Establishing a Geophysical Test Site

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Geology (42) A geophysical test site (GTS), basically a controlled experiment with precisely known parameters for the objects being "found", is a potentially effective way in improving practical and conceptual student learning in geophysics through hands-on experiences. A GTS is being established for use in undergraduate teaching on the campus of Kansas State University (KSU). A variety of objects are buried at varying depths within the GTS, and the students use an array of geophysical surveying instruments (magnetometer, ground penetrating radar, broadband electromagnetic metal detector, gravimeter, a laser total station, and seismic reflection/refraction) to measure the geophysical anomalies generated by the objects. Students then process and interpret this data, and their results regarding size, shape, depth, and physical properties of the objects can then be compared with results from our comprehensive surveys of the site. The GTS is being integrated into several undergraduate courses offered at KSU, including Field Geophysics, Introduction to Geophysics, Exploration Geophysics, Computational Geophysics, and Hydrogeology. The KSU Office of Education Innovation and Evaluation (OEIE) is assessing the effectiveness of the GTS at improving student learning in these courses. The GTS will last for decades, and will enable faculty to make effective use of an array of geophysical instruments in providing active, hands-on learning experiences for hundreds of undergraduate students at KSU and neighboring institutions. Outreach to and involvement of K-12 teachers and students in GTS activities is providing educational benefits beyond the college audience.