Unit 3: Field Geophysical Measurements
Lee Slater, Rutgers University-Newark
Near-surface geophysical measurements are performed by moving sensors across the earth's surface. Active geophysical sensors transmit a signal into the earth and record a returned signal that contains ...

Unit 5: Integrated Geophysical Interpretation and Comparison with Ground Truthing
Lee Slater, Rutgers University-Newark
In this unit, students explore spatial associations between the three-dimensional electromagnetic (EM) conductivity inversions and the visible patterns of Salicornia (pickleweed) introduced in Unit 1, Exploring ...

Erosion in a River
Nicole LaDue, Northern Illinois University
Formative assessment questions using a classroom response system ("clickers") can be used to reveal students' spatial understanding. Students are shown these diagrams and instructed to "Click ...

Volcano Monitoring with GPS: Westdahl Volcano Alaska
Maite Agopian, EarthScope; Beth Pratt-Sitaula, EarthScope
Learners use graphs of GPS position data to determine how the shape of Westdahl Volcano, Alaska is changing. If the flanks of a volcano swell or recede, it is a potential indication of magma movement and changing ...

Alaska GPS Analysis of Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes
Robert Butler, University of Portland; Beth Pratt-Sitaula, EarthScope; ANGLE Project
This activity introduces students to high precision GPS as it is used in geoscience research. Students build "gumdrop" GPS units and study data from three Alaska GPS stations from the Plate Boundary Observatory network. They learn how Alaska's south central region is "locked and loading" as the Pacific Plate pushes into North America and builds up energy that will be released in the future in other earthquakes such as the 1964 Alaska earthquake.

World Map of Plate Boundaries
Bonpie Magura, Portland Public Schools; Chris Hedeen, Oregon City High School
The plate tectonics mapping activity allows students to easily begin to identify basic tectonic processes on a global scale. As students become aware of plate movements, they begin to identify patterns that set the stage for deeper understanding of a very complex topic. The activity uses a simple "Where's Waldo" approach to identify tectonic symbols on a laminated World Plate Tectonic map.

Unit 2.1: Geodetic survey of an outcrop for road cut design
Yonathan Admassu, James Madison University; John Paul Ligush, James Madison University; Matthew Gribbin, James Madison University
This unit offers an alternative application for high-resolution topographic data from an outcrop. Using engineering geology methods and data collection from TLS and/or SfM, students design safe "road ...

Grand Canyon Cross Section Lab
Jessica A. McLaughlin, Temple University; Doug Lombardi, University of Maryland-College Park; Alexandra Davatzes, Temple University; Allison J. Jaeger, Temple University; Thomas F. Shipley, Temple University; Margaret A. Holzer, Chatham High School; Jenelle D. Hopkins
Students examine a geologic map of the Grand Canyon and two imaginary vertical cores through canyon stratigraphy. They use these data to construct a cross-section across the canyon and to answer questions about ...

Evaluating the Health of an Urban Wetland Using Electrical Resistivity
Lee Slater, Rutgers University - Newark
This module introduces students to the fundamental principles and uses of electrical resistivity, with a focus on an environmental application. Students explore the characteristics and environmental setting of ...

3D Model of a Geologic Map
Basil Tikoff, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Naomi Barshi, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Carol Ormand Ph.D., Carleton College
Students analyze a geologic map of an angular unconformity that truncates a pair of dikes, with some topography. When students have deciphered the map and constructed a cross-section, I show them a Play-Doh model ...

Earth Layers
Nicole LaDue, Northern Illinois University
Formative assessment questions using a classroom response system ("clickers") can be used to reveal students' spatial understanding. Students are shown this diagram and instructed to "Click ...

Weathering and Sedimentary Processes in Google Streetview
Nicole LaDue, Northern Illinois University
This exercise uses Google Streetview, in combination with 360 degree immersive photographs, to show students real-world examples of the sedimentary rocks, sedimentary structures, and weathering processes that they ...

Introduction to Modeling Folds
Basil Tikoff, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Naomi Barshi, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Carol Ormand Ph.D., Carleton College
Students make Play-Doh models of synclines and anticlines, including one of a plunging fold. They use these models to answer questions about what these structures look like in map view and cross-sectional view.

Geologic Time
Nicole LaDue, Northern Illinois University
Formative assessment questions using a classroom response system ("clickers") can be used to reveal students' spatial understanding. Students are shown this diagram and instructed to "Click on ...

Introduction to Structure Contours
Basil Tikoff, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Naomi Barshi, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Carol Ormand Ph.D., Carleton College
Students construct structure contour lines for a "dipping bed" in our classroom and on a geologic map. In my class, this is a multi-day activity. In part 1 of this exercise, students use "topographic ...

Resistance to Weathering
Nicole LaDue, Northern Illinois University
Formative assessment questions using a classroom response system ("clickers") can be used to reveal students' spatial understanding. Students are shown this diagram and instructed to "Click on ...

Introduction to Modeling Faults
Basil Tikoff, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Naomi Barshi, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Carol Ormand Ph.D., Carleton College
Students use Play-Doh to explore the map patterns created by faulting + erosion. We begin with simple scenarios and progress to more complex possibilities.

Modeling Unconformities
Basil Tikoff, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Naomi Barshi, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Carol Ormand Ph.D., Carleton College
Students make models of various kinds of unconformity: disconformity, angular unconformity, and buttress unconformity. They examine those models from a variety of perspectives and consider how each one appears in ...

Isopach Maps
Basil Tikoff, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Naomi Barshi, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Carol Ormand Ph.D., Carleton College
Students complete several short, in-class exercises related to understanding isopach maps. We use Play-Doh models to illustrate features revealed in the isopach maps and to support student understanding of the ...

Modeling Folds: Block Diagrams and Structure Contours
Basil Tikoff, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Naomi Barshi, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Carol Ormand Ph.D., Carleton College
Working in small groups, students build Play-Doh models of 3 folds (one upright, one vertical, one plunging). They slice each of their models to create 3D block models, sketch block diagrams of each fold, and ...