Geotrek

Dates:
HAWAII— July 2-8, 2007
NEW ZEALAND—December, 2007

Description

"The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper"
- Eden Phillpotts (1862-1960)

Geotrek is a geology field course for those who desire to learn how the earth works in a wilderness classroom. The course explores the geologic evolution of some of the earth's great remaining wildernesses through an experiential learning approach. This approach involves students in a progression of ill-defined problems that require a combination of careful observation, creative synthesis, physical stamina, and cooperative engagement. The aims of these combined activities are threefold:

The first aim is to develop a working understanding of earth processes through living in, and exploring the wildernesses. Wilderness living and learning may require some adjustments for many of you. Some have limited experience in living out of doors and will have to learn new ways to live comfortably in the absence of many modern convinces. Others will be challenged by the ill-defined nature of the learning activities involved in the course, due to limited experience in relying on their own observations to interpret the earth. The shared challenges and experiences of wilderness living and learning provide unique opportunities for each of us to help one another.

The second aim is to learn to trust our own powers of observation in interpreting the earth. Learning activities for the course will require each of us to carefully make written and map descriptions of what we see as we explore wild regions. These resources will be the basis for constructing defensible interpretations about the geologic evolution of these regions. Many of you may feel unprepared for this challenge, but with a little practice, you should be able to rediscover the powers of observation you already posses and apply them to the ill-defined problems of nature.

The third aim is to experience the recreational benefits of working in the natural environment. Although nature may present us with harsh living conditions and complex problems, it also offers some of the most moving and challenging opportunities for self-discovery and bonding with others. The intensity of these activities is commonly a function of their spontaneous and uncertain nature, which may be a threat to some of you.
The combination of the challenges associated with this course provide a rare opportunity for intensive growth in developing skills of life-long learning and outdoor recreational enjoyment. In short, the overall objective of this course is to learn to live in, learn from, and enjoy nature.