EARTHQUAKES FROM THE GROUND OUT (EGO): USING REAL DATA AND VISUALIZATIONS TO TEACH K-8 PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS PLATE TECTONICS AND EARTHQUAKES

Earthquakes from the Ground Out (EGO) is an integrated science curriculum for K-8 pre-service teachers developed collaboratively between the LiDAR Laboratory and the Natural Science Program at the University of New Mexico. The goal of EGO is to use earthquakes as a framework for pre-service teachers to conduct a guided inquiry-based project using real data while learning basic concepts in geology, physics, spatial thinking, and math. The “Ground Out” component of the program relates to the 3D nature of the surface and subsurface data used in the curriculum. The curriculum begins with students using a variety of resources to make planet-scale observations of earth's features recognizing spatial patterns and changes in patterns. At the plate boundary scale, students investigate the San Andreas Fault system using a multi-scale, investigative model that incorporates satellite and LiDAR imagery of the fault zone and 3D distribution of epicenters. Students can explore the 3D world and discover cached information that illuminates the relationship between earthquakes and fault rupture. Additional exploration of both the San Andreas fault and faults in New Mexico will focus on relationships at outcrop to hand sample scales. At all stages of the inquiry, students are required to explicitly compare features that are observable at different scales, generate testable questions and hypotheses, collect and analyze data to test the hypotheses and document the progress of their investigation. The effectiveness of this approach will be evaluated through pre- and post-content tests, reflective writing, and Likert-scale type questions to document attitudinal changes with regard to doing science, as well as written and verbal presentation of research results.