Geocomedy for teaching and learning

The geoscience teacher takes on three basic tasks: 1) introducing students to the language of geoscience; 2) addressing misconceptions; and 3) prompting students to apply knowledge outside of the classroom. Humor can facilitate these tasks as an engage (icebreaker), or as part of a formative assessment either in the classroom or in an asynchronous environment. Two sketches of comedic misuse and use of geology vocabulary are presented. The first sketch is a parody of a movie trailer, useful for spotting geologic misconceptions. The second sketch is an engage showing a geologist’s involuntary interactions with geological terminology. The third sketch is aimed at novice students who want to share their recently acquired knowledge of climate change with non-scientists, e.g., family members. This sketch goes beyond the idea of content knowledge and provides commentary and advice on how students can meaningfully engage others on this difficult topic.