This chapter describes the technique of preparing latitude-longitude based data so that it can be imported into a geographic information system (GIS). It describes the steps to create a map to display data and guides users through some basic geographic analyses. The focus of the chapter?s case study is earthquake prediction. Users download and format near real-time and historical earthquake data from ... Full description.

Discovering Plate Boundaries is based on 5 world maps containing earthquake, volcano, topography, satellite gravity, and seafloor age data. The novel aspect of the exercise is the "jigsaw" manner in which student groups access the maps and use them to discover, classify, and describe plate boundary types. The exercise is based only on observation and description, which makes it useful at a wide variety ... Full description.

This guide provides instructions for educators on the classroom use of the Geochemistry of Rocks of the Oceans and Continents (GEOROC) database. GEOROC provides chemical and isotopic data for rocks, minerals, and melt/fluid inclusions that are used by scientists for a variety of purposes, including analysis and classification of samples, comparison of similar rocks from different parts of the world, ... Full description.

This innovative course introduces undergraduate and graduate students in ocean science related majors to inquiry-based instructional strategies for communicating their passion for their subject area. These strategies, combined with college students' content knowledge and enthusiasm for sharing it, equip them to introduce ocean science to K-8 students and teachers in local schools. The site provides ... Full description.

This activity leads students through the process of creating a geologic map and cross-section in a small area of horizontal sedimentary rocks that are exposed in a few locations. On this Starting Point page, users can access information about the exercise's learning goals, context for use, teaching notes and tips, teaching materials, assessment ideas, references and topics covered. Full description.

This site from SERC's Starting Point presents sample Gallery Walk questions for an activity about map reading. These questions encourage students to examine lines of latitude and longitude, read representative fractions, identify landforms on topographic maps, ways to use road, contour, bedrock, soil, satellite, and aerial maps, and how to critique maps. The questions are organized according to the ... Full description.

In this activity, students analyze data from a single gage or watershed. They learn or practice basic skills in Excel such as importing data, applying formulas, creating charts, and adding trend lines. The students then assemble and analyze their individual results collectively in order to discover and discuss new issues that span multiple gages or watersheds. To conclude the project, results are ... Full description.

This site from SERC's Starting Point describes how to develop site-specific maps that relate to lecture, discussion, lab, or exercise topics. The creation of site-specific maps can help students better understand spatial relationships. This page also provides links to a variety of GIS and map resources. Full description.

In this exercise from SERC's Starting Point, students measure a topographic and geologic cross-section across a floodplain by simple surveying and auguring techniques. This example demonstrates how basic GIS elements can enhance learning by adding spatial context and introducing mapping techniques. GIS elements encourage students to consider the spatial context of field observations, introduce GPS ... Full description.

This virtual five-day field mapping project allows students to construct a geological map from data provided by the web site. Students collect geologic, structural, paleontologic, strain and microstructural data observed at specific localities. Students are then able to derive a structural history for the area, including a field map, stereographs, and deformation plots. The site contains photographs ... Full description.