Project Each student is to prepare
an individual project on the geology of a single unit of the national
park system (park, monument, seashore, etc) as listed on the chart
in the lab. Note that only two people will be permitted to do
their projects on any one park, so sign up early for the greatest
choice.
This project is modeled after scientific meetings, where scientists
exchange information via both oral and poster presentations. The
challenge is to present varied and interesting data accurately,
concisely, and attractively in a limited format.
This project replaces the final exam. You are expected to put
as much effort into it as you would into studying for and taking
an exam. The graders and your classmates will be able to tell
how seriously you approached the project by the quality of your
finished product.
Content Your project should address the geology and geography of the park - be as specific and detailed as possible . In addtion, you may include various other types of information.
Geology:
- Rocks - what kind, how old, how are they distributed. This might take the form of a stratigraphic column or a geologic map.
- Geologic structures - when and how did folds, joints, faults, etc, in the park develop?
- Geologic processes - what processes formed the rocks? What processes shaped the landscape?
Geography:
- Where is the park? In which physiographic province? How large is it?
- A US map would be extremely useful here.
Other:
- History - when did this become a park? Why was it chosen for inclusion in the national park system? Are there any archeological sites here? Is there any reason to be concerned about the future of this park?
- Ecosystems - What is the climate? What kinds of plants and animals live here?
- Visiting - How do you get here? What can you do here?
References You should have at
least 4 references. Your text, or physical or historical geology
textbooks on reserve in the Geology Library may be used, along
with articles from magazines such as Scientific American
or National Geographic. Web sites may be acceptable, especially
as sources for maps or pictures - NPS pages generally are good,
but choose sites carefully. No more than two web sites may count
toward your 4 required references. You may not use encyclopedias.
This project replaces the final exam. You are expected to follow
all university guidelines regarding
academic integrity as stated in the Code of Policies and Regulations
Applying to All Students. Note particularly the rules on direct
quotes and paraphrases in the section on plagarism. Do not include
material on your poster that is simply photocopied from a text
or printed from the Web. Do not rely on park brochures or copies
thereof on your poster. Include a reference list in the lower
right corner of your poster, using the format below.
Journal or magazine: Last name of first author, initials, last name of second author, initials, etc, Year, Title of article: Journal name, Vol, Number (if numbered), Pages.
Book: Last name of first author, initials, last name of second author, initials, etc, Year, Title of book, Publisher, City, Pages.
Web site: Name of author (if given), Date (if given), Title of page, URL (http://, etc).
Format Information will be presented
in the form of a poster, using two standard sheets of posterboard
(22" x 28") or other presentation board of comparable
size. Tape together the long sides of the posterboard,
so that it will stand independently. Write your name on the back
of your poster.
Choose the information you present carefully, in order to avoid
crowding your poster. Include a mixture of illustrations and text.
All illustrations (pictures, sketches, maps, tables, graphs, etc)
should have captions or titles in your own words and references
cited, if appropriate. Citations should generally be in the form
(Last name of first author, Year). Text should be large enough
to read from a distance of several feet. Numerous obvious errors
in spelling and/or grammar will lower your grade.
Presentation Projects will be
presented during the final exam time - Tuesday, May 8, 8-11 AM.
You will be assigned table or wall space, and your poster must
be in place by 8:30 AM. From 8:30 - 10:30, posters will be on
display for fellow students, TAs, and other interested people.
Geology 104 students will be required to review other posters.
You may pick up your poster between 10:30 and 11 AM.
Review Observation of other posters
is an important part of the presentation. There will be a review
sheet to guide your examinations, which will be turned in at the
end and graded along with your poster. Your review affects only
your own grade, not the grade another student receives for a poster.
Grading During the observation time, Geology 104 instructors will rate the projects as excellent, good, fair, or poor in the following categories.
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Please report any problems to herrstro@uiuc.edu.