Integrating the Petrographic Microscope, Cathodoluminescence, and Digital Image Analysis into the Undergraduate Geology Curriculum: Experiential Learning and Problem Solving

地质学（42）地质学中的传统显微镜练习通常迫使学生在使用单独的显微镜研究矿物，岩石和纹理时与世隔绝。小组互动是可能的，但不容易，因为学生必须轮流看同学的显微镜。互动和参与的课堂环境更有利于学生的学习和分析思维能力的发展。这一建议的智力价值是重新设计的本科课程在伊利诺伊州州立大学toincorporate创新，探究为基础的学习技术，利用偏光显微镜工作站和数字图像。这个项目是适应互动矿物学和岩石学程序开发的汉密尔顿学院。 该项目的目标和更广泛的影响是：1）让学生接触现代研究和教学设备，2）提高学生分析推理和解决问题的能力，3）鼓励更多的学生利用岩相学方法从事研究，4）鼓励更高比例的学生继续在研究生院接受教育，为了实现这些目标，我们正在建立偏振光显微镜和图像分析的数字工作站。使用新的显微镜数字工作站的每门课程都在开发基于探究并强调批判性思维的合作学习练习。一群学生正在使用显微镜和视频监视器来提供实时图像。这些工作站还配备了数码相机，以捕捉静态图像，供随后的分析，并被用于课堂演示。阴极射线发光工作的荧光镜也被列入课堂活动，使学生了解检查岩石和矿物结构的另一种技术。该项目的这一方面是调整由大峡谷州立大学的Patricia Videtich（NSF-9650073）制定的战略。

Geology (42) Traditional microscopy exercises in Geology often force students into isolation as theystudy minerals, rocks, and textures using individual microscopes. Group interaction is possible, but not easy, as students must take turns looking into classmates' microscopes. An interactive and engaging classroom environment is more conducive to student learning and the development of analytical thinking skills. The intellectual merit of this proposal is to redesign the undergraduate curriculum at Illinois State University toincorporate innovative, inquiry-based learning techniques utilizing polarizing microscope workstations and digital imagery. This project is adapting the interactive mineralogy and petrology program developed at Hamilton College. The goals and broader impacts of the project are: 1) to expose students to modern research and instructional equipment, 2) to enhance student analytical reasoning and problem solving skills, 3) to encourage more students to engage in research utilizing petrographic methods, and 4) to encourage a higher percentage of our students to continue their educations at graduate school, particularly in petrology.In order to achieve these goals, we are establishing digital workstations for polarized light microscopy and image analysis. Each course using the new microscopy digital workstations is developing cooperative learning exercises that are inquiry-based and emphasize critical thinking. Groups of students are working with a microscope and video monitor to deliver a live image. These workstations also are equipped with a digital camera to capture still images for subsequent analysis and are being used for in-class presentations. A Luminoscope for cathodoluminescence work is also being included in classroom activities to expose students to an additional technique for examining rocks and mineral textures. This aspect of the project is adapting strategies developed by Patricia Videtich at Grand Valley State University (NSF-9650073).