http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#discussion http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#post7271
(1) Are the activity and its assessment well aligned with the intended goal of the activity?
Yes, the activity is clearly outlined, and assessment (via grading) would be easy even for a large class given the way the questions are set up.

(2) Does the activity capitalize on pedagogy that promotes learning?
Using the bridge example creates a relevance to daily life that most students would probably like. The activity could be used as an in-class activity or homework depending on how the class is structured. Each question outlines the steps necessary to answer the question, especially important for an activity in a large class where the instructor can only help so many people at once.

(3) and (4) Are the materials provided for students complete and helpful?
Could this activity be easily used by someone else as it is presented?
Yes! Uploading a .doc file instead of a .pdf would be easier for other instructors to tailor to their needs/audience.]]> Anna Courtier 1267032060 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#post7271 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#post7288 Awesome! I think that I'll have my upper levels do this when we get to seismology. I'm trying hard to incorporate real data into the classroom, so that the students can see behind the scene and this is a really nice example. I'm trying to think if there are any local events that I could use as well.

And I agree with Anna's review assessments and add that this is a great way to motivate students particularly in the Milwaukee area. I've found that if it's in the students' "backyard", they quickly become interested participants.

Thanks, Vince and Keith!]]> Catherine Cooper 1267034400 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#post7288 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#post7291
1. Are the activity and its assessment well aligned with the intended goal of the activity?
Yes
2. Does the activity capitalize on pedagogy that promotes learning?
Yes, the local event focus is a good hook.
3. Are the materials provided for students complete and helpful?
They are quite clear. I agree with Anna that a .doc file would be useful.
4. Could this activity be easily used by someone else as it is presented?
Yes, it would be quite useful to someone else, and perhaps could be adapted for other locales where structures have been demolished. The Crown Point Bridge between New York and Vermont comes to mind.]]> Glenn Richard 1267034760 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#post7291 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#post7491
This is an excellent activity with a great hook. A local demolition is a great attention getter.

The support materials are superb, including the student worksheet, the raw seismograms, the teachers' notes, and the phase picks. The links to videos are also valuable bait on the hook :).

Something that would be *really* useful to add would be a "how to" for those who would like to develop similar activities for other locales - specific advice, including where to look for resources.]]> Glenn Richard 1267199160 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#post7491 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#post7521 Vicki Hansen 1267202460 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#post7521 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#post7532
Ultimately, a West Coast (your Seattle example), Milwaukee, and East Coast example may make it the most relevant for a wide variety of people and will showcase the differences across the country. If I develop an East Coast version I will let you know! Perhaps this is an extension for a higher level course.]]> Anna Courtier 1267203000 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#post7532 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#post7545
I really like Glenn's idea of adding a piece on how to replicate this experiment elsewhere.]]> Vince Cronin 1267203660 http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/deepearth/activities/40458.html#post7545