VOLCANOES CSI: WHERE DOES THE FAULT LIE?

Volcanoes CSI (Cascade Science Investigation): Where Does the Fault Lie? Over the Klamath Basin loom stately Cascade volcanoes. Are they a threat? What and where are the greatest volcanic hazards in the Basin? Volcanoes CSI is designed to connect upper elementary students with nature and engage them in meaningful onsite volcano inquiry to address these questions. The big questions are broken into parts and awarded to groups of students who form “Geology Companies”. Students design field and “office” investigations, gather data, analyze their findings, and form and test hypotheses. In the process, students learn plate tectonic concepts and piece together the regional and local geologic history. To address volcanic hazards, students identify volcano types and research local volcanoes and the associated rocks and potential hazards. For example, students investigate flows from Medicine Mountain at Lava Beds National Monument, experience and photograph the inner caldera of Crater Lake, and hike across the andesite flows of Brown Mountain. To address earthquake hazards, students research local faults and historic earthquakes. Back in the “office”, students investigate US Geological Survey and Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industry geologic maps and supplement field data with internet searches for seismic activity and earthquake history. Students also conduct interviews and write accounts of local earthquake experiences. The CSI project concludes with Geology Companies presenting their findings, including risk factors and public safety suggestions, at a Junior Geology Convention using charts, photos, drawings, PowerPoint, and public speaking skills.