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!!