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.

In this lesson, students explore the use of storm-tracking technologies, research how natural disasters are predicted, and assess the importance of these technologies. A case study of a New England snow storm and its impacts is presented for discussion, along with suggestions for retrieving information about forecasts as well as links to weather prediction and warning sites. 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 instructs educators on the classroom use of earthquake data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program. The data consist of locations, magnitudes, and times of earthquakes around the world. It is used by emergency response organizations and by scientists seeking to determine how earthquakes effect an area and whether seismic data can be used to predict future ... Full description.

This is an exercise based on the geologic hazard of land subsidence in areas of karst terrain. A brief introduction is given to ground water, the development of karst, and the resulting collapse features due to the lowering of the water table. Photos and an animation support the discussion. Users are directed to print out a question sheet that is intended to guide exploration of the Edwards Aquifer ... Full description.

This lesson provides an overview of basic atomic structure and the concept of radioactive decay. Topics include the particles that make up an atom, binding forces, and the concept of isotopes. There is also discussion of decay methods and half-life versus activity. The lesson includes an activity in which students use online applets to investigate the half-life and activity of selected isotopes and ... Full description.

This site contains slide shows and virtual field trips of Yellowstone National Park. There are several slide shows to chose from, including wolves of Yellowstone, bear research, fire ecology, the history of Yellowstone and the influence of art on Yellowstone Park. Each program features slides containing text and photographs. There is also an orientation slide show about the National Park system. More ... Full description.

This lesson is designed to help students use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data; develop descriptions, explanations, predictions and models using evidence; develop an understanding of the Earth as a system by understanding that global patterns of atmospheric movement influence climate, including local weather; and understand that internal and external processes ... Full description.

In this activity students use a map of the Mississippi Watershed to label and count rivers and the states associated with them in a particular watershed. Students "build" the watershed in a pan using modeling clay or soil. They use small objects to represent things such as pollutants, litter, fertilizers, sediments, etc., that could be transported by water flowing in the drainage system. Students ... Full description.