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Geosciences Teaching at an Urban University

Geosciences Teaching at an Urban University. Syed E. Hasan Professor of Geology & Chair Dept. of Geosciences University of Missouri-Kansas City hasans@umkc.edu. Kansas City Metro Area. 28 th among top 50 metropolitan areas 1.8 million (2000) 2 states and 10 counties

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Geosciences Teaching at an Urban University

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  1. Geosciences Teaching at an Urban University Syed E. Hasan Professor of Geology & Chair Dept. of Geosciences University of Missouri-Kansas City hasans@umkc.edu

  2. Kansas City Metro Area • 28th among top 50 metropolitan areas • 1.8 million (2000) • 2 states and 10 counties • Highest freeway lane-mile/capita • 78% White; 13% Black; 5% Hispanics; 2% Asian

  3. University of Missouri-Kansas City • An urban university • Private university (1929); became part of the state-supported University of Missouri system (1963) • 13 schools/colleges; several professional (One of 26 in the nation in the range of degree programs)

  4. Geoscience Teaching Course: Intro. to Environmental Science 200 level course; reqd. of Environmental Science/Environmental Studies majors Offered each spring Enrollment: 40 Pre-requisite: EnvSc 110, Understanding the Earth (five spheres; hazardous processes; resource, energy, waste, environmental health…)

  5. Issues in Environmental Science Relatively new course (5 yrs) Course Description: Explores important environmental issues such as air and water pollution, water supply, climate change, agriculture and food supply, environmental health, ecosystem disruption, environmental management, environmental ethics, and energy resources. Topics may vary depending on current event. Challenge: What topics to include in the syllabus?

  6. Issues in Environmental Science (2) • No syllabus given on the 1st day of class • Students asked to suggest topics • All topics listed on the white board • Duplications eliminated • Discussions on relative importance of various topics • Select 8 out of ~16 topics based on students’ consensus • Includes a class project

  7. Issues in Environmental Science (3) Advantages • Better engaged • Feel important • Sense of ownership • Raised level of interest in the course • Results in regular attendance and participation in discussions • Learn to work in groups

  8. Issues in Environmental Science (4) • Waste issues common theme; expertise area • Always include environmental justice • Global climate change • Geology and health

  9. Students’ Profile Majors (n=152) Academic Standing Envt’l Sc/Studies 66 Humanities/SS 37 Business 26 Sciences 10 Professional 6 Undecided 7 Freshmen 11% Sophomore 26 Junior 51 Senior 30 GENDER Male 48% Female 52% Average Age 25.5 years

  10. Course Requirements Search library and internet resources Write - Project report - Persuasive letter to law makers Prepare PowerPoint presentation Make presentation to the class

  11. Course Expectations • Develop critical thinking and analysis skills • Ability to synthesize information gleaned from various sources • Sharpen writing skills • Learn to work in groups • Develop oral communication skills

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