Maggi Glasscoe, Anne Mikolajcik, Andrea Donnellan, Michael Watkins, Mark Smith, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Southern California Integrated GPS Network, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
This educational module was designed to allow students to interactively explore the use of SCIGN (Southern California Integrated GPS Network) and its data in earthquake studies. It is divided into four major sections: Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, GPS (Global Positioning System), and Space Technology at Work. All of the sections include background material and activities; the first three sections focus primarily on introducing satellite technology and tectonic phenomena, and the final section serves to integrate knowledge learned in the first three by allowing students to use real SCIGN data in their investigations into plate tectonics, earthquakes, and GPS. Primary concepts include: Forces in the Earth cause its surface to change over time, earthquakes release stress causing permanent change in the Earth's crust, GPS is a satellite technology used as a tool to measure crustal change, and SCIGN is a network of GPS stations used to study tectonics and earthquakes in Southern California. The activities include: How many earthquakes does it take to build a mountain?, Are GPS measurements accurate or precise? What is a rate? How far away are satellites? How fast is the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's station moving? How long will it take for Los Angeles and San Francisco to meet?
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Subject: Geography:Geospatial, Environmental Science:Natural Hazards:Earthquakes Resource Type: Activities, Scientific Resources:Overview/Reference Work Special Interest: Hazards Grade Level: College Lower (13-14), High School (9-12) Theme: Teach the Earth:Teaching Topics:Earthquakes, Teach the Earth:Incorporating Societal Issues:Hazards, Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Environmental Science, GIS/Remote Sensing
