FIELD SEMINARS TAKE INQUIRY TO THE VOLCANOES OF SOUTHEAST ASIA

The Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) has developed a series of annual field trips to the volcanoes of southeast Asia. Over the past four years, over 50 geography teacher-participants have accompanied researchers and educators to Indonesia to study volcanic processes and the interaction of people with the volcano. Indonesian scientists integrate the field study with local monitoring, disaster risk management, education, and tourism agencies to provide a rich and broad experience. Partnerships among EOS, the Academy of Singapore Teachers, and the National Institute of Education align the program design with the physical geography syllabus.

The first field trip took place right after an eruption of Mt Merapi. Two years later, the program revisited Merapi to investigate the deposits and their effects on the people of central Java. In contrast, the 2013 field trips visited the Toba supervolcano of Sumatra and Mt Batur on Bali. The contrasts in size, eruption styles, petrologic processes, and local culture are helping build a regional conceptual framework for teachers who attend over multiple years. Pre- and post-field trip workshops provide theoretical knowledge about the tectonics and petrology of volcanic arcs. Materials for inquiry-based and hands-on teaching are linked to the results of various volcanic processes seen on each field trip.

EOS has evaluated the program over 4 years to determine its effect on participants’ content knowledge and changed teaching practices from this program. Evaluation methods have varied and the program goals have been modified.

http://www.earthobservatory.sg/outreach/education/field-seminars