Earth Observations: Pattern Recognition of the Earth System Matt Nyman, Amy Ellwein and Michael Crane Natural Science Program University of New Mexico
The learning goals of Earth Observation Day are: To work on observation and pattern recognition skills. To learn about the Earth System through observations of specific features and processes on the Earth. Some of these will form the basis for future activities and projects.
The tasks of Earth Observation Day are: Make detailed observations of visualizations. Examine relations between patterns of three visualizations. Hypothesize
Class Context Natural Science 261L – Physical Science Mixed lecture/lab course for K-8 pre-service teachers Content – Physics, Earth Science, Astronomy Method – 2 x 21/2 hour classes; mixed lab/lecture Model various instructional strategies and pedagogy
Class Goals Science content Transferable activities Science process and thinking Confidence in learning, doing and teaching science
Class Goals Science content Transferable activities Science process and thinking Confidence in learning, doing and teaching science
Framework: Scientific Process Activity Model for Inquiry (AMI) Harwood (2004)
1, 2, 3, 4, …. 2, 4, 6, 8, …. 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, …
As the wind does blow Across the trees, I see the Buds blooming in May
Magnetic Field Intensity Other Datasets Crustal thickness Earthquakes Physiography Volcanoes Biomes Population Density Surface Sea T Land T S- and P-wave V Geothermal Gradient Gravity Magnetic Field Intensity Example – Heat Flow: North-South oriented bands. Oval shaped bulls-eyes of high mWm-2. Large areas of 60-85 mWm-2. Round irregular spaced areas of low mWm-2. High areas along boundaries in ocean
As a result of this activity, my ability to recognize patterns on the visualizations:
Integrate visualizations throughout semester Extensions Integrate visualizations throughout semester
Challenges and Future Student buy-in Student frustration w/ not knowing (a good thing) Skimmers Data sets on same scale