Department of Geosciences - Field Trips
GSCI 355 Field Trips in Geology | GSCI 454 Field Studies in Geosciences (Field Camp) | GSCI 651 Field Studies in Geography | GSCI 665 Severe Storm Observations (Storm Chasing)
The field trips posted below illustrate just a few of the opportunities you have for hands-on learning and field experiences.
Please note: Not all field trips are offered every semester. If you are interested in participating in one of our field trips you can check out our current offering by MyFHSU in Workday then selecting the semester of interest and searching for Geosciences (GSCI).
GSCI 355 & 380 series Field Trips in Geology
We designed these courses to educate and expand the geological history of profound and interesting sites of geoscience interest specifically for students interested in learning about the riveting environment of geosciences. There are a number of different trip options which include the traditional series of trips beginning on the FHSU campus, in Hays, and heading to Lake Wilson in Russell County, to the northern portion of Ellis County, and to the Chalk Beds in Gove County. Additional locations of geologic interest include: Central and NE Kansas; SE Kansas; the Colorado Front Range; NE New Mexico/SE Colorado; Hays Water Issues; and even, The Geology of Wine or The Geology of Beer.
Usually 3 different location courses are offered through FHSU Online in each semester. See the course schedule for upcoming trips. These courses are available primarily as virtual field trips and occasionally as face-to-face (in-person) field trips.
ON-LINE: 2-3 different location courses are offered through FHSU Online in each semester. See the course schedule for upcoming trips.
GSCI 355 Field Trips in Geology
This virtual field trip focuses on the geology of a specific region or location. Participants will have the opportunity to view and discuss various geological concepts as well as impacts of the geological feature on the local environment and people.
GSCI 380 Field Trips in Geology - Ellis County
Virtual field trip focuses on the geology of: Ellis County, FHSU Campus, a rare volcanic ash quarry, and an introduction to local geological formations.
GSCI 381 Field Trips in Geology - Lake Wilson
This field trip provides an overview of geology between FHSU & Lake Wilson. Participants will view and discuss the impact of the I-70 sink hole, and will complete a study of the Wilson Lake spillway. Trip includes stops at various roadcuts.
GSCI 382 Field Trips in Geology - Rocks & Fossils of Castle Rock
Virtual field trip focuses on an introduction to the geology and paleontology of Western Kansas, specifically the Castle Rock area of Gove County, KS. Field Trip to Castle Rock includes: stops overlooking Hays, Cedar Bluff Reservoir, & Ogallala.
GSCI 383 Field Trips in Geology - Grand Canyon
This virtual field trip includes learning activities that illustrate the different aspects and information regarding the Grand Canyon's geologic and human history. This course includes research on a specific aspect of the Grand Canyon and presentation of research.
GSCI 384 Field Trips in Geology - Mesa Verde
This virtual field trip to Mesa Verde includes: Exploration of geologic features of Mesa Verde, the cultural and archaeological importance of Mesa Verde, and identification of historical aspects of the region. This course includes research on a student’s favorite aspect of Mesa Verde and presentation of research.
GSCI 385 Field Trips in Geology - Cave Geology
This virtual field trip provides a survey of major cave types including the local geology and an examination of the development of cave systems. Major cave systems explored include: Mammoth Cave, Carlsbad Caverns, Mystery Cave, and others.
IN-PERSON: All GSCI 355 or 380 series face-to-face field trip courses require the following items and fees.
- Required: Pack a lunch and dress appropriately for weather. Guidebook will cost $15.
- Suggested: Sunscreen, bug spray, and hiking boots.
- Optional: Hammer, hand lens, and sample bags.
- Minor hiking may be involved.
- For 1 day trips - Vans will leave at 8:45 AM and will return the same day at 4:00 PM.
GSCI 355 Field Trips in Geology -
This field focuses on the geology of a specific region or location. Participants will have the opportunity to view and discuss various geological concepts as well as impacts of the geological feature on the local environment and people.
GSCI 355 Field Trips in Geology - KS Chalk Beds
This field trip to Castle Rock includes stops overlooking Hays, Cedar Bluff Reservoir, and Ogallala. Trip includes fossil and mineral collecting.
GSCI 355 Field Trips in Geology - Colorado Front Range
This field trip explores unique geologic sites along the Colorado Front Range. Trip includes fossil and mineral collecting. Intermediate level hiking will be involved. This is a multi-day trip. Vans will typically leave at 6:45 AM on a Friday and return 9:00 pm on a Sunday. Required additional equipment and supplies: Pack food and dress appropriate for weather, tent, sleeping bag, cash for fast food travel lunch.
