Martin F. Schmidt Jr.

 As an ongoing exercise throughout an introductory geology class, students will use geospatial technology to develop a geospatial database/catalog/map of places of geologic interest, for which they can explain the geologic processes occurring at these places.  They will make Google Earth placemarks and point shapefiles in ArcMap for these places. As the tools develop, we might use an online tool such as ArcGIS Explorer online.  Evaluation: Mainly “Did they do it?” To answer that, students will share their databases with the class.

 Recognize that the best source of information for a geology course is the Earth itself, and use virtual ways of looking at the Earth in order to learn geologic subjects.  Be able to connect real places and geologic processes in both directions: Given a place, describe geologic processes there, or given a process, be able to describe place examples.  Demonstrate a good geographical knowledge - they have the Earth "in their head".

 Develop proficient use of Google Earth and ArcMap through frequent use, so this becomes their "go to" method for geospatial work, as easy and normal as using a word processor is for their writing, or “Google it” for needing information.  Includes competence in (a) using and organizing placemarks in Google Earth; and (b) map navigation, use of coordinates, & editing (mainly point shapefiles) in ArcMap.  Recognize a GIS is a database/catalog connected to a map as they build their own database, so they understand this technology can be used to make a GIS as a connected database-map for any geospatially connected data.  Be able to use geospatial technology to produce maps for reports/projects/posters.