STEM Earth CentralSTEM Earth Central

Exploring Earth System Exploring Earth System ScienceScience

STEM Earth CentralSTEM Earth Central Earth Science topics that can be used in Earth Science topics that can be used in

other science teachingother science teaching Mapping, GPS, GIS applications, Mapping, GPS, GIS applications,

geology, water, environmental issuesgeology, water, environmental issues Hands-on activities and relevant Hands-on activities and relevant

internet resourcesinternet resources Designing and conducting research Designing and conducting research

projectproject Applications to teaching in the K12 Applications to teaching in the K12

classroomclassroom Curriculum concept componentCurriculum concept component Optional extensionsOptional extensions

The Earth systems affect usThe Earth systems affect us

WaterWater ClimateClimate

Earth movementsEarth movements Energy resourcesEnergy resources

Spatial AnalysisSpatial Analysis

Maps as the Maps as the basisbasis

Overlay other Overlay other kinds of datakinds of data

Look for patterns Look for patterns and trendsand trends

Earthquake & tsunami of December 26, 2004

Aceh Province,Sumatra, Indonesia

Close up ofAceh Province,

Sumatra, Indonesia(before and after

Dec. 26, 2004)

GIANT EARTHQUAKES 1960 - Chile, 9.5 magnitude 1964 - Alaska, 9.2 1957 - Alaska, 9.1 1952 - Russia, 9.0 2004 - Indonesia, 9.0 Megathrust earthquakes, like the Sumatra quake, often generate large tsunamis that cause damage over a much wider area than is directly affected by ground shaking near the earthquake's rupture.

Can it happen here?

Globally, the number of people living within 100 km of the coast increased from roughly 2 billion in 1990 to 2.2 billion in 1995—39 percent of the world's population. (2004 World Resources Institute )

Role of the OceanRole of the Ocean

If polar ice melts, geography will If polar ice melts, geography will change!change!

TodayToday +15 m+15 m +30 m+30 m +60 m+60 m +120 m+120 m

Mapping comes first!Mapping comes first!

Earth-related problems involve Earth-related problems involve spatial data analysis.spatial data analysis.

Need to make and interpret maps.Need to make and interpret maps. Relate these to satellite images and Relate these to satellite images and

on-the-ground observations.on-the-ground observations. Let’s get started!!Let’s get started!!