Science instructors trek Alaska through Chautauqua Institute program

Bev Dow and Kate Kramer framed by Mt. McKinley

Bev Dow (Biology instructor and MCCFA president) and Kate Kramer (Geology instructor) traveled to Alaska in June to participate in a program sponsored by the Chautauqua Institute. Before their classes began they took a three-day trip from Anchorage to Denali National Park. They were among the 15% of tourists to see Mt. McKinley (pictured) on a clear day. Upon returning to Anchorage, Kate and Bev took a course in the ecology of south-central Alaska.

During their three days with two instructors from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, they studied the tundra, taiga, and coastal rainforest ecosystems. Following the class, they took a one-day cruise of the Kenai Fjords, seeing humpbacked whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins, common murre (birds that look and sound like penguins), and an actively calving glacier. Kate stayed on for a class on glaciers and another class on earthquakes and tsunamis. (submitted by B.D.)

Geology Class Field Trip to Wisconsin

On April 30th, 2010 the Physical Geology (GEL 101) class took a field trip to Devils Lake State Park, located just outside of Baraboo, Wisconsin. The purpose of this field trip was to show students geology outside of the classroom. The course was lead by Kate Kramer, Instructor of Earth Science and Geology, and Bev Dow, Instructor of Biology.

The students had a wonderful time examining the ancient quartzite of the area, as well as the more recent glacial topography. Students identified glacial end moraines, ripple marks, various rock types, and an angular unconformity representing a 1 billion year gap in the rock record.

We also had the opportunity to visit Parfrey’s Glen Nature Preserve, where the students were able to view hurricane deposits, and stream erosion. As one student put it, “This was an AWESOME field trip, and a great chance to see geologic processes.” (submitted by K.K.)