GSCI 380 Field Trips in Geology - Ellis County
This field trip focuses on the geology of Ellis County, FHSU campus, a rare volcanic ash quarry, and an introduction to local geological formations. Trip includes some fossil and mineral collecting.
GSCI 381 Field Trips in Geology - Lake Wilson
This field trip provides an overview of geology between FHSU & Lake Wilson. Participants will view and discuss the impact of the I-70 sink hole, and will complete a study of the Wilson Lake spillway. Trip includes stops at various roadcuts.
GSCI 454 Field Studies in Geosciences (Field Camp)
An integrative geoscience capstone course involving a broad range of applied field techniques and procedures. Not only are students evaluated in the field on core courses, they will also be exposed to applied (forensic geophysics, GIS, GPS, geoarcheology, computer and environmental science technologies). Permission required to register. To find out more visit the Field Camp webpage.
GSCI 665 Severe Storm Observations (Storm Chasing)
Offered in early summer this course offers the opportunity for students to view storms and learn about the dynamics of thunderstorms, the impacts of severe weather, and the geography of the central United States. Course activities include gaining experience in forecasting storms, traveling to potential storm development areas, and observing storms. Permission required to register.
To find out more and pay field fee visit the Storm Observations page.
GSCI 651 Field Studies in Geography
A concentrated group field study stressing the environment, resources, lifestyles, and problems of a designated territory of the world. Each semester this course is taught, a different region is studied. See FHSU course listings for upcoming course offerings.
Spring 2026 - Northern & Central New Mexico (April 2026)
Field trip explores the geology and geography of central and northern New Mexico. Course includes mandatory in-person field trip. Course comprised of readings and on-line activities prior to trip and post trip on-line activities.
Field trip dates: 3 day trip in April, most likely Fri-Sun 3rd week of April. Final dates will be set before classes begin. Field trip fee required prior to departure. Contact course instructor Dr. Thomas Schafer (tschafer@fhsu.edu) for additional information.
- Itinerary: Full itinerary will be available to registered students.
- Fees: $TBD (est 55-100) due to office no later than April 1. Fee payment instructions will be provided to registered students. Fees for lodging and admissions.
- Qualifications: This trip may include some minor hiking.
- Meals: You will need to bring money for meals and personal or extra amenities.
- Weather/Climate: Come prepared for varing weather. You may also want to bring a light jacket as it can be chilly in select locations and in the evenings.
- Equipment Needed: Quality walking boots/shoes (no flip flops or open toed shoes!), clothing and other personal items for overnight travel. Notebook and pencil. Camera. Money for meals. A desire to explore the physical and cultural wonders of New Mexico.
- Lodging: Will be in local/regional motels, standard lodging amenities will be provided such as linens and towels.
- Lodging will be in smaller local inns and to keep costs down rooms will be reserved to maximize occupancy to each room. Meals: You will need to bring money for meals. If you have special dietary requirements please advise the instructor prior to the trip and you may want to consider bringing some of your own food. M
Examples of Past Trips
Salt Mines and The Cosmosphere (Fall 2022) - This field trip explored two regional museums and the impact of both earth and cosmos on various aspects of human life and exploration. Participants will study the geography and geology of earth through exploring an underground working salt mine and touring a space museum. Instructor Dr. Richard Lisichenko.
National Weather Center (Fall 2021) - This field trip course explores various aspects of weather prediction and includes a field trip to a weather prediction center.
Geography of Barbeque (Spring 2019) - This field trip explored the geography of barbeque. The four capitals of US barbecue are considered to be the Carolinas, Memphis, Texas, and Kansas City. Each region is known for it's own style, this course explored the culinary art of barbeque and the geography of the cultures that claim it. Course instructor Dr. Keith Bremer.
AAG Geography, Sustainability and GIScience (Spring 2018) - This field trip included participation in the annual meeting of the American Association of Geographers in New Orleans as well as exploration of the old south. Instructor: Dr. Grady Dixon
Diamond Pipes & Diamond Prospecting in the American Mid-West (Fall 2012) - This field trip gave participants the opportunity to participate in a diamond mining adventure and to investigate the cultural impact of gemstone discovery on the region around Murfressboro, AK.
Ozark National Forest (Spring 2012) - This trip was the perfect trip for anyone fascinated by mountains and the people who have both adapted to and modified the landscape of a mountainous region. Students gained experience describing and interpreting a unique geography region as they immersed themselves into the environment, hiking through stunning and thought-provoking scenery. Students practiced interpretation of physical & human landscapes through a guided hiking experience in the Ozark National Forest.
Disasters and Response: A Ground Level View (Spring 2012) - Students had the opportunity to study a recent site of a disaster, as well as the opportunity to study the on going disaster response. Instructor: Dr. Tom Schafer