Explaining science: integrating science literacy into a research-based undergraduate program

Science literacy, which we define as the writing, reading and information research skills required to practice science, is a central component of the Integrated Science Program (iSci) at McMaster University. Concepts developed in the interactive, collaboratively-taught science literacy classes support the research projects that form the basis of learning in iSci. The aim of the science literacy component is to prepare the next generation of professional scientists to communicate not only within academia, but also to the wider community. In this presentation, we will describe the format of iSci and the role of science literacy within it. We shall then discuss the various activities and techniques used to introduce professional skills throughout the four-year program. iSci students gain experience in writing for audiences through two main conduits. One is a science blog: an on-going, individual, low-stakes writing practice activity. The other is a series of research project assessed deliverables: high-stakes, collaborative writing tasks. These take the form of oral presentations, posters, debates, abstracts, lab reports, and papers. Students are supported in developing writing skills (from research notes, through drafting, review, and editing) by feedback from instructors, dedicated TAs, and their peers. Information literacy skills, including source evaluation and information retrieval, are developed from the start of the Program. iSci has strong links to the University Library and students are introduced to primary literature early in the course. We report on results from the first two years of the science literacy initiative, and outline plans for further developments and evaluations

Temporal variability and site specificity of thermomechanical weathering in a temperate climate

Thermomechanical processes caused by short- and long-term temperature fluctuations are a prevalent weathering mechanism on exposed rock walls. While many authors have explored the potential for thermomechanical weathering in alpine and polar regions, few have examined the effects of seasonality on weathering in temperate climates. This is pertinent as seasonal climatic conditions may influence both short-term temperature oscillations which produce incipient fractures and diurnal-to annual-scale cycles which propagate pre-existing fractures via thermal fatigue. In this study, three rock outcrops located along the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton, Canada were monitored to examine changes in the thermal regime at the rock surface and within pre-existing fractures over a 1-year period. Temperature was sampled in 1-min intervals, providing data at a fine temporal resolution. Our unique dataset demonstrates that the rock surface and fracture experience minute-scale temperature oscillations which magnify over time. Longer-term temperature cycles during the year are superimposed upon minute- and diurnal-scale fluctuations which likely augment weathering potential. This produces considerable thermal stress over the year which we estimate to be on the order of 18 GPa at the rock surface and 8 GPa in fractures. We also observed diurnal reversals of the temperature gradient between the rock surface and fracture which may further amplify crack propagation. Seasonality and site-specific characteristics interact to modify different components of the rockwall thermal regime. Vegetation shading has seasonal and diurnal-scale impacts on the temperature gradient between the surface and fracture, and the amplitude of daily warming and cooling cycles. Aspect has a stronger influence on minute-scale temperature oscillations. Estimates of diurnal thermal stress indicate that the thermomechanical weathering potential is seasonally variable, but highest in the spring. Our findings demonstrate that in a temperate climate, rockwall thermal regimes experience variability across the gradient of temporal scale with strong seasonal effects

Earth Science Education #7. GeoTrails: Accessible Online Tools for Outreach and Education

As geoscientists, we must prioritize improving our ability to communicate science to the public. Effective geoscience communication enables communities to understand how geological processes have shaped our planet and make informed decisions about Earth’s future. However, geoscience research outputs have traditionally been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at academic conferences. Consequently, essential information about local geology is rarely available in accessible, open access, and engaging formats. Here, we propose virtual field trips, or ‘GeoTrails’, as a possible solution to address the disconnect between geoscience research and public knowledge by improving our communication to the public. This initiative is largely driven by undergraduate students, who identify points of geological interest along selected hiking trails, write concise descriptions derived from scientific sources (e.g. longer peer-reviewed articles and government reports), and collect field data (e.g. 3-D LiDAR models, drone photography) to illustrate the characteristics of these geological features. The goal of the project is to communicate the importance of local geology on our environment and to raise awareness of how changing climates could affect us in the future; this information can empower communities to make better, more informed planning decisions. The creation of GeoTrails along the Niagara Escarpment offers a promising strategy to highlight the role of geoscientists and to engage the public in our ongoing research that aims to showcase Canada’s geoheritage.En tant que géoscientifiques, nous devons donner la priorité à l’amélioration de notre capacité à communiquer la science au public. Une communication efficace des géosciences permet aux communautés de comprendre comment les processus géologiques ont façonné notre planète et de prendre des décisions éclairées sur l’avenir de la Terre. Cependant, les résultats de la recherche en géosciences ont traditionnellement été publiés dans des revues à comité de lecture et présentés lors de conférences académiques. Par conséquent, les informations essentielles sur la géologie locale sont rarement disponibles sous des formats accessibles, en libre accès et attrayants. Dans cette optique, nous proposons des excursions virtuelles, ou « GeoTrails », comme solution possible pour combler le fossé entre la recherche en géosciences et la connaissance du public en améliorant notre communication avec celui-ci. Cette initiative est en grande partie menée par des étudiants de premier cycle, qui identifient des points d’intérêt géologiques le long de sentiers de randonnée sélectionnés, rédigent des descriptions concises basées sur des sources scientifiques (par exemple, des articles à comité de lecture plus longs et des rapports gouvernementaux) et collectent des données sur le terrain (par exemple, des modèles LiDAR 3-D, des photographies par drone) pour illustrer les caractéristiques de ces caractéristiques géologiques. L'objectif du projet est de communiquer l'importance de la géologie locale sur notre environnement et de sensibiliser aux façons dont les changements climatiques pourraient nous affecter à l'avenir; cette information peut permettre aux communautés de prendre des décisions de planification meilleures et plus éclairées. La création de GeoTrails le long de l'escarpement du Niagara offre une stratégie prometteuse pour mettre en valeur le rôle des géoscientifiques et pour engager le public dans notre recherche en cours qui vise à présenter le patrimoine géologique du Canada

