The Hidden Earth - Visualization of Geologic Features and Their Subsurface Geometry

990773333000本项目将创建一系列基于计算机的地质学模块，将提高地质学入门学生的空间技能和他们的能力，以可视化的地质结构表达在景观或隐藏在地球表面之下。 基于计算机的材料主要将使用Bryce 3D程序构建。 该程序允许创建详细而逼真的二维表示，描绘简单和复杂地质结构和景观的三维透视图。 3D模型可以旋转、剖切、拆卸或连续展开。 一系列图像可以用来描绘连续的地质历史，例如连续层的沉积，然后侵蚀成逼真的景观。 这种方法是在以前的研究中已被证明是有效的空间推理的发展策略的模拟。 该项目将把空间学习嵌入真实的复杂问题的背景下。 它们将取自地质学家在日常生活中处理的实际问题。 假设是，这将增加空间能力的发展，并提高转移到相关的问题解决。 材料的设计将鼓励批判性思维的各个方面，如假设的发展和测试。 用于治疗的模型将是一个学生进行预先测试，训练到成功的标准水平，并进行事后测试。 实验方法将是实验和准实验，数据将是定性和定量的。 地球科学局和本科教育处/教育和人力资源局联合提供支助。

9907733ReynoldsThis project will create a series of computer-based modules in geology that will improve introductory geology student's spatial skills and their ability to visualize geologic structures expressed in landscapes or hidden beneath the earth's surface. Computer-based materials largely will be built with the program Bryce3D. This program allows the creation of detailed and realistic, two-dimensional representations depicting three-dimensional perspectives of simple and complex geologic structures and landscapes. The 3D models can be rotated, sectioned, disassembled, or successively unburied. A series of images can be used to depict sequential geologic histories, such as deposition of successive layers, followed by erosion into realistic-looking landscapes. This approach is an analog of strategies that have been shown in previous research to be effective in the development of spatial reasoning. This project will embed spatial learning in the context of real-life, complex problems that are authentic. They will be taken from among actual problems that geologists deal with in everyday life. The hypothesis is that this will increase the development of spatial ability and improve the transfer to relevant problem solving. Materials will be designed to encourage various aspects of critical thinking, such as development and testing of hypotheses. The model used for the treatment will be one in which students are pre-tested, trained to a criterion level of success, and post-tested. Experimental methods will be both experimental and quasi-experimental, and data will be both qualitative and quantitative. Support in being provided jointly by the Directorate for Geosciences and the Division of Undergraduate Education/Directorate for Education and Human Resources.