GEOMORPHOLOGY PROJECTS

A group research project is an integral part of this geomorphology class. The projects will be done in groups of two and must involve the collection of data. These data can be field data; they can be data collected from maps or data gathered from the literature and used to make calculations which involve new and independent thought.

I've structured the project so that you will be working on it throughout the semester. By October, you should have settled into a group and found a research topic. You will have an entire week, unencumbered by classes, to collect your data and additional time to revise your draft before making a final presentation.

The purpose of this project is not only to give you experience gathering and interpreting data, it is also designed to hone your writing and presentation skills. Although the reports and presentations will be short (5 page double space and ten minute MAXIMUM), I expect your groups to be well prepared.

On the back side of this sheet, I've listed some ideas which might give you direction in selecting a project topic. This list is only to get you started. I hope by looking through the literature and listening in class that you'll identify other avenues of research. Please come see me and Karen in your groups to talk about project ideas before the October 4 and the October 11 deadline for project proposals.....

GROUPS SHOULD BE NO MORE THAN 2 PEOPLE

YOUR PROJECT MUST INVOLVE GATHERING DATA, THESE ARE NOT TERM PAPERS WHERE ONE REVIEWS LITERATURE.

SUCH REVIEW PAPERS WILL RECEIVE A FAILING GRADE

DIRECTIONS FOR PROJECT REPORT PREPARATION

The first draft of your projects will be due in a short time -- Friday Nov. 19. Below are directions for preparation of your reports. I am expecting that the draft report will be a complete, well-written effort, not a "rough" draft. It and the final report will be graded on the basis of content, presentation and clarity of writing. Your draft and final reports will count equally toward your project grade.

1. Both the draft and final reports must be typed, double spaced, 1 inch magin, 12 pt font; the text (excluding the abstract) should be no longer than 5 pages.

2. You should prepare a single cover sheet which includes the title of your report, the participants names and a single-spaced abstract summarizing your data and conclusions.

3. Each report should have an introduction, a methods section, a presentation of data, a discussion of the data and a short summary of your findings. Use headings and subheadings.

4. You may include as many figures, tables and photographs as you wish. They should be numbered sequentially; each figure must have a caption and each table must have a title. Figures should be mounted on pages and all pages should be numbered.

5. Your report must include the data on which your conclusions are based. In addition, you should reference at LEAST five pertinent publications and include those references in a bibliography.