1. The Geology of LaSalle County: An Example of a College-Sponsored, Non-Credit Mini-Course for the General Public Michael Phillips Geology Instructor Illinois Valley Community College Oglesby, Illinois

2. What is a Mini-Course? Public Outreach Continuing Education No credit/no grade Public Interest Low Cost

3. What to Do Steps –Find a mini-course program –Contact the coordinator –Select a topic –Submit a proposal –Present the course –Evaluate your performance Example: The Geology of LaSalle County

4. Who sponsors Mini-Courses? Colleges and Universities Museums Scientific societies and associations Libraries Parks (National, State, Local) Other organizations

5. Contact the Mini-Course Coordinator Course Options –General Public –Children –Elderhostel –Other Location –Classroom –Lab –Field Equipment/supplies –audiovisual –Handouts –lab (rocks …) –field (hammers…) Day & Time Advertisement Compensation

6. Selecting a Topic Audience –age –prior knowledge Local interest Location (inside &/or outside) –time of year –appropriate to topic Available references

7. Submit a proposal Fill out the forms Develop a catchy topic & description Day(s) & time Supply request Lab vs field (including contingencies) Waivers

8. Contact the Mini-Course Coordinator Course Options –General Public –Children –Elderhostel –Other Location –Classroom –Lab –Field Equipment/supplies –audiovisual –Handouts –lab (rocks …) –field (hammers…) Day & Time Advertisement Compensation

9. Present the Course Talk with students as they arrive. Provide copies of notes, key figures, and appropriate sources. Use multiple forms of presentation (verbal, visual, samples). Encourage discussion. Keep it simple.

10. The Geology of LaSalle County Audience: –General Public (age 16 and up) –limited prior knowledge Location: College lab and State Park –the college lab is used for an introduction to geology

11. The Geology of LaSalle County Equipment/Supplies: –audiovisual: slide projector, overhead –handouts: notes, field trip guidebook (ISGS) –lab: rock samples –field: hand lenses, acid, Brunton compasses Day & Time: Saturday, 9 am to 3:30 pm Advertisement: Circular distributed by the College

12. The Geology of LaSalle County: Morning Session Minerals & Rocks: formation, identification, & interpretation A small bit about plate tectonics Fossils: formation, identification, & interpretation Interpreting geologic history: relative and absolute dating An overview of the geology of Illinois

13. The Geology of LaSalle County: Afternoon Session Lunch at Matthessien State Park The Park through the eyes of a geologist: –Surficial processes: erosion of the canyon, slope failure, glaciation, flooding –Rocks: sedimentary rocks, fossils, EOD, glacial erratics –Structure: strike & dip, LaSalle Anticline, fault, joints Evaluation

14. Disadvantages Takes time: preparation & presentation Takes effort: planning & research Non-technical audience Bad students (rare)

15. Advantages A chance to share what you know Contribute to your community Meet people interested in geology Appreciative audience (feels good) A personal refresher on the basics A little pocket money

16. Your Turn Identify a mini-course program. Contact the coordinator. Spread the word about geology.