LAMONT-DOHERTY EARTH OBSERVATORY CONTRIBUTIONS TO PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE, PART 2: WEB-BASED PROJECTS FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University has expanded its long history of contributions to public understanding of Science through “live” and web-based programs that provide teachers, students, and the general public access to new discoveries and updates on key geoscience issues. Highlights of current activities are described in paired posters. Part 2 focuses on web-based activities that expand access to LDEO research to worldwide audiences. Included are: “GeoMapApp” and “Virtual Ocean,” “Data Puzzles,” educational materials developed for the Consortium for Ocean Leadership’s Deep Earth Academy, and web resources created by the "Earth2Class Workshops for Teachers." GeoMapApp is a free, map-based data exploration and visualization application from the LDEO Marine Geoscience Data System group. GeoMapApp provides direct access to hundreds of data sets, including continuously updated Global Multi-Resolution Topography compilation that incorporates high-resolution bathymetry in the oceans and Space Shuttle elevations over land. User Guide, multi-media tutorials and webinar offer follow-along help. Virtual Ocean integrates GeoMapApp functionality with NASA World Wind to provide a powerful 3-D platform for research and education. Both foster understanding and provide training in data visualization technologies. Geoscience "Data Puzzles" are activities that use authentic data from the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Carefully selected data illuminate fundamental Earth processes typically taught in secondary Earth Science classes. Each Puzzle offers one or more "Aha" insights, when connection between data and process become clear in a rewarding burst of insight and illumination. LDEO scientists and teachers have contributed to the education resource collection developed by the Deep Earth Academy. These include blogs, games, a graphic novel series, teacher resources, and integration with social networking sites such as Facebook. Earth2Class participants have created one of the most extensive online collections of resources available for Earth Science education. Key concepts guides, classroom and hands-on activity plans, hints for effective teaching, standardized test review guides, selected web links, and much more are available.