ROBX - rocks in a box

Digitization of outcrops, rocks and lectures for student-oriented and diversity-open studies in the geosciences

Entire excursions or individual outcrops have already been digitized at the Ruhr University Bochum since 2021. The initiative for digitization was launched by the working group for engineering geology and rock mechanics. In the process, 360° tours through the terrain are created and these are fed with information in text or video form. 3D models of outcrops and rocks are created and peppered with information. Together with an interactive script, an excursion can be experienced independent of time and place. Thus, the digital recording of field trips and outcrops opens up new perspectives for learning and teaching in the field of geosciences.

The digital materials offer a great addition in the preparation and follow-up of field trips. Students now have the opportunity to experience field trips virtually and benefit from the additional information. This allows especially students with diverse burdens due to socio-cultural status, insufficient financial means or physical impairments a diversity-open access to teaching in the geosciences.

Terrain work - opportunity and challenge

Field work is an important part of the studies in the geosciences. Excursions and field exercises are therefore mandatory courses in the basic studies at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum. Skills such as the understanding, interpretation and visualization of three-dimensional relationships, orientation in the field and the naming, description and classification of rock and loose rock are trained during field work.

Field trips in the course are accompanied by some diversity-related challenges. Field trips often last days or even weeks, resulting in extended absences. Also, the comparatively high costs must be borne to a large extent by the students themselves. The steep climbs and rough terrain are physically demanding. Psychological stress due to the pressure to perform, long working days and lack of privacy is also a part of it. In some cases, there is no direct access to sanitary medical facilities, as excursions often take place in remote regions. Personal hygiene standards cannot always be maintained as a result. In 2020 in particular, we also had to deal with the restrictions imposed by the corona pandemic.

Through the ROBX projects, we promote equal opportunities and enable people with disabilities and / or chronic illnesses, care commitments, special financial burdens or other personal reasons to have diversity-open access to the course content in the study of geosciences.

Projects

(c) Melanie Hülsmann

As part of the Digifit - Digital geology meets inclusive field training project, mapping 1, which is mandatory in the bachelor's degree program, was digitized. By means of an interactive script and a 360° tour with 3D models of outcrops and rocks as well as videos, the Hörschbach Gorge in Baden-Württemberg can be explored and thus the field exercise for mapping can be carried out virtually.

3D Modell eines Aufschlusses in Schuld im Ahrtal

DRAGON Ruhr.nrw

The DRAGON Ruhr.nrw project deals with the interface between civil and environmental engineering with geosciences. In cooperation with the Technical University of Dortmund and the University of Duisburg-Essen, solid and unconsolidated rock projects are accompanied from the initial preliminary exploration, through laboratory investigations and the creation of the geotechnical model, to project planning and ultimately to construction supervision. Especially on construction sites, the risk of accidents for visitors is very high. Students thus have few, if any, points of contact with the actual implementation of construction projects before entering their professional lives. The project offers the unique opportunity for students to follow geotechnical interrelationships over an entire project as well as processes on the construction site.

Our 3D models

Interest aroused? Here you can find our 3D models (redirection to Sketchfab).