Learning scientific writing through snowpack study

TitleLearning scientific writing through snowpack study
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1997
AuthorsChisholm, R. M.
Conference Name65th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 65th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedMay 1997
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationBanff, Alberta
KeywordsAvalanche safety, Education, Scientific writing, Snow science, Snowpack, Technical writing
Abstract

In my course in Technical Writing at Plymouth State College, students learn how to do scientific writing throughsnowpack study. In previous presentations in various publications, I have described the scope and nature of thecourse. This presentation describes how students learn to do scientific writing through both traditional and innovativeactivities. The aims of the course are as follows:Aim I. Learning scientific procedures.Aim 2. Learning and gathering scientific information.Aim 3. Synthesizing, interpreting, and applying scientific information.Aim 4. Creating and participating in a scientific community.Aim 5. Developing the individual scientist.Aim 6. Communicating to the scientific community.These aims are met through a sequence of linked activities, all of which culminate in writing. These activities haveproved effective in helping students learn at every stage from initial field techniques, through learning snow science,to insightful reflection. All activities of the course culminate in a written report. These activities can be adapted for usein other courses on technical and scientific writing as well as in a wide variety of courses on snow science andapplications such as avalanche safety .

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1997Chisholm.pdf