LiDAR and Geoscience Education – Opportunities and Challenges

Topic Topographic measures, mapping, visualization, Geographic Information Systems Earth Science Literacy Initiative (ESLI, 2009 Earth scientists are continually improving estimates of when and where natural hazards occur An Earth-science literate public is essential for reducing risks from natural hazards Benchmarks for Science Literacy (AAAS, 1993) Use computers to store and retrieve information and create files (Grades 6-8); Use computers to produce [graphics] and make calculations (Grades 9-12). National Science Education Content Standards (NRC, 1996) Use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data; Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence; Think critically and logically (Grades 5-8); Design and conduct scientific investigations; Use technology to improve investigations; Scientists rely on technology to enhance gathering and manipulation of data (Grades 9-12). Content in exemplary Introductory geoscience textbooks Trend toward maps and remotely sensed imagery of landforms as examples. Fundamental importance of topography and challenge of teaching its representation by contours, hillshades, profiles. Spatial data integration as part of inquiry-based learning. Marshak (2008) notably introduced “Geotours” which are guided explorations of a given topic via Google Earth.

TopicEarth as a system of which humans are a significant part Earth Science Literacy Initiative (ESLI, 2009 Humans have become a significant agent of change on Earth Humans are the most significant agents of change in surficial Earth Processes Benchmarks for Science Literacy (AAAS, 1993) Processes that Shape the Earth: Human activities have changed the Earth’s [surface] (Grades 6-8). National Science Education Content Standards (NRC, 1996) Living organisms have played many roles in the Earth system (Grades 5-8). Human activities can induce hazards; Hazards present the need to assess potential danger and risk; Risk analysis estimates [who] might suffer consequences (Grades 9-12). Content in exemplary Introductory geoscience textbooks Appreciation of effects of alteration of surface processes by humans; Importance of knowledge of earth science for sustainability.

Topic Geometry and processes of fluvial systems and hillslopes Earth Science Literacy Initiative (ESLI, 2009 Earth is the water planet Water shapes landscapes Benchmarks for Science Literacy (AAAS, 1993) Processes that Shape the Earth: [Surface processes] shape and reshape the earth’s land surface (Grades 3-5); Surface changes can be abrupt or slow; The surface is shaped by the motion of water and wind (Grades 6-8). National Science Education Content Standards (NRC, 1996) Landforms are the result of a combination of constructive and destructive forces; Water circulates through crust, oceans, and atmosphere; Water is a solvent (Grades 5- 8). Content in exemplary Introductory geoscience textbooks Various levels of description and process discussion for terrestrial landforms illustrated via cartoons and actual examples from maps, imagery, and photography.

Topic Manifestation of plate tectonics along faults at and near plate boundaries, earthquake cycle, earthquakes recorded in landscape Earth Science Literacy Initiative (ESLI, 2009 Earth is a continuously changing planet Many active and energetic geologic processes occur at plate boundaries Humans are threatened by Earth’s natural hazards Benchmarks for Science Literacy (AAAS, 1993) Processes that Shape the Earth: Plates ride on a deformable layer (Grades 9-12). Moving the Continents: The theory of plate tectonics provides an explanation for diverse phenomena (Grades 9-12). Earthquakes often occur along the boundaries between colliding plates (Grades 9-12) National Science Education Content Standards (NRC, 1996) Lithospheric plates move at rates of centimeters per year; Major geological events result (Grades 5-8); Heat transfer and resulting convection propel the plates (Grades 9-12). Content in exemplary Introductory geoscience textbooks The San Andreas fault as an on land example of a transform fault. Other faults as part of larger system of deformation.

Data exploration activity Go to Download NoCal, SoCal and ISB KMZ files Goal: locate features depicted in LiDAR images that could be used to illustrate the earth science topics / literacy goals outlined.

FIND (one or two examples): Earth as a system of which humans are a significant part: – Human induced landscape change Roadcuts, developments, agriculture, – Humans living in areas of high hazard – Humans attempting to control nature / hazards Geometry and processes of fluvial systems and hillslopes: – Hillslope processes in action (landslides etc.) – Temperate fluvial system – Desert fluvial system Differences? Manifestation of plate tectonics along faults at and near plate boundaries, earthquake cycle, earthquakes recorded in landscape: – Find a fault – How do you know? – Type of offset?