Where is that chunk of crust going? part of Cutting Edge:Introductory Courses:Activities
Vince Cronin, Baylor University
I introduce students to GPS, frames of reference, and the permanent GPS stations in the EarthScope Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) in class, and obtain near-real-time data for two stations from UNAVCO. We use ...

Cracking and Crumbling: Exploring Mechanisms of Dike Emplacement part of Activities
Phil Resor, Wesleyan University
Students explore the shape of basaltic dikes intruded into shale near Shiprock, New Mexico using published maps and a simple mechanical model. Students get practice in making quantitative measurements, evaluating ...

Introducing Geologic Map Interpretation and Cross Section Construction Using Google Earth part of Activities
Barb Tewksbury, Hamilton College
A highly effective, non-traditional approach for using Google Earth to teach strike, dip, and geologic map interpretation. -

Three-Point Problem by Simultaneous Linear Equations part of Quantitative Skills:Activity Collection
William Frangos, James Madison University
Students are introduced to the use of linear algebra in an intuitive and accessible way, through classroom activity and homework set. The familiar three-point problem is cast in terms of three dimensional analytic geometry, fostering understanding of mathematical models for simple geometric forms.

Continental Crust Mass Balance Calculation part of Quantitative Skills:Activity Collection
Jennifer Wenner, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
A quantitative skills-intensive exercise using data from the Mineral Mountains, Utah, to calculate mass balance and to address the "space problem" involved with emplacing plutons into the crust.

Assessing the error of linear and planar field data using Fisher statistics part of Quantitative Skills:Activity Collection
Vince Cronin, Baylor University
Instruction on use of Fisher statistics to determine the mean and 95% confidence interval of geological vectors, lines or planes, with examples, problems and an Excel spreadsheet for computation.

Thermal Exhumation Model part of Cutting Edge:Complex Systems:Teaching Activities
Steve Hurst, University of Illinois at Chicago
Build a one-dimensional thermal model in STELLA of rock uplift. Determine how the speed of uplift affects the geotherm and why uplift rates determined from heat flow are often too high. The model demonstrates the ...

HMK 1_Plate Boundaries: Present, future, & past part of Cutting Edge:Geodesy:Activities
Brian Hampton, Michigan State University;
This project builds on in-class exercises and lectures by having students learn to identify modern, future, and past plate boundaries. Students will use trends in topography, distribution of earth quake and ...

Threat of Flank Collapse at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii: Case Example part of Structure, Geophysics, and Tectonics 2012:Activities
Barb Tewksbury, Hamilton College
Students evaluate fault and earthquake data plus focal mechanism solutions, and develop a picture of on-going deformation of the south flank of Kilauea Volcano that might one day transition to catastrophic flank ...

Crandall Canyon Mine Collapse, Utah: Case Example part of Structure, Geophysics, and Tectonics 2012:Activities
Barb Tewksbury, Hamilton College
Students evaluate whether pillar failure and collapse caused ground shaking or whether an earthquake caused pillar failure and mine collapse in the Crandall Canyon Mine collapse in 2007.