Integrating Stable Isotope Geochemistry into the Geoscience Curriculum

地质学（42）霍利奥克山学院正在建立一个稳定同位素实验室，该实验室是根据科尔盖特大学和科罗拉多学院正在进行的类似努力改编的。该设施是为本科生在地球科学课程中使用而设计的，稳定同位素地球化学正在纳入课程。该设施包括一条真空管线，用于从碳酸盐和燃烧的石墨/有机物中提取二氧化碳，以便在附近的马萨诸塞州大学进行质谱分析。马萨诸塞州大学的一个新的稳定同位素设施也被用来分析水。目前正在将两至四周的调查单元纳入若干现有课程，并在系内课程中增加一门新的稳定同位素课程。受影响的课程包括环境科学、地球史、岩石学、地下水和生物圈。我们的目标是通过积极参与真实的调查，提高学生对地球化学过程的理解和批判性思维能力。作为一所面向女性的高等教育机构，我们希望提高那些选择非科学职业道路的人的科学素养，并改善那些留在科学领域的人的实验室体验。以探究为基础的小组项目被用来促进团队合作、沟通、发现的兴奋和终身学习技能。目前正在使用各种评估工具，并通过在期刊上发表文章和在专业会议上介绍情况来传播重要成果。

Geology (42)A stable isotope laboratory is being developed at Mount Holyoke College, adapted from similar efforts underway at Colgate University and Colorado College. The facility is designed for undergraduate student use in geoscience courses and stable isotope geochemistry is being integrated into the curriculum. The facility includes a vacuum line for the extraction of CO2 from carbonates and from combusted graphite/organic matter for analysis by mass spectrometry at nearby University of Massachusetts. A new stable isotope facility at the University of Massachusetts is also being used for analysis of water. Two- to four-week inquiry-based modules are being incorporated into several existing courses, and a new stable isotope course is being added to the departmental offerings. Impacted courses include environmental science, history of earth, petrology, groundwater, and the biosphere. Our goals are to enhance student comprehension of geochemical processes and critical thinking skills through active participation in real investigations. As an institution of higher learning for women, we hope to increase science literacy among those choosing non-science career paths, as well as improve the laboratory experiences for those who remain in science. Inquiry-based group projects are being used to promote teamwork, communication, excitement of discovery, and life-long learning skills. A variety of assessment tools are being used and significant results disseminated through publications in journals and presentations at professional meetings.