Proposal

Narrative

Geoscience is often referred to as a “discovery” major, attributed in part to the lack of student exposure in secondary education. As reported by the National Science Foundation, the American Geosciences Institute found that geosciences differs from other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines in that less than 1/3 of high school students take a geoscience course. Geosciences encompasses the study and science of the earth (i.e., geology) including physical and human geography, and addresses a number of societally relevant issues such as natural hazards and (particularly relevant for south Florida) climate change. Therefore, it is critical that students enrolling in an introductory geoscience course (e.g., in fulfillment of the undergraduate science requirement) are exposed to innovative and interactive materials showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of geosciences, potentially improving recruitment and retention in this underrepresented science. At FAU, the Dept. of Geosciences has a strong commitment to providing its students with hands on practical experience to prepare them for the workforce. However, the introductory instructional technology has aged beyond innovative and interactive materials. In order to sustain student-centered instruction and higher-order thinking, updated laboratory technology is needed. I propose to upgrade the geosciences introductory teaching lab space with a suite of instrumentation for inquiry-based learning, interactive instruction, and geoscience major recruitment and retention. An interactive augmented reality (AR) sandbox (https://arsandbox.ucdavis.edu/) will greatly enhance three-dimensional spatial thinking, a commonly difficult skill to grasp. A binocular stereomicrocope and polarizing petrographic microscope equipped with cameras will assist with instruction, exploration, and analyses (where students will be able to electronically document and revisit their laboratory investigations). Two interactive touch-screen computers (a 70” screen for effective instructional display and a 55” adjustable vertical and horizontal display for student/group activities), will facilitate group collaboration and internet-based activities for exploration and discovery. All of the equipment proposed can be scaffolded throughout the curriculum to achieve the highest level of Bloom’s taxonomy on educational learning objectives. The integration of cutting-edge technology will open a new frontier for student exploration and learning, while boosting the quality of education in our geoscience labs. The requested equipment supports the University’s Strategic Plan by enriching the educational experience and inspiring research, scholarship and creative activity. Potential benefits to FAU students include 1) enhanced learning and comprehension of geoscience concepts and skills; 2) inquiry-based, hands-on laboratory experience(s) analyzing and interpreting scientific data; and 3) a comprehensive understanding of geoscience concepts and issues, as they relate to a number of real-world issues. In addition, the portability of the AR sandbox can be used for university-led outreach activities (potentially garnering media coverage) for quality student recruitment and showcase FAU’s cutting-edge teaching and research activities. The project will directly impact over 600 students per year through implementation in the following courses: GLY 2010 Introduction to Physical Geology/Evolution of the Earth, 400 students. All proposed equipment will be used to upgrade laboratory activities beyond static workbook activities. This course will benefit the most, serving as a pipeline for capturing majors. GLY 3606 Paleontology, 20 students. Students will use the camera-equipped microscopes for detailed analyses of fossils hidden in rocks. GLY 3730 Coastal & Marine Science, 80 students. Students will use the AR sandbox for 3D visualization of coastal environments. GLY 4200 Mineralogy, 30 students. Students will use the camera-equipped microscopes for optical and petrographic analyses of rocks and minerals. GLY 4310 Petrology, 30 students. Students will use the camera-equipped microscopes for optical and petrographic analyses of rocks and minerals. GLY 4400 Structural Geology, 30 students. Students will benefit from 3D visualization of complex spatial concepts using the interactive computers and AR sandbox. GLY 4500 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, 30 students. Students will use the camera-equipped microscopes for detailed analyses of sediment and sedimentary rocks, and the AR sandbox for 3D illustration of stratigraphic principles. GIS 4138 Geovisualization and GIS, 20 students. Students will benefit from demonstrations using the AR sandbox. GIS 3015 Introduction to Maps and GIS, 200 students. This course is taught entirely online, however students willing and able to attend the in-person lab hours would benefit from the interactive experience with the computers and AR sandbox.

Facilities

The Dept. of Geosciences has the necessary classroom facilities to house all proposed equipment in building SE 43, room 421 (a Dept. of Geosciences instructional lab space).

Hardware Requirements

New computer hardware are requested for this project: 55” Dell monitor $3,617.26 70” Dell monitor $4,143.00 Dell CTO 3050 I5-7500T (computer) $1,124.00 x 2 = $2,248.00 Height adjustable mobile cart $681.12 iBoard (table top stand) $2,133.75 The following additional hardware are also requested: Fisher Scientific augmented reality sandbox $7,850.49 Leica binocular stereomicroscope with camera $9,166.00 Leica polarizing petrographic microscope with camera $18,010.00 Dell Inspiron 24 5000 (all in one) $685.99 x 2 = $1,371.98 Shipping (estimate) $500 Total $49,722

Software Requirements

Standard operating software will be required.

Personnel Costs

NONE

Other Costs

NONE

Timeline

Instantaneous and continuing.

Sustainability

The anticipated life expectancy of the equipment is five years or more.

Resource Matching

The Dept. of Geosciences maintains teaching and research computer labs with approximately 100 computers that support various software programs for educational and research activities.

Implementing Organization

Dept. of Geosciences, College of Science. Faculty: Tiffany Roberts Briggs