Share Paper: Cyber-Enabled Earth Exploration (CE3): A new approach for teaching about volcanoes, earthquakes, and plate tectonics

1. Heather Almquist, The University of Montana, United States
2. Jeff Crews, SpatrialSci, Inc., United States
3. Lisa Blank, The University of Montana, United States

Abstract: Google Earth (GE) learning activities are increasingly popular; however, most of these activities involve only passive observation of GE tours. Cyber-Enabled Earth Exploration (CE3) is an immersive, GE-based curriculum on plate tectonics. It scaffolds students’ technical skills, analytical abilities, and scientific content knowledge, as well as increases their understanding of the nature of science. In contrast to most curricula addressing this content area, students begin by exploring phenomena at Earth’s surface. In doing so, they experience the process of discovery – making observations, asking questions, and formulating theories. As “scientists”, students maintain a “field notebook” of their observations and calculations. ...