9451070 Prothero A new Macintosh computer laboratory is being set up specifically for our lower division introductory geological science courses. The two courses this laboratory is serving are Introduction to oceanography (GS-4), serving 3OO/qtr, and General Geology (GS-2), also serving 3OO/qtr. They satisfy a "quantitative science" requirement for the degree. Either of these may be the only science course many students are exposed to in their college career. They are also where many of our majors are inspired to begin the study of the earth sciences, which means they are of vital importance both in creating an informed electorate and in maintaining a steady stream of future scientists. The development of computer assisted material for both GS-4 and GS-2 is being actively pursued by W. Prothero (and other Geology faculty) with both NSF and internal UCSB funding. Our goal is to provide each student with an exciting and dynamic learning experience through the use of "hands-on" learning tools. We are creating data rich learning modules that encourage the student to explore and learn or re-discover fundamental principles or ideas. In these courses, lower division non-majors have access to analysis tools and data that have previously been available only to graduate students. We expect these courses to become models of effective teaching in large class settings.
