Tiny Country Makes Big Impression on Kent State Contingent

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Twenty-six Kent State faculty members, student fellows, graduate teaching fellows in K-12 education and K-12 science teachers recently took a research trip to Iceland.

Photo courtesy of Scott Sheridan

A group of 26 Kent State faculty, student fellows, graduate teaching fellows in K-12 education and K-12 science teachers traveled to Iceland for a research trip.

The group spent the majority of their trip following a ring road along the coast of Iceland, occasionally taking excursions off the 1,000-mile route. During the excursions, they examined glacial deposits and volcanic icebergs, and enjoyed a lagoon cruise.

Dr. Scott Sheridan, assistant professor of geography, says Iceland was chosen because “it captures different areas of everyone’s research.”

Dr. Donna Witter, assistant professor of geography, also thought Iceland was a good choice because of its broad environmental landscape.

“The natural environment in Iceland is a compact representation of processes that occur globally,” she says.

Witter says that all of the participants in the trip were able to gather different experiences and teaching materials while in Iceland.

“All of the participants really enjoyed using Iceland as a natural lab for thinking about Earth processes and resources,” she says. “The Kent State faculty participants were able to gather teaching materials and ideas for their classes, and our graduate student GK-12 fellows were able to use their immersion in the Iceland environment to think about their own research and their work in K-12 classrooms.”

The K-12 science teachers also gathered new ideas for teaching earth science in their classrooms by collecting photographs and other learning materials.

While in Iceland, the group helped to establish research collaborations and foster research with Dr. Andrew Russell of the United Kingdom. Witter says she gained a different perspective on earth science. She also gathered teaching materials such as photographs, rock samples, and anecdotes; all things she will use in her oceanography class.

Sheridan says he will be able to bring his personal experiences from this trip into the classroom. He also gained a greater understanding of human/environment interactions and environmental effects.

Photo courtesy of Scott Sheridan

Participants in the research trip to Iceland had the opportunity to examine glacial deposits, check out volcanic icebergs and take a lagoon cruise.

Energy Innovation

Iceland is positioning itself for the future by employing new technologies. Witter noticed geothermal energy and hydropower are popular sources of energy on the island country. Buildings in Iceland are heated by hot water from geothermal sources, for example. The water is sent through spun rock pipes that are insulated with lava products to prevent heat loss. The country is now using this material in the construction of streets and parking lots to help melt the snow that accumulates.

Iceland’s economy previously was dependent upon fishing and farming. Now, energy technology has brought greater economic diversity to the country. In addition, Sheridan says he noticed a conservation ethic, indicating the changes brought on by energy innovation are cultural, as well as economic. The hotel the group stayed in is exemplary of this ethic; during the school year, it is used as a dormitory for students who attend the nearby school.

Sheridan says locals were very eager to give the group a glimpse into their lives and were meticulous about keeping detailed volcano and farm records.

“They had an incredible knowledge base of civilizations,” Sheridan says, speaking of the interaction between humans and nature in past centuries on the island.

Witter was amazed at the adaptability of Icelandic civilization. She said she enjoyed seeing how well people used the resource they were given, such as setting up farms in areas of repeated volcanic eruptions.

“Human interaction with physical environment was everywhere,” Witter says.

The dominant theme of the trip was an inspiring one: With a little creativity, resources can be maximized to benefit society. Overall, the tiny country made a big impression on students and teachers alike.

The trip was a part of the graduate teaching fellows in K-12 (GK-12) grant, sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The financial support and supplemental grant allowed for the large group to participate.

By Anna Riggenbach