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A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480 [email protected]
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A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Jan 03, 2016

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Page 1: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and

Assessment

Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman

Montana 59717-3480 [email protected]

Page 2: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Why Snow?Allows Field Work in Winter

Page 3: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Snow is Analogous to Rock

Igneous Sedimentary

Metamorphic

Cooperstein, 2008

Page 4: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Avalanche Knowledge Can Save Lives

Source: Perla and Martinelli,1976, Avalanche Handbook: U.S. Department of Agriculture Agriculture Handbook 489, 254 p. see p. 64

Page 5: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Training Ground for Thinking Skills

Page 6: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

The Course in Earth Sciences At Montana State University

• ERTH 450R Snow Dynamics and Accumulation (Capstone)

• Three Credits (1 Lecture 1h; 2 Lab (field) 5 h)

• Prerequisites: – Junior Standing– Physical Geography– Newtonian Physics– Statistics; – Ability to Ski from Top of Bridger Lift

Page 7: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Student Goals

• Safe Winter Recreation

• Become a Snow Avalanche Scientist

• As much skiing/boarding as possible

Page 8: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Instructor Learning Goals• Curiosity• Observation Skills

– Descriptive (Not Genetic) Classification

• (Data vs. Interpretation)

• Measurement Skills• Calculation Skills• Scientific Method

– Question Asking– Hypothesis Testing

• Critical Thinking– Uncertainty– Spatial Variability– Decision Making

• Communication Skills– Written– Oral – Group Interaction

• Snow-Science Methods– Avalanche/SWE

Page 9: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Field Geology Instructional Experience Has Influenced

This Course

Page 10: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Acknowledgements• Don Smith

– Stratigrapher – Field Geologist

• John Montagne – Field Geologist– Avalanche Scientist

• Bill Locke and Kathy Hansen

• Jeff Deems

• Karl Birkeland

Page 11: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Example:Snow Stratigraphy Exercise

• Shell out to exercise used last year

http://www.homepage.montana.edu/~uessc/esci450/SnowStrat.html

Eric Lutz

Page 12: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Assessment

• Exercise Grading Rubric– Data– Written Product

• Introduction• Methods• Results• Discussion• Conclusion• Writing Quality

• Written Exams

• Final Project – Apply Skills– Library Research– Two communication

forms• Written• Oral

http://www.homepage.montana.edu/~uessc/esci450/450Syllabus01.html

Page 13: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Assessment – Grading Rubric

• Published on the web in advance– (I get the sense that the students fail to look at

the rubric. Even after pointing it out and returning grades with the rubric filled out, they have trouble addressing what has been asked for)

• Two parts– Data Sheet (results)– Writing

Page 14: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Snow Stratigraphy Data Rubric

Profile   100 0       Top material

HS HSW rho slope Aspect Air Loc Obs 10Temperature profile 10Hardness profile 10Moisture content 10Crystal form/Symbology 10Crystal size 10Densities 10SWE for each layer 10

  Comments 10Existence 10

Page 15: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Snow Stratigraphy Writing RubricWrite-up   100 0       Intro Purpose 10

Location map Bridger 10Location map site 10

Methods 10Results Temp Gradient Graph 10

Snow Cover Sheet (see top)

DiscussionSpatial correlation between pits 20Temp Gradients > that for facets 10

Writing Format (GSA) 10Writing style 10

       http://www.homepage.montana.edu/~uessc/esci450/Writing_Expectations.html

Page 16: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Snow Stratigraphy Total Score

• 100 for Data

• 100 for Writing

• Sum and divide by two to get total

Page 17: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

The Exercise Purpose

1. Observe, describe and record snow stratigraphy, density, hardness, temperatures, temperature gradients and crystals within a snow pit, and study the effects of snow metamorphism.

2. Calibrate your finger hardness force.

3. Determine how consistent the stratigraphy is from location to location.  Are there trends from pit to pit at the site?

http://www.homepage.montana.edu/~uessc/esci450/SnowStrat.html

Page 18: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

General LocationOften location of site in error

Or

map missing all together .

Page 19: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Site Location

N

Often missing North Arrow or Scale

Page 20: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Pit 1

Page 21: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Pit 2

Page 22: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Pit 3

Page 23: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Pit 4

Page 24: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Pit 1 Temperature Gradient

Pit 1 Temperature Gradient

01020304050607080

-10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10

Temperature gradient (Degrees Celcius per meter)

Hei

gh

t ab

ove

gro

un

d

surf

ace

(cm

)

Page 25: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Pit 3 Temperature Gradient

Page 26: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Student Conclusions

• In Pit 1, temperature gradients were insufficient throughout the profile for facet formation (Fig. 7).

