DATASETS, RESEARCHERS, MUSEUMS AND EDUCATORS: USING HIGH END TECHNOLOGY TO BRING AFFORDABLE VISUALIZATION TO THE CLASSROOM

The National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics (NCED), an NSF Science and Technology Center, in conjunction with the GeoWall community and partners at the University of Minnesota, has developed a cost-effective, paper-based method to bring high-end technology into classrooms, informal and field-based educational settings. We use existing geoscience data sets, such as NASA satellite data and USGS elevation data, to produce visualizations for formal and informal education settings.

Pre- and in-service K-12 educators at NCED work with practicing K-12 and research staff at NCED and partner institutions to develop materials that promote greater understanding of “source to sink” processes of erosion, transport and deposition. Preliminary research indicates that students respond enthusiastically and gain a greater understanding of surface process science when using these visualizations. In addition to visualizations, activities include lesson plans and background material designed to aid educators working with students at varying educational levels. A website and educator workshops provide ongoing support to educators.