Digital Library for Earth System Education
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Rip Currents: Forecasting
No full textThis is the third and final part in a training series on rip currents. The topic of forecasting daily rip current risk can be explored by operational forecasters, many of whom do not have a physical oceanography background. The hazards of rip currents and a review of the factors that contribute to rip current development are discussed. To demonstrate the process of a rip current forecast and as an example of what can locally be developed at the users station, the module presents a rip current worksheet that is used operationally at some forecast offices. Various parts of this worksheet require the use of observed data and model output. These resources range from NOS Detailed Wave Summary reports to NOAA WAVEWATCH III model polar plots of wave spectral energy. The usage of these products in terms of rip current forecasting using the worksheet is explained in detail. In particular, the issue of wave masking in the 2-D model plots is illustrated. In order to practice with the products presented, the user is provided two cases (East and West Coasts). Other factors discussed include tide and lake levels as well as situational awareness. Lastly, a summary of important points from the module and experienced forecast offices is provided. Users are encouraged to examine the state of their offices rip current program and develop a plan for improvement based on concepts and ideas presented in this module. Educational levels: Graduate or professional
The Teacher-Friendly Guide to the Geology of Your Region
No full textThe guides give teachers the background to make sense of regional and local geology in terms of a basic sequence of historical events and processes. The guides help teachers to meet national and state science standards by providing concrete examples of geologic processes that are closer to home than many classic textbook examples. The guides explain why geological features occur when and where they do in order to help students to remember and predict the nature of local geology. Educational levels: Middle school
Treasure Hunt in Alaska
No full textThis is a Web-based story of three children who venture out to find their great-grandfather's treasure box that was lost in the remote state of Alaska. Using simple terminology, the story integrates complex Earth and space science concepts, such as the formation of gold deposits and the operation of satellites. The children model creative thinking, acquire and interpret radar images, plan a treasure hunt, work systematically, and learn about Alaska. They also experience the successes and setbacks of actual research. The story provides opportunities for readers to engage in coloring activities, model building, unit conversions, and math calculations. Additionally, readers can interactively view an image from different heights and compare the size of Alaska to other U.S. states. Educational levels: Intermediate elementary
MarsBots: Robotic Learning Module
Get PDFThis learning module offers hands-on, minds-on activities investigating the Martian environment and robotic technologies of space exploration. The learning module contains 16 national standards-based lessons designed to progress logically from learning about Mars and why scientists and engineers want to explore Mars with robots (lessons 1 through 8) to the fundamental principles of robotics and how these principles are applied to design, construct, and test robotic explorer (lessons 9 through 16). The module is integrated to support fundamental concepts and skills in language arts, mathematics, and science. A background section along with teacher notes provide information needed to present each lesson. Educational levels: Intermediate elementary
GLOBE: All About Earth Our World on Stage
No full textIn this story, the GLOBE Kids are extremely excited to perform a play for the rest of the school, demonstrating what they have learned about the Earth and all of its parts. They have a glitch when they can’t decide which Earth component is the most important, but end up learning a lot about the Earth, sun, water, air, soil, and living things – and the way these components are interconnected. Educational levels: Primary elementary, Intermediate elementary
Dying Stars and the Birth of the Elements (CLEA lab)
No full textIn this computer-based exercise, students analyze realistically simulated X-ray spectra of a supernova remnant and determine the abundances of various elements in them. In the end, they will find that the elements necessary for life on Earth -- the iron in their blood, the calcium in their bones -- are created in these distant explosions. The product consists of both downloadable software (PC only) and a user's manual, with sections for both teachers and students. Educational levels: High school, Undergraduate lower division
Sea Floor Spreading Activity II
No full textThe Sea Floor Spreading activity is designed to help students learn the basic functions of the spreadsheet program Excel, by comparing Sea Floor Spreading Model Predictions with Observations. In this activity students import ocean bathymetry data from either the Topex web site or text files, they then graph these observations along with model predictions to assess the model's ability to simulate the observed topographic features of the North Atlantic. The exercise takes approximately 2 hours and is appropriate for use in introductory geoscience courses in which instructors wish to train students to use Excel for data down-loads and graphing ocean topography data. This site also provides teaching notes and tips, teaching materials, assessment idea and additional resources on the use of Excel and sea floor spreading. This activity is part of the Starting Point Collection: http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/ Educational levels: Graduate or professional
Teaching Tip on 'Minerals and Metals at Home'
No full textThis website is great for people to use as a preliminary resource. It is great in providing basic information on minerals, and how much is produced in Canada. However, for more detail on a particular mineral, one would have to further research the topic.
Comment on 'The Effects of Peabody Energy Corporation on Black Mesa'
No full textI found this to be very thoughtful and well written. My best regards to the author.
Teaching Tip on 'Introduction to the Atmosphere'
No full textTake your time going through this site. There is a lot of information here and it is a good resource.