From Virtual Field Trip to Geologically-Reasoned Decisions in Yosemite Valley

Abstract. This study highlights a Geology of Yosemite Valley virtual field trip (VFT) and companion exercises produced as a four-part module to substitute for physical field experiences. The VFT is created as an Earth project in Google Earth Web, a versatile format that allows access through a web browser or Google Earth app with the sharing of an internet address. Many dynamic resources can be used for VFT stops through use of the Google Earth Engine (global satellite imagery draped on topography, 360° street-level imagery, user-submitted 360° photospheres). Images, figures, videos, and narration can be embedded into VFT stops. Hyperlinks allow for a wide range of external resources to be incorporated; optional background resources help reduce the knowledge gap between general public and upper-division students, ensuring VFTs can be broadly accessible. Like many in-person field trips, there is a script with learning goals for each stop, but also an opportunity to learn through exploration as the viewer can dynamically change their vantage at each stop (i.e. guided discovery learning). This interactive VFT format scaffolds students’ spatial skills and encourages attention to be focused on a stop’s critical spatial information. The progression from VFT to mapping exercise to geologically-reasoned decision-making results in high quality student work; students find it engaging, enjoyable, and educational.