Plenary Address: Learning Science Without Boundaries - More learning with less teaching.

There is considerable concern in the academic community about how well undergraduate programs are preparing students for future careers in science. Students are most highly engaged in learning scientific information, concepts, and skills when they actively participate in the learning process and see value and relevance in the material they are learning. The Honours Integrated Science (iSci) program at McMaster University has been developed to enhance student engagement and learning in science using an interdisciplinary framework and self-directed, research-based learning strategies. Much of the instruction in the iSci program is team-based and focuses on the process of helping students develop as effective learners rather than on ‘teaching’. Beginning in year 1, students work in research teams, guided by instructors, to investigate a range of interdisciplinary and societaly relevant issues. Students gain scientific knowledge, skills and experiences through their project-based research and also have the opportunity to develop and practice team work and scientific communication skills. The success of the program in preparing students for future careers in science is being evaluated through an ongoing longitudinal study that involves instructors, students and alumni. Our initial results indicate that iSci students are highly engaged in the learning process and are empowered and stimulated by their involvement in program development and evaluation. The first cohort of iSci students are graduating as skilled and accomplished researchers who recognize the role of science and scientists in society, and will serve as ambassadors for scientific literacy wherever their careers may take them

STRATIGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF LATE WISCONSIN AND HOLOCENE GLACIOLACUSTRINE DEPOSITS EXPOSED ALONG THE NOTTAWASAGA RIVER, SOUTHERN ONTARIO, CANADA

Analysis of 56 outcrop exposures in cut banks along the Nottawasaga River in southern Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada, has led to the identification of eight stratigraphic units (SU1-8) that represent a record of changing environmental conditions during deglaciation and exhibit strong controls on shallow groundwater flow in the region. The stratigraphic succession is floored by the Late Wisconsin Newmarket Till (SU1) which is locally overlain by ice-proximal debris flow deposits (SU2). These glacial sediments are overlain by glaciolacustrine silt rhythmites (SU3) that pass upwards into deltaic sand (SU4) and channelized fluviodeltaic sand and gravel (SU5). Lying above the fluvial deposits are widespread interbedded glaciolacustrine sands and silt (SU6), which coarsen up-section toward the ground surface. The succession is locally capped by fluviodeltaic (SU7) and younger fluvial (SU8) deposits. These stratigraphic units record sedimentary environments that existed during deglaciation of the region and provide insight into the evolution of glacial lakes Schomberg and Algonquin, and the Nipissing phase of the upper Great Lakes. The environmental changes described from sediments along the Nottawasaga River provide insights into basin-scale events that occurred throughout the upper Great Lakes during deglaciation. Qualitative observations of groundwater discharge from sediments at outcrop faces are used to characterize the hydraulic function of the stratigraphic units as well as possible preferential groundwater flow pathways in the shallow subsurface.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

Image1_Temporal variability and site specificity of thermomechanical weathering in a temperate climate.PNG

Thermomechanical processes caused by short- and long-term temperature fluctuations are a prevalent weathering mechanism on exposed rock walls. While many authors have explored the potential for thermomechanical weathering in alpine and polar regions, few have examined the effects of seasonality on weathering in temperate climates. This is pertinent as seasonal climatic conditions may influence both short-term temperature oscillations which produce incipient fractures and diurnal-to annual-scale cycles which propagate pre-existing fractures via thermal fatigue. In this study, three rock outcrops located along the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton, Canada were monitored to examine changes in the thermal regime at the rock surface and within pre-existing fractures over a 1-year period. Temperature was sampled in 1-min intervals, providing data at a fine temporal resolution. Our unique dataset demonstrates that the rock surface and fracture experience minute-scale temperature oscillations which magnify over time. Longer-term temperature cycles during the year are superimposed upon minute- and diurnal-scale fluctuations which likely augment weathering potential. This produces considerable thermal stress over the year which we estimate to be on the order of 18 GPa at the rock surface and 8 GPa in fractures. We also observed diurnal reversals of the temperature gradient between the rock surface and fracture which may further amplify crack propagation. Seasonality and site-specific characteristics interact to modify different components of the rockwall thermal regime. Vegetation shading has seasonal and diurnal-scale impacts on the temperature gradient between the surface and fracture, and the amplitude of daily warming and cooling cycles. Aspect has a stronger influence on minute-scale temperature oscillations. Estimates of diurnal thermal stress indicate that the thermomechanical weathering potential is seasonally variable, but highest in the spring. Our findings demonstrate that in a temperate climate, rockwall thermal regimes experience variability across the gradient of temporal scale with strong seasonal effects.</p

