Earth Science Research Project

Getting Started in Research Workshop
June 20, 1998

Table of Contents

Purpose of Workshop
What Will You Do at the Workshop
Agenda for the Workshop
Directions to Stony Brook
Link to a printable Registration Form

What Will You Do at the Workshop?

During this workshop you will be able to participate in a workgroup undertaking one of the following activities. The actual projects offered will depend upon which ones the registrants choose. There will be at least three and not more than five participants in each workgroup. 

1. Create a completely described 15-minute science walk on campus. These might include

a. identifying boulders or cobbles and relating to path of glacier.
b. recognizing wetland features of Roth Pond 
c. determining the source and fate of water in an on-campus stream and relating to groundwater

2. Learn mapping techniques required for science walks or research projects

a. Pace and compass mapping
b. Tape and compass mapping 

3. Establish personal plots: students monitor a small area over an extended period

4. Map geologic features from air photos and topographic maps.

5. Measure a geologic section.

6. Create a photo mosaic of an exposed cliff. 

7. Do a Phase One environmental survey of an area on campus.

8. Create a bathymetric map of Roth Pond.

9. Create a topographic cross section of a knob and kettle terrane.

10. Use GIS mapping software to place features on a map.

Agenda for the Workshop

9:00 a.m. Registration, coffee. 

9:30 a.m. Introductions and descriptions of the projects for the day

10:00 a.m. Divide into workgroups of 3 to 5 people.

10:30 a.m. Begin projects. 

12:30 p.m. Lunch 

1:00 p.m. Back to work.

3:00 p.m. Presentations of results by each workgroup.

4:30 p.m. End of day.

Directions to SUNY Stony Brook and ESS Building

From exit 62 of the Long Island Expressway (LIE, I-495) follow Nicolls Road (Route 97) north for nine miles. Pass the South and Main entrances to the University.

Enter the North entrance which will be on your left. 

At the top of the small hill, turn right on North Loop Road. 

Proceed about 1 mile to first stop sign. 

Turn left onto SAC Drive and then immediately turn left again onto Center Drive. 

Proceed about 50 yards then turn right into the large paved parking lot. 

The Earth and Space Sciences building is the large concrete building at the northeast end of the parking lot. Map of campus is on the web at: www.sunysb.edu/doit/maps.html