Field Courses & Field Trips

J Robert "Bob" Thompson Legacy Field Courses

GLG2XX (229, 230 & 231) & Extra Credit Field Trips for all other Geology Lab Courses (GLG103, GLG104 & GLG111)

Bob Thompson was hired as the Maricopa District's first Geology Instructor at GCC in 1968. Among his many accomplishments was establishing a program of Field Courses and weekend Field Trips to classic geologic localities in Arizona and the southwest US. Indeed, many members of the geology community, including some of our current instructors in GCC's Geology Program, began their career paths on those trips in the 1970s. We proudly continue Bob's legacy- to expose hundreds of geology majors, minors, teachers, and other interested members of our community to some of the Earth's most incredible geologic features.

J. Robert "Bob" Thompson, 1944 - 2021

Upcoming Field Courses: Summer 2023

Upcoming Field Courses: Summer 2023 GLG230AB: Field Geology of the Southwest – 2 credits

Field trips to selected areas in the Southwest, such as Arizona, Utah, California, and Sonora to observe and interpret various geological features and phenomena. Prerequisites: None.

GLG103 suggested but not required. Note: GLG230AB may be repeated for a total of eight (8) credit hours. Class meets face-to-face on campus at the designated days and times.

The pre-Summer 2023 course is an excellent opportunity for beginning students to become more familiar with the geology and landscapes of the Colorado Plateau of Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. There will be an informal evening meeting on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 7:00-8:30 PM in PS 176 (GCC Main Campus) to discuss logistics and equipment needs, and to distribute background reading material.

The class itself is a 12-day field expedition from Monday, May 15, 2023 to Friday, May 26, 2023 to observe and interpret various geological features and phenomena. We will travel in school vans to explore the classic geology, geologic history, and fossil record preserved in this region, and the subsequent weathering processes that have shaped the area into the unique and stunning landscape we see today. There will be ample opportunities for sample collection (where permitted) and photography.

A course fee of $200 will cover all transportation and camping in developed campgrounds in scenic localities along the route, as well as for several lunches in the field. The $200 course fee is non-refundable after May 11, 2023. Interested students should contact the instructor, Steve Kadel, e-mail: s.kadel@gccaz.edu

Includes ECBL

Class is an Experiential and Community-Based Learning Activity (including but not limited to: Service-Learning, Internships, Volunteerism, and/or other high-impact/engaging ECBL activities).

Class is an Experiential and Community-Based Learning Activity, Field Experience. This class requires all meetings (except introduction) off campus, transportation is not required.

For more information, contact Steve Kadel, Geology Faculty, Physical Sciences Department 623-845-3618 / s.kadel@gccaz.edu

Geology Lab Field Trips

In addition to our GLG2XX Field Courses, each semester Geology Lab students may have the option of participating in optional instructor-guided (in person) or virtually guided (online or self-guided) field trips to explore or observe various types of rocks/minerals, fossils, geologic structures and processes to augment their lab learning. Local short duration trips may include nearby locations including but not limited to Thunderbird Park, the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the Arizona Museum of Natural History and the Arizona Science Center. Longer trips take advantage of our proximity to the spectacular geology of central Arizona and beyond.