203-14 Soil Information Systems Laboratory Manual.



Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Henry Gonzalez Convention Center, Hall C, Street Level

Elena Mikhailova and Christopher Post, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Soil Information Systems course is an innovative introductory soil science course taught at Clemson University.  We have developed, tested, and published on-demand a laboratory manual to accompany this course.  Seventy-four Clemson University students from various fields (forestry, wildlife biology, and environmental science) had a hands-on experience with the laboratory manual during FNR 204: Soil Information Systems course taught in the fall 2010.  Students were then asked to fill out a survey providing answers to 5 questions related to their satisfaction with the laboratory manual, which includes eleven laboratory exercises. Sixty students (81 percent of all students) filled out survey forms.  Majority of students reported the laboratory manual to be somewhat to very useful, and very well organized. Students provided specific recommendations on how to improve the laboratory manual for future editions.  Overall, most of the student responses to the questionnaire about their experience with the laboratory manual were positive, indicating that this laboratory manual can enhance soil science education.
See more from this Division: ASA Section: Education & Extension
See more from this Session: General Education & Extension: II