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，用于在石油储集层描述的地质方面进行互动指导，该环境使用了一个虚拟的地下空间，紧密地反映了美国中部大陆的地质特征，以堪萨斯州的小县为虚构的背景。虚拟地下是完全三维的，允许交互式勘探石油和天然气模型。这个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。学生的学习收获正在通过前后测试以及与开发该模型之前的学生学习的比较来评估。使用的Web界面记录学生对查询的响应，从而提供有关学生对正在探索的概念的理解的信息。这些学习材料正在堪萨斯地质调查局的网站、“教导地球”网站上传播，并通过DLESE传播。通过在适当的教育文献中发表会议报告和论文，正在产生更广泛的影响，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.