• Notably, HS increased along the transect, with Pit 1’s HS doubled by Pit 4’s. {No table or graph}

• The more open pits (Pits 3 and 4) had significantly denser snow in the upper layers of the profile when compared to the profiles in the more treed locations (Pits 1 and 2).

Page 27: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

No one made a plot of distance vs. density, snow height, or

snow water equivalent• The pits increase in depth moving into the

meadow and the temperature gradients get steeper.

• The trees are a shelter from the sun

keeping temperature gradients lower because the snow never heats up as much as it does in the meadow.

Page 28: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Instructor Logistics (Preparation)

• Contact Gallatin Forest for Outfitter Permission through the University

• Arrange for pass to ski area (if no season pass)• Obtain Student Emergency Contact and Medical

Information• Check Weather and Post Travel Plan on web• Check in at Bridger for special notices• Check Avalanche Forecast GNFAC

Page 29: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Instructor Equipment for Course• Snow Kit

– snow shovel– folding Ruler– thermometer– cylinder density kit– small triangular

density kit– spring scale– Ziploc bags– snow brush– Compass– inclinometer– altimeter

• 100 m tape• field microscope• beacon• 200 N Force Gage• GPS• first aid kit

Page 30: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Student Logistics

• Report emergency information to instructor– Contacts– Insurance– Special medical issues– CPR/EMT Training– Beacon Status

• Inform instructor of season pass situation

• Arrange for a ride (car pool)

Page 31: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Student Equipment

• map of Bridger Bowl from web

• copy of Exercise (read before you come)

• beacon• skis/board• warm clothes

(you will be standing in a

snow pit, not skiing)• shovel (right shape)

• 10x hand lens• plastic ruler divided

10mm/cm• field notebook• pen or pencil• first aid kit • calculator

Note: If it is warm, you may find a calculator helpful, but you can calculate at home

Page 32: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Selected Field Topics Covered

In addition to Snow Stratigraphy

Page 33: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Density Instrument Comparison 2009

Page 34: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Shear Frame 2009

Page 35: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Bridger Terrain and Route- Finding Field Trip 2004

Page 36: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Snow-Water MeasurementUS Federal Snow Sampler 2009

Page 37: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Snow Melt Measurement

Page 38: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Final Project

Page 39: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Things that worked• Maps improved

• Graphs improved

• Snow coversheets improved

• There was some spectacular thinking displayed in the final written projects– (and a few poor papers

related to slap dash work)

• Former student indicated this course was where they learned to think critically.

Page 40: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Things that have not worked

• Group interaction (need structure)• Collaboration (need time and me being

more stubborn)• Locations weak (some classes use GPS;

others do not); Many believe altimeter needs no adjustment.

• Students depend upon me for direction(I am not letting them flounder enough)

• Oral presentations week (end of semester)

Page 41: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

References

• Custer, S.G., 1991, Snow as a field-teaching medium for Earth Science: Journal of Geological Education, v 39, p. 34-43.

• Custer, S. G. Birkeland, K., 2010, Syllabus, ERTH 450 Snow Dynamics and Accumulation [on line]: http://www.homepage.montana.edu/~uessc/esci450/450Syllabus01.html [accessed August 5, 2010]

Page 42: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

The End

Page 43: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

ERTH 450 R SNOW DYNAMICS & ACCUMULATIONS 3 cr. LEC 1 LAB 2PREREQUISITE: Junior or Senior standing; STAT 216; ability to ski at intermediate level in alpine terrain; PHYS 205 or 211 and GPHY 111 or consent of instructor.-- Senior capstone for the Snow Science Option. The accumulation, redistribution, and metamorphism of snow as related to humans. Avalanche, recreation, agriculture, silviculture, runoff, and the alpine environment. Field studies are conducted on a regular basis under rigorous field conditions.

Page 44: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Habits of a Scientific Mind (AAAS 2061Project)

• Manipulation/Observation

• Computation/Estimation

• Communication

• Critical Thinking– Verifiable Data– Testable Hypotheses– Predictability– Rigorous Proof (Mathematics)

Page 45: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Critical Thinking

– Verifiable Data– Testable Hypotheses– Predictability– Rigorous Proof (Mathematics)– Optimum Design in Technology

Page 46: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Attitudes

• Curiosity

• Open to new ideas

• Informed Skepticism– Supported by evidence– Logically consistent– Explains more than rival hypothesis– Potential to lead to new knowledge

Page 47: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Questions

• What

• Where

• When

• How

• Never Why – it implies who

Arthur Homes, 1964, Principles of Physical Geology: New York, Ronald Press, 1288 p. see page 1-3.

Page 48: A Field Course in the Snow! Learning Goals, Preparation, and Assessment Stephan G. Custer, Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman Montana 59717-3480.

Hypothesis Testing

• Yes/No• Null/Alternate• Difference between Hypothesis and Theory