Geology 111 Fall Semester 2001
GEOLOGY 111L
GUIDELINES FOR LAB PROJECT
Fifteen percent of your lab grade will be determined from a project, which you will prepare outside of the classroom, and for which you will choose your own topic and method. Whichever topic you choose from the following list, you are to prepare a 1 - 2 page typewritten report.
1.		If you have access to rocks and/or minerals, if you want to keep the specimen, you can photograph it then bring both the photograph and specimen for your instructor's approval. Your instructor will return your specimen but will retain your photograph. If you choose this option, then your report must include:
		(i)	a full description of the specimen (along the lines learned in lab),
		(ii)	a brief discussion of its present – day location, and how you think it got there;
		(iii)	how this rock formed, and
		(iv)	its significance in understanding the geology of the area it came from.
2.		The second option is just as valuable as the first. If you see an area that has interesting features in road cuts, along sandy beaches, riverbanks, etc. Photograph the location, include a description of the feature, and explain how you think it formed, how it is significant to what you are/will be studying. Also tell me where and when the picture was taken. If you want to retain copies of these photographs, please make duplicates, as the photographs will remain in the department for future use in displays, on web pages, etc. In each case you will be credited with the work you have done.
3.		If you find a newspaper article about some dynamic find or unusual geologic event. Photocopy the article and then write a 1 - 2 page report/ summary explaining how this has made you think about geology. You will not receive full credit for this option unless your instructor approves the topic before you turn it in, and you adhere to the criteria about how to handle your project.
4.		A journal article about some dynamic find or unusual event. Include a fully documented photocopy of the article, then prepare a 1- 2 page typewritten abstract, and an explanation of how this made you think about geology. You will not receive full credit for this option unless it is approved before you turn it in, and you adhere to the criteria about how to handle your project. See your instructor for a list of journals in the library that you may consult.
5.		A scientific article on the internet about some dynamic find or unusual event will be accepted as a last resort. Include a printed copy of the article with the exact location where it was found. Prepare a 1 – 2 page typewritten abstract of the article explaining its geological significance. You will not receive full credit for this option unless your instructor approves it before you turn it in, and you adhere to the criteria of how to handle this project.
For more information, email: glomans@utm.edu..