Rocks to rainforest teacher

1. “RockstoRainforest”
The Teachers’Viewpoint
Viewpoint

2. “RockstoRainforest”
• Earth System Science
Interdisciplinary
Focus
• Engagement for
student learning
• Encourages student
participation through
use of current
technologies

3. EarthSystemScience
• Real location enables students to study site
within an interdisciplinary framework
• Focus on interactions amongst Earth’s
spheres emphasizes processes of science
• Problem-solving approach readily attained
through comparisons to other locations

4. EngagementofStudents
• “The Hook” is the motivator
• Real people doing real science
• Exciting locations and events brought
within reach through interactive
webchats
• Instant context provided for integrated
lessons

5. TechnologyIntegration
• Use of communications technology
(webcasts/webchats) allows students to
interact live
• Provides platform for integration of
satellite data products into lesson formats
• Development of cd facilitates whole unit
instruction within Earth System focus

6. InConclusion
• Teachers benefit from
model of technology-
integrated lesson plans
• Students benefit from
engaging in real tasks
• NASA data products
become integral
learning components

7. Objectivesfor Mt StHelens
• To compare/contrast the characteristics investigated
in Hawaii to the Mt St Helens region.
– volcanoes
– weathering/erosion
– soil formation/characteristics
– rainforests at different latitudes
(Notes: compare/contrast raises the HOIS level of
the project; allows for students to apply basic
knowledge from one situation to another)

8. • To continue a process approach to information
being recorded and developed
-allows for continuance of theme in new setting
(know processes, check for evidences)
-region allows for continued use of GOES 8 &
10 data
-goals of learning geography, geographic
regions, geomorphology, biology (biomes,
species succession), soil chemistry
• To develop a framework upon which the
interconnections of the Earth system can be studied.
• To model these relationships through
interdisciplinary study of chemistry, biology, and
earth science.