Instructional Technology
Faculty members in our department, separately and in collaboration with individuals in other universities, have produced instructional multimedia
modules for educational purposes. These modules can be accessed online via the links below.
The function of soil components - both organic and inorganic - is
largely determined by their 3-dimensional structure. Student
understanding of 3-D spatial structural concepts is often hampered by
the inherent nature and quality of instructional aids currently used in
the classroom, consisting mainly of 2-D illustrations and physical
models. Many students have difficulty translating flat 2-D drawings of
chemical and mineral structures into the 3-D realities they represent.
Recently available computer software and world wide web browser plug-ins
are capable of rendering molecular models into 2-D images with
highlights, shadows, and perspective to simulate 3 dimensions.
We have developed research-grade 3-D visualizations of many of the
molecules and minerals important in soil science for use as
instructional aids for soil science education. These visualizations and
associated texts and highlighting tools are gathered together in the Virtual Museum of Minerals and Molecules
where they may be viewed using a world wide web browser with the Chime
plug-in installed (a link to the Chime download site is provided at the
top of the Virtual Museum's introductory pages). These modules may be
used for non-profit instructional use by students and teachers
worldwide. Please see the Fair Use guidelines for details.
(1) The Virtual Museum of Minerals & Molecules is a joint development effort between Drs. Phillip Barak (Department of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin - Madison), Ed Nater (Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota), Janis Boettinger (Department of Plant, Soils, and Biometeorology, Utah State University), and Ann Hill Duin (Associate Vice Provost for Extension and Professor, Department of English, Iowa State University).
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