in Education"

[reynardo]

(I need a "rocks" icon, or something suitable to my geological love. Anyone?)

Ahem.

The latest Accretionary Wedge, being co-ordinated by Shawn in Texas, wonders what geological courses one would like to see, especially at one's educational institute. While I love being at Victoria Uni, its only Geological courses are how to recognise dangerous areas while excavating, and how important Geology is to Engineers.

So...

I'm going to consider the need to interest more of my Teacher Trainee cohorts in the glorious science that is ROCKS. I need to remember the general level of knowledge they are likely to possess. And I need to sneak some knowledge in while they enjoy the course. There will be just a little sadness that I never managed to take the "Science in Science Fiction" course back at Western Sydney uni all those years ago.

So to give you an idea of what I'd like to see in Geology at my Uni:

Geology On Screen
Ever wondered why real geologists hide their eyes during Volcano? Why Krakatoa, East of Java has more wrong bits than just being in the wrong place? And why quicksand never sucks you down? Learn here what the true scientific background of these movie classics is, and what it should have been. Discuss the portrayal of earthquakes on TV, and get the chance to watch some of the worst portrayals of geological phenomena since Koko's Earth Control. Suitable for those with little scientific background, although geologists may enjoy it for the comedy value.

The Evolution of Melbourne
To the east - a sea bed. To the north and west - volcanoes. Dotted all over with alluvian deposits and gold veins, Melbourne is a geologically-diverse location. This course will teach you why the cuttings on the Eastern Distributer change their look so abruptly, why one side of the Merri Creek looks different to the other, and whether it's worth panning for gold still in Warrandyte. You will be going on several hands-on excursions, so be prepared for some walking along Melbourne's beautiful geological areas. Warning - doing this course will make driving your car slightly more difficult, as you try to look at the sides of the highway cuttings instead of in front of you! Recommended for those wanting to teach their students to "look around you".

Oh Goodie! Rocks!
Doing an Education degree, aiming for Primary schools, and not sure what to do about Science? This course will teach you activities and information enough about geology to keep you and your students excited about rocks all the way from Prep (Kindergarten) to Year 6. Classes include how to make and teach volcanoes, fossils, evolution and environmental awareness in a way that suits the various age groups, as well as meeting the requirements of both VELS and AUSVELS, (the Victorian Education curriculum). This half-credit course is best combined with "You Beauty! Chemistry!", "Awesome! Maths!" and "Yes! Physics!" to make a full elective quotient aimed at bringing the bang back to science and maths at Primary levels. May also be done as a stand-alone subject for those wishing to provide educational workshops for schools.

Show, Don't Tell - Modelling Geological stuff
Ever wanted to demonstrate how a fossil forms, rather than just opening a book and holding up pictures? Want your model volcanoes to go off with more of a "Bang"? And just how bad was the meteor that killed the dinosaurs? This hands-on course over the summer holidays encompasses many different geological models and how you can make them for your own classroom, as well as helping you to evaluate the many expensive models for sale and whether they are at all cost effective. There will be water, sand, flour, paint, plaster and fire! Safety procedures and basic first aid are fully covered. In addition, two field trips to local hardware and craft stores will give you a better idea of the resources that can be obtained at very cheap rates.

And now, back to the last polishing up of a certain sshg_exchange piece before the EYE gets me.

Comments

[delphipsmith]

Here, I have made you an EDUCATIONAL icon, showing the three types of rock:

Edit: Hm, I cannot make images show up in the comment. Boo. Well, go here and see what you think :)

Edit 2: Grrrr. OK, try here?

Edit 3: Damn you, interwebz!!!!!!! Apparently my server does not like click-throughs from third-party sites so I've put it on Google Docs. Go here.

[reynardo.livejournal.com]

Oh. My God. They're AWESOME! Thank you!

[delphipsmith]

Yay :) I'm just glad you could get to it -- egad, what an ordeal. Technology: making our lives more complicated at every turn!

[kerravonsen]

Oh that is so much fun. (snigger)