Small County: Web-based Instruction in the Geological Characterization of Petroleum Reservoirs

地球科学（42）该项目正在开发一个基于网络的环境，用于石油储层表征地质方面的交互式教学，该环境采用虚拟地下，在虚构的堪萨斯州斯莫尔县的背景下，密切反映美国中部大陆的地质特征。 虚拟地下是完全三维的，允许石油和天然气模型的交互式勘探。 该项目的智力价值在于它创新地应用了石油工业用于教育目的的技术。 在开发模型之前，通过预测试和后测试以及与之前学生学习的比较来评估学生的学习成果。 所使用的网络界面记录学生对查询的答复，从而提供学生对所探索概念的理解信息。 这些学习材料正在堪萨斯地质调查局网站、“教导地球”网站和通过教育、环境和教育部分发。 通过适当的教育文献中的会议演讲和论文，正在实现更广泛的影响，促进在STEM教育中使用虚拟环境的进一步发展。

Geosciences (42)This project is developing a web-based environment for interactive instruction in the geological aspects of petroleum reservoir characterization employing a virtual subsurface closely reflecting the geological characteristics of the US mid-continent, in the fictional setting of Small County, Kansas. The virtual subsurface is fully three-dimensional, allowing interactive exploration of the model for oil and gas. The intellectual merit of this project lies in its innovative application of techniques used by the petroleum industry for educational purposes. Student learning gains are being assessed by pre- and post-tests and comparisons with previous student learning prior to the development of the model. The web interface used is logging student responses to queries, thus providing information on student understanding of the concepts being explored. These learning materials are being disseminated on the Kansas Geological Survey web site, on the 'Teach the Earth' web site, and through DLESE. Additional broader impact is being achieved through conference presentations and papers in appropriate education literature, contributing to further developments in the use of virtual environments in STEM education.