KAREN BUCKLAND NICARAGUAN EXPERIENCE UGRO NWA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

My uGRO Experience You have to start somewhere This began my experience with my first real research in the field of geology and GIS

And, thanks to our mentors and Dr. Cothran, I can now tell which end is up!

Which became very important when we were soon transplanted… To Central America

NICARAGUA We traveled with Dr. Mattioli a vulcanologist from U of A Traveled all over the country (Managua, Leon, El Congo, La Boquita, Masaya and many more) Set up special tetrapods, with satellite receivers, powered by 12 volt batteries and solar panels Our goal was to collect data for use in interpreting the movement of tectonic plates.

Statistics Nicaragua is located on the Caribbean Plate It has one of the most substantial rates of tectonic movement in the world As a result there are 29 active volcanoes and earthquakes occur regularly Central America – Nicaragua Plate Tectonic Activity

The Terrain and Geology The Terrain Mountains – volcanoes Lush forests Black sand beaches All the geology that has captivated my interest in future work in the field of geology!!!! The World beneath our Feet

Community Nicaragua is very poor and the people live in very substandard conditions. There is a great deal of pollution Despite hard lives, the people are the nicest most beautiful people I have ever met

Cultural Highlights My favorite experience was when I was invited to dance at a restaurant. Three women were dancing to live music and asked me to join them. I learned the steps and incorporated my own. We hugged and took pictures together afterward

Volcanic Peaks The most exciting part of the trip was the volcanoes. We traveled up a boulder clad trail to the top of Casita elev feet. From the top I could see two other countries, extinct calderas, a long row of volcanoes, and a very active one.

The Sight, the Sounds, the SMELL!! The second volcano that we explored was Masaya. It was indescribably big and it emitted so much sulfuric gas that breathing was difficult. I also toured a lava tube while there.

Pacing our Workload Our working days were very hectic Breakfast at 6:30 am Traveling at feverish paces across the country Setting up and tearing down equipment Physically demanding Climbing steep slopes Waist high brush “Barbed wire fences”

Project Timeline 2008 February-Trip to Nicaragua, collect rocks March- Complete workbook, find publisher April-Complete text and photo layout for textbook May-Complete translation of text June-Submit for a Copyright July-Promote book August-Submit for publication Sept/Oct.-Present to National Geological Conference.

My Goals and Project Outlines GOAL: Devise And Complete A Project That Incorporates GIS Technology, Geology, And The Nicaraguan Community. Develop and copyright a bilingual student textbook that provides a comprehensive explanation of Nicaraguan geology. Have numerous color copies of the textbook published, including individual paper workbooks. Distribute the textbooks and workbooks to the Nicaraguan public schools. Make it available for mission groups to distribute also.

Textbook Content Classifications, descriptions and photographs of indigenous Nicaraguan rocks and formations. Explanation of the tectonic activity in Nicaragua and drawings of the tectonic plate. Describe the geological formation history of Nicaragua Earthquake, Volcano and Tsunami Information and pictures.

Textbook Content, Cont. Maps of Nicaragua GIS and GPS information and pictures of equipment Local Rock Sample Identification Card Subduction Data and Fault Pictures Safety tips for geological emergency situations

Workbook Content Crossword Puzzle Word Search Conceptual Questions Rock Identification Practice Blank Maps Basic Geology Information Mohs Hardness Scale Project Ideas Volcano diagrams Safety Review

Anticipated Outcome Successfully create a textbook that will: Be distributed to the schools throughout Nicaragua (especially those in need of books) Teach the students in Nicaragua about the geology of their country Create and interest in science and teach safety to the children of the country.

uGRO EMPACTS This uGRO project has brought me up close and personal to with: Science in action – the real thing Cutting edge technology Hands on learning Working scientists and professors in the field Cultures unlike my own It would be impossible to duplicate this type of learning in the classroom. uGRO is reaching undergraduates by integrating science and technology with real experience!