Arizona Geology Blog: Bringing Real-World Geologic Data to the College Classroom

J.M. Simpson at ExxonMobil Bighorn Basin Field Camp – Mowry Shale flatirons, Sheep Mountain anticline, Bighorn Basin.

AZGS shares an interview in a recent AZGS blog post with Professor Jeffrey M. Simpson, who utilizes the AZGS geologic materials to instruct his students.

Geologist/teacher Jeff Simpson describes the challenges and successes of bringing real-world geologic data into his classroom at Chandler-Gilbert Community College . Jeff shares his virtual geology labs for students with those in the geosciences education community. If you do use a lab or have suggestions, please contact Jeff at [email protected].

These labs are available to use:

  • Economic Minerals Lab, Part 2 – Copper Mining in Arizona – This lab looks at the percentage of copper in various minerals, how much ore must be extracted to produce the copper required for a car and a house, the area of the mines and the tailings, and the surface water resources that can be impacted by mining.  This lab started with a seed planted by Dr. Roy Schiesser and with some ideas from Dr. Mike Santoro, both of CGCC.
  • Water Footprint Lab
  • Mass Wasting Lab