Instructor Materials: Overview of the Measuring the Earth with GPS module

Module Goals

Students will be able to:

1. Quantitatively analyze GPS data and interpret the geoscientific cause of the GPS motion.
2. Draw on GPS data to make societal recommendations relative to earthquake hazards, glacial change, and water resource management.

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Supports Earth Science Big Ideas
ESBI-1: Earth scientists use repeatable observations and testable ideas to understand and explain our planet
ESBI-3: Earth is a complex system of interacting rock, water, air, and life
ESBI-4: Earth is continuously changing
ESBI-7: Humans depend on Earth for resources
ESBI-8: Natural hazards pose risks to humans
ESBI-9: Humans significantly alter Earth
Climate Literacy Principles
CLP-4: Climate varies over space and time through both natural and man-made processes
CLP-5: Our understanding of the climate system is improved through observations, theoretical studies, and modeling
CLP-6: Human activities are impacting the climate system
CLP-7: Climate change will have consequences for the Earth system and human lives (links open in new window)

Summative Assessment

The summative assessment can be approached flexibly. The student activity handout (Activity 3) in Units 2, 3, and 4 can be used as the summative assessment for those units; Unit 4: Groundwater, GPS, and Water Resources can be used as the summative assessment for the module; and/or additional assessment questions can be given to students as homework, on quizzes, or on exams as the summative assessment. Learn more about assessing student learning in this module.

Outline

The module covers material sequentially, but the units can also often be taught as stand-alone lessons. For instructors who do not wish to use the module in its entirety, suggested pairings are included in the "Context for Use" section on each unit's page.

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Unit 1 Collecting GPS Data

GPS data can measure vertical and horizontal bedrock motion caused by a variety of geologic processes, such as plate movement and the changing amount of water and ice on Earth's surface. In this unit, students will learn the basics of how GPS works and how to read GPS time-series data.

Unit 2 Earthquakes, GPS, and Plate Motion

GPS data can measure bedrock motion in response to deformation of the ground near plate boundaries because of plate tectonics. In this module, students will learn how to read GPS data to interpret how the bedrock deforms and moves, both absolutely and relatively, near the transform plate boundary in California. They will then apply the skills they developed and knowledge they gained to demonstrate their understanding of how GPS data has implications for future earthquakes in the region.

Unit 3 Glaciers, GPS, and Sea Level Rise

GPS data can measure bedrock elevation change in response to the changing mass of glaciers. In this module, students will learn how to read GPS data to interpret how the mass of glaciers in Alaska and Greenland is changing, both annually and long-term. They will then apply the skills they developed and knowledge they gained to demonstrate their understanding of how their GPS data about glacial change has implications for sea level rise.

Unit 4 Groundwater, GPS, and Water Resources

GPS data can measure ground elevation change in response to the changing amount of groundwater in valleys and snow cover in mountains. In this module, students will learn how to read GPS data to interpret how the amount of groundwater in the Central Valley in California is changing, in particular in reaction to the 2012–2015 drought. They will then apply the skills they develop and knowledge they gain to demonstrate their understanding of how GPS data has implications for the future of groundwater resources in California.

Making the Module Work

To adapt all or part of the module for your classroom you will also want to read through

• Instructor Stories which detail how the module was adapted for use at different institutions, as well as our guide to
• Using GETSI Modules for Your Course, which outlines how to effectively use GETSI modules