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What is Field Methods?
What is Field Methods?
The University of Michigan - Dearborn offers a 1-credit field- intensive course (GEOL377 / 577) that immerses students into fascinating, new environments so they can learn how scientists observe and make inferences. These trips are typically 10-14 days and (so far) have visited Iceland, Cyprus, Montserrat, Norway, and Puerto Rico. Enrolled students come mostly from Geologic Sciences and environmental majors (undergraduate and graduate), but have also included biology, archaeology, education, and physics majors (and even alumni). However, any curious, hard working student is always welcome!
Broad Learning Objectives:
Broad Learning Objectives:
To become knowledgeable about the geology and structure of field site
To learn the techniques of making and recording field observations in a geologic notebook
To collaborate in small groups to solve problems in the field and synthesize data
To experience and appreciate local culture and history
How is the Course Structured?
How is the Course Structured?
Each course requires travel between different sites, and as we travel from site to site, there are four questions that structure the learning process:
Where are we: geologic, geographic, and climatic context, as well as geologic and geographic relationship to other sites
What are we looking at: use multiple scales of observation to describe material; sketch and photograph
How did this/these form: describe formative history based ONLY on observations
What process(es) dominate(d) this site: distinguish between exo- and endogenic forces and look for impact of human development; consider time (rates of change)
Students are divided into small teams. At each site, individual observation is key, which leads to collaborating / sharing with team members, before concluding with a class discussion. Students must maintain this process in field notebooks, and are frequently asked to "reflect" on the learning experience at the end of the day. It is not uncommon to have days in the field run 8 - 14 hours!
What Would We do at Each Site?
What Would We do at Each Site?
At most sites (road outcrops, river banks, beaches, etc), there are specific steps that students must follow that provide structure and consistency. These tend to be:
Observation and data collection (where are we and what are we looking at): [Individual]
Share and interpret (how did these form and what processes dominate(d) this site): [Small group]
Discussion (share and discuss individual / group observations and interpretations; misconceptions fixed and context explained in more detail): [Class]
Reflection (write about the process of learning in the field, with particular focus on your growth): [Individual]
Do We Only Learn About Geology?
Do We Only Learn About Geology?
While geologic and environmental concepts are emphasized, a lot of time is spent learning about human-environment interactions (good and bad), history and culture, and (of course) local food. This has included visiting museums and archaeological sites, meeting with authors and U.S. Embassy public affair officials, and attending soccer matches and baseball games. Most students leave the field destination with a long-term interest in the people and sustainability of the location.
The video (right) was pulled together by Dr. Napieralski to show the range of experiences after 11 field methods trips. While a heavy emphasis is on learning and using newly acquired skills, each trip is customized to include a wide range of opportunities to volunteer, connect with locals, learn about history, and engage with a new culture.
GoGlobalNaps.mp4Is this Similar to a Vacation?
Is this Similar to a Vacation?
No. Nope.
Is it a Difficult Experience?
Is it a Difficult Experience?
Yes. Learning in the field is not easy, especially when put into a new (international) environment and asked to think critically about one's observations! The delivery of course content, which focuses more on scientific inquiry and peer learning, is designed so students learn at their own pace. Students are put into small collaborative groups that support each other throughout the course, so there is an additional sense of responsibility to each other in order to maximize the learning experience. Additionally, days can be long and intense, but the reward is great!
Where Do We Go?
Where Do We Go?
Field Methods is usually offered every May and the site / location rotates every year (Iceland is most popular). It is quite common for students to take the course several times, as destinations differ from year to year. Much of the planning process begins 6+ months earlier, though, so any interested student should send an inquiry to Dr. Jacob Napieralski (jnapiera@umich.edu).
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