9455665 Lawrence This two component proposal will improve geoscience teaching at the freshman and sophomore levels, particularly for non-science oriented students. We propose to complete a study of concepts and misconceptions brought to our course by entering students using surveys and interviews. Our investigations have discovered some unexpected, "pre-science" misconceptions. Students with the least prior contact with science are likely not to accept or effectively use fundamental assumptions held throughout science like the universality of the most basic laws in time and space. The second component will use the results of this study to guide the creation of computer-assisted teaching modules, initially one on coastal processes and one on mountain building. These modules will be interactive multimedia programs which promote participant learning. We plan to construct "virtual" field trips, animated simulations of processes, and interactive mathematical effects. We will address recognized conceptual problems directly, particularly through repetitive interactivity. Branching lines of study will be triggered to fill in remedial background for those who need it. Authorware Professional is the intended programming tool for the highest level multimedia interactions. Our efforts will be evaluated by repeating the survey approach. If possible, we will include this in the modules. The teaching modules will form the basis for publishable CD multimedia programs.
