Investigating earthquakes using real-time information is made possible through the use of web-based resources. The use of these real-time images and data from online resources, instead of dusty resources in a textbook, brings current world data into the classroom. Students are more engaged because they are fascinated with the fact this information just happened or occurred within the last hour in some cases.
It is important for students in this project-based learning investigation to understand that real-time data from web-based resources does not necessarily mean the information is available the instant it happens. Real-time data or information is updated on a regular basis, for example once per hour or once a day. This data or information changes frequently, unlike the information in their textbooks or other non real-time resources.
Searching for Patterns in Earthquakes – The Problem
This problem-based learning investigation is designed to determine if there are patterns in current earthquake activity around the world. Students are tasked to use web-based resources to collect data about recent quakes to be used for drawing conclusions and determining if there is a cause/effect relationship with the data.
Investigating the Earthquake Problem
Materials:
- Latest Earthquakes in the World – last 7 days (United States Geological Survey)
- IRIS Seismic Monitor – last 2 weeks (United States Geological Survey)
- Computers with access to the Internet
- Google Docs for developing a group report using word processing and presentation tools
- Google Earth for plotting earthquakes or a world map per group (available from National Geographic Xpeditions online)
- One large wall map of the world
- Map of world tectonic plates
Procedures:
- For two weeks, access real-time earthquake data and plot latitude and longitude of the quakes on a daily basis on maps or Google Earth.
- Groups take turns plotting the daily earthquake activity on the large wall map in the classroom.
- After real-time data collection period is over. Each group uses Google Docs to prepare a written report and presentation based on the patterns and conclusions they have drawn.
Their presentation must include the following as a minimum:
- Visuals, maps, graphs, and pictures to support their written report and presentation
- Patterns they observed in the earthquake activity
- Effects these earthquakes may of had on people in the surrounding region
- Conclusions and findings of cause/effect relationships within the patterns
- A letter to an elected official citing their concern over the patterns which are developing and potential for a life threatening earthquake
Questions to ask Students during Data Collection:
- Do the earthquakes appear to be occurring all over the world or in specific areas of the world?
- Are you able to predict where the next earthquake occurs based on your data?
- Is there any other geological activity occurring in the region of the earthquakes?
- Do deep or shallow earthquakes correlate to any particular type of plate boundary or other geological activity?
Tips for Technology Implementation
The following tips are provided in case of technology difficulties during the project period.
- Limited computer access – use web-based learning centers or handouts of the day’s quake activity
- Alternative websites – have alternate websites ready in case if difficulty accessing primary data collection websites
- Back up daily data – save daily data information on the computer used for projection onto interactive white board or projection screen for students use
Making Connections with Earthquakes and Real-Time Data
Using the experience gained from the collecting real-time data and searching for patterns, students realize the difficulty geologists have with drawing conclusions from the same data. This problem-based learning investigation will help students understand the complexity of the task for developing a reliable earthquake forecasting system.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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