Table1_Temporal variability and site specificity of thermomechanical weathering in a temperate climate.DOCX

Thermomechanical processes caused by short- and long-term temperature fluctuations are a prevalent weathering mechanism on exposed rock walls. While many authors have explored the potential for thermomechanical weathering in alpine and polar regions, few have examined the effects of seasonality on weathering in temperate climates. This is pertinent as seasonal climatic conditions may influence both short-term temperature oscillations which produce incipient fractures and diurnal-to annual-scale cycles which propagate pre-existing fractures via thermal fatigue. In this study, three rock outcrops located along the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton, Canada were monitored to examine changes in the thermal regime at the rock surface and within pre-existing fractures over a 1-year period. Temperature was sampled in 1-min intervals, providing data at a fine temporal resolution. Our unique dataset demonstrates that the rock surface and fracture experience minute-scale temperature oscillations which magnify over time. Longer-term temperature cycles during the year are superimposed upon minute- and diurnal-scale fluctuations which likely augment weathering potential. This produces considerable thermal stress over the year which we estimate to be on the order of 18 GPa at the rock surface and 8 GPa in fractures. We also observed diurnal reversals of the temperature gradient between the rock surface and fracture which may further amplify crack propagation. Seasonality and site-specific characteristics interact to modify different components of the rockwall thermal regime. Vegetation shading has seasonal and diurnal-scale impacts on the temperature gradient between the surface and fracture, and the amplitude of daily warming and cooling cycles. Aspect has a stronger influence on minute-scale temperature oscillations. Estimates of diurnal thermal stress indicate that the thermomechanical weathering potential is seasonally variable, but highest in the spring. Our findings demonstrate that in a temperate climate, rockwall thermal regimes experience variability across the gradient of temporal scale with strong seasonal effects.</p

Earth Science Education 7. GeoTrails: Accessible Online Tools for Outreach and Education

As geoscientists, we must prioritize improving our ability to communicate science to the public. Effective geoscience communication enables communities to understand how geological processes have shaped our planet and make informed decisions about Earth’s future. However, geoscience research outputs have traditionally been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at academic conferences. Consequently, essential information about local geology is rarely available in accessible, open access, and engaging formats. Here, we propose virtual field trips, or ‘GeoTrails’, as a possible solution to address the disconnect between geoscience research and public knowledge by improving our communication to the public. This initiative is largely driven by undergraduate students, who identify points of geological interest along selected hiking trails, write concise descriptions derived from scientific sources (e.g. longer peer-reviewed articles and government reports), and collect field data (e.g. 3-D LiDAR models, drone photography) to illustrate the characteristics of these geological features. The goal of the project is to communicate the importance of local geology on our environment and to raise awareness of how changing climates could affect us in the future; this information can empower communities to make better, more informed planning decisions. The creation of GeoTrails along the Niagara Escarpment offers a promising strategy to highlight the role of geoscientists and to engage the public in our ongoing research that aims to showcase Canada’s geoheritage.En tant que géoscientifiques, nous devons donner la priorité à l’amélioration de notre capacité à communiquer la science au public. Une communication efficace des géosciences permet aux communautés de comprendre comment les processus géologiques ont façonné notre planète et de prendre des décisions éclairées sur l’avenir de la Terre. Cependant, les résultats de la recherche en géosciences ont traditionnellement été publiés dans des revues à comité de lecture et présentés lors de conférences académiques. Par conséquent, les informations essentielles sur la géologie locale sont rarement disponibles sous des formats accessibles, en libre accès et attrayants. Dans cette optique, nous proposons des excursions virtuelles, ou « GeoTrails », comme solution possible pour combler le fossé entre la recherche en géosciences et la connaissance du public en améliorant notre communication avec celui-ci. Cette initiative est en grande partie menée par des étudiants de premier cycle, qui identifient des points d’intérêt géologiques le long de sentiers de randonnée sélectionnés, rédigent des descriptions concises basées sur des sources scientifiques (par exemple, des articles à comité de lecture plus longs et des rapports gouvernementaux) et collectent des données sur le terrain (par exemple, des modèles LiDAR 3-D, des photographies par drone) pour illustrer les caractéristiques de ces caractéristiques géologiques. L'objectif du projet est de communiquer l'importance de la géologie locale sur notre environnement et de sensibiliser aux façons dont les changements climatiques pourraient nous affecter à l'avenir; cette information peut permettre aux communautés de prendre des décisions de planification meilleures et plus éclairées. La création de GeoTrails le long de l'escarpement du Niagara offre une stratégie prometteuse pour mettre en valeur le rôle des géoscientifiques et pour engager le public dans notre recherche en cours qui vise à présenter le patrimoine géologique du Canada