SPATIAL, STRUCTURAL, & TEMPORAL ANALYSES
IN THE GEOLOGY EXPLORER
Donald P. Schwerta, Brian M. Slatorb, Bernhardt Saini-Eidukata, PI’s
Robert Cosmanob, Shannon Tomacb , Guy Hokansonb , and Otto Borchertb
Abstract
aDept.
The Geology Explorer, is a synthetic, Internetbased, educational environment (“Planet Oit”)
where students carry out geologic
investigations as a field geologist would. The
Interpretive Module of the Geology Explorer
provides students with an authentic, spatiallyoriented geologic mapping experience. New
additions in 2003 to the Interpretive Module
include the ability of students to: 1) determine
structural aspects of tabular units using spatial
relationships and interactive measuring tools,
and 2) propose a chronology of geologic
events for the history of the bedrock terrain.
The Geology Explorer can be visited on the
Internet at oit.ndsu.edu .
of Geosciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
bDept. of Computer Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
Background
Educational Role-playing Games: “Learning-by-doing” Experiences
What is “Planet Oit” ?
The Technical Approach
• Similar to Earth, but
opposite the Sun
•Students “land” on Oit
to undertake exploration
•Authentic Geoscience
goals - e.g., to locate,
identify, and report
valuable minerals; to
create and interpret a
geologic map
The Virtual Environment is:
•MultiUser
•Exploratory
•Spatially-oriented
The Virtual Environment promotes:
Spatial Navigation Using Maps and Rendered 3-D Scenes
~50 places: desert, cutbank,
cave, etc.
~100 different rocks and
minerals
~15 field instruments: rock
pick, acid bottle, magnet, etc.
Software Tutors: intelligent
agents for equipment,
exploration, and deduction
•Practical planning and decision making
•Problem solving
•Investigation of real-world content
• Understanding the scientific method
• Networked, internet based, client-server simulation
• UNIX-based MOO (Multi-User Dungeon, Object Oriented)
• Java-based clients
•Mature thinking
Timeline: Proposing a Chronology for Geologic Events
Measurement of Thicknesses of Tabular Rock Units in a Structural Terrain
“Aerial Photo”
Outcrop Locations are Shown with Markers
You Are
Here
Markers Coded to
Rock Type Show
Location of
Identified
Outcrops
Initial Instructions
Opening Timeline Interface
Dragging a Timeline Proposal
Player Creates a Geologic Map Based on Outcrop
Locations, and Receives Immediate Feedback
Player Uses Pen
to Draw Map
Interpretation
Automated
Assessment and
Advice
Automated Feedback: Incorrect Response
Proposing a Thickness Measurement on a
Completed Geologic Map
Automated Feedback, From Which Student
Can Now Use Values to Determine True Thickness
Freedom of Action
Automated Feedback: Correct Response
Automated Feedback: Also Correct
Acknowledgments
Special thanks are due to John Bauer for Java graphical client
development, to Rebecca Potter for graphical development, to Bryan
Bandli, Julia Karst-Gray, Ned Kruger, K.C. Vorthmann, Joy Turnbull,
Dean Vestal, Mindy Sue Vogel, Jeff Walsh, and Jane Willenbring for
geology content development and assessment, to Mark Tinguely, who
saved our world when its universe imploded, and to Dave Schmidt for the
name: Planet Oit.
Geology Explorer research supported by NSF grants
DUE-9752548, EAR-9809761, DUE-9981094, ITR0086142 and EPSCoR 99-77788, and FIPSE
P116B011528.