PIECING TOGETHER THE PUZZLE: TEACHING PLATE TECTONICS THROUGH INQUIRY-BASED EXPLORATION IN GOOGLE EARTH

In the large introductory-level lecture classes that are the modern staple of college science education, hands-on, inquiry-based activities are a daunting prospect for instructors. With the trend toward classes taught partially or entirely online, the possibility for interactive learning becomes even more remote. In addition, concepts such as plate tectonics require global-scale exploration for general education students to fully grasp their implications. Many small assignments utilizing Google Earth are available that are designed to convey the different pieces of evidence upon which plate tectonics are based. We present an integrated assignment that guides students step-by-step through the process of deciphering the evidence for plate tectonics using Google Earth layers and datasets. This assignment will serve as a basis for a future study that will quantitatively compare learning as a result of this activity to learning as a result of traditional class lecture alone.