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To Highlight or Summarize? The Benefits of Constructive Learning in Geology.

To Highlight or Summarize? The Benefits of Constructive Learning in Geology.

Primary Author: Rachel Wong

Faculty Sponsor: Olusola Adesope

 

Primary College/Unit: College of Education

Category: Arts and Education Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Learning strategies that college students frequently utilize include highlighting or summarizing. However, based on Chi and Wylie’s ICAP framework (2014), these strategies are not equally effective. The framework identifies four modes of cognitive engagement in learning – passive, active, constructive, and interactive, defined by the overt learning activities that learners participate in. As learners’ engagement increase from passive towards interactive, they are likely to develop a deeper understanding of the material. Based on the framework, highlighting is classified as active and summarizing as constructive, implying that summarizing should result in greater learning.

 

This study was conducted with undergraduate geology students. Students were randomly assigned to either the highlighting or summarizing condition. All students completed a 5-item pre-test. The learning material consisting of six paragraphs, presented individually, aligned with students’ curriculum. In the highlighting condition, students highlighted key words for each paragraph while students in the summarizing condition summarized each paragraph after reading. All students completed immediate and delayed retention and transfer questions, with the delayed questions administered a week later.

 

Results indicated that the summarizing condition outperformed the highlighting condition on both immediate retention (d = 0.52) and delayed transfer (d = 0.54). The findings from this study provide empirical support for the ICAP framework, indicating that a constructive mode of engagement is more beneficial than an active mode of engagement. Since this study was conducted in an authentic learning environment, the findings are even more impactful for educators and students who are interested in identifying strategies to improve learning.

 

Applying drone and satellite data to natural vegetation monitoring for agricultural sustainability

Applying drone and satellite data to natural vegetation monitoring for agricultural sustainability

Primary Author: Amanda Stahl

Faculty Sponsor: Alexander Fremier

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

Principal topic

Conserving natural vegetation along streams is an important on-farm strategy to improve water quality. The Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP, 2011) requires participating agricultural counties in Washington to monitor and report whether ecosystem functions and values are being maintained or enhanced. Emerging remote sensing technologies could provide accurate, real-time, multiscale spatial data to increase monitoring efficiency and effectiveness. We are piloting drones and analyzing Sentinel-2 satellite images to quantify streamside vegetation condition and designing procedures for seamless integration into monitoring programs to improve agricultural sustainability.

 

Methods

We hypothesize that drone-mounted cameras and Sentinel-2 data can accurately document vegetation condition and change for VSP reporting. To test this, we collected images with two quadcopters (3DR Solo and DJI Matrice) at 9 sites across Whitman County. Drone images were compiled into mosaics and 3D surfaces, each referenced for accurate comparison across dates to document seasonality and resolve vegetation classification. We analyzed Sentinel data seasonally and inter-annually to quantify watershed-scale change dynamics using Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS.

 

Results/Implications

Differing patterns of “greenness” clearly distinguished natural vegetation from agricultural land cover in Sentinel images collected July-October 2016-2019. Drone images captured finer details, including vegetation height, volume, and species. Initial findings illustrate that these data sources can detect the changing quantity and quality of natural areas in agricultural areas. In future work we will streamline satellite data analysis in Google Earth Engine and provide guidelines for drone-based monitoring so that counties and Conservation Districts can analyze data in real-time at regional scales.

 

Two phase (l-v) steady state diffusion of water isotopes: A Rayleigh approximation and aTwo phase (l-v) steady state diffusion of water isotopes: A Rayleigh approximation and applicationpplication

Two phase (l-v) steady state diffusion of water isotopes: A Rayleigh approximation and aTwo phase (l-v) steady state diffusion of water isotopes: A Rayleigh approximation and applicationpplication

Primary Author: Anthony Sorensen

Faculty Sponsor: Peter Larson

 

Primary College/Unit: Arts and Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal Topic

Hydrothermal (geothermal) systems are defined by water isotope concentrations and other various geochemical characteristics.  The defining characteristics of a hydrothermal system are volumetrically dependent on the subsurface reservoir. If the volume of H2O is the primary control of water isotopes and hydrothermal system characteristics, then the isotopic evolution of a hot spring fluid is best modeled by the two phase (liquid-vapor) steady state diffusion equation. Volumetric ratios of liquid to vapor (l-v) within the reservoir can be used as an indicator of lifetime remaining in the hydrothermal system and thus can be used to make approximations about the next Yellowstone eruption.

Method

The boiling experiment acted as an analog of a steady state hydrothermal system.  The two-phase steady state diffusion equation was used to model the isotopic evolution of the water isotopes. In this experiment, water isotope analyses were continuously measured using a mass spectrometer, and the results were normalized to the fraction of liquid remaining in the system.

Results/Implications

The models developed from this study have unique applications that include: (a) providing percentage estimates of the liquid reservoir remaining in hydrothermal (geothermal) areas (i.e. time remaining before the next eruption, in Yellowstone) and (b) providing a time constraint (i.e. a rate limiting step) in more complex geochemical modeling. Additionally, understanding the volume of H2O remaining in geothermal systems has the potential to save energy companies enormous sums of money by decreasing the amount of drilling needed in geothermal energy development.

 

Cooling Rates of Spatter Deposits

Cooling Rates of Spatter Deposits

Primary Author: Claire Puleio

Faculty Sponsor: Catherine Cooper

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal Topic

Magmatic spatter deposits form during volcanic eruptions wherein molten lava is projected from the volcano. The molten lava is erupted in fragments (clasts) and is deposited in the area immediately surrounding the eruptive vent of the volcano. These clasts can pile upon each other and form cone-like structures. Magmatic spatter occurs when erupted lava is hot enough to deform and adhere to other erupted clasts (agglutinate). The deformation and agglutination of spatter clasts have important implications regarding how spatter can transition from a stable deposit to a lava flow. When spatter re-melts and flows it can cause sudden collapse of the cone-like structures and quickly damage infrastructure or cause bodily harm to those in the path of the flow.

 

Method

A two-dimensional thermal diffusion model has been created in this study to predict how long it takes for spatter clasts to cool sufficiently enough that they no longer pose the risk of re-melting and forming a lava flow. This model predicts how spatter clasts cool over time when subjected to conduction, convection, and radiation and is applied to scenarios in which multiple spatter clasts of the same temperature are placed on top of one another.

 

Results/Implications

The model described in this research provides an indication for when the spatter deposit will cool sufficiently enough to stabilize. This research increases the understanding of magmatic spatter as well as the likelihood for associated volcanic hazards such as sudden collapse of spatter deposits and the rapid formation of lava flows.