USING THE NGSS’S SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PRACTICES TO HARNESS THE EDUCATIONAL POWER OF HIGH RESOLUTION IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL FIELD EXPERIENCES FOR ALL LEARNERS

Advances in the creation of high-resolution photospheres and high-resolution photogrammetry now allow students to virtually view geologic points of interest and rock samples in unprecedented detail. The technology is dazzling, but to harness its power as an educational tool, the technology must be facilitated within a pedagogically-sound Immersive Virtual Field Experience (IVFE). The high-resolution IVFE must give students the freedom to explore and observe while later providing scaffolds that facilitate student discourse that utilizes the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices.

This presentation will:

1. Quickly demonstrate the technical capabilities of IVFE’s that use high resolution photospheres and 3D models.
2. Explain why the SEP’s are a key ingredient for the engagement and success of learners of all ages.
3. Describe the NGSS Science and Engineering practices that are integrated throughout the Columns of the Giants IVFE
4. Provide a sampling of the artifacts created by high school and elementary students that participated on the Columns of the Giants Immersive Virtual Field Experience.
5. Provide a checklist of strategies to utilize for those wishing to create their own IVFE’s.

The Columns of the Giants IVFE is free to use and can be found at www.sciencefriday.com/photosphere