Web-based Learning Course in Earth Science for Gifted and Talented

students

Education Bureau, HKSAR

Earth scientists study earth systems and their interaction

Solid Earth

Atmosphere

Oceans

Biosphere

What do we study?

We study EARTH MATERIALSWe study EARTH STRUCTUREWe study EARTH PROCESSESWe study EARTH HISTORY

Current situation

• Growing importance of earth science• No systematic education on earth science in

Hong Kong• Geography is not earth science• No suitable programme in Earth Science for

interested students because of streaming

1972 Po Shan Road Landslide

卓蘭．石岡水壩

Objectives• A comprehensive overview of the Earth

Sciences through a series of challenging web-based learning activities

• Accelerated learning on the earth science components in the NSS curriculumIntegrated science: Earth systemChemistry: rock and mineralsGeography: dynamic earth, weather and climate

Design Principles

• Hands-on, activity-based learning• Self-managed & self-directed learning process• Emphasize on the interconnectivity of multiple

sciences• Hong Kong context

Organisation of Earth Science Web Course

Level 1

Unit 1: Earth’s Formation, Dimension & Structure

Unit 2: Earth’s Lithosphere & Plate Tectonics Theory

Unit 3: Earth’s Material

Level 2 & Level 3• Atmosphere and Oceans• Weather and Climate• Climatic Changes• Internal Processes• Surface Processes, Landforms & Soil Formation• Geologic Time and Dating• Life on Earth• Earth’s Resources and Environment• Earthquakes and Natural Hazards• Applications of Earth Sciences for Hong Kong • Geological Features in Hong Kong

Statistics for Earth Science webcourse

Cohort Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Graduated

2007-08 428 144 46 21

2008-09 646 86 37 23

2009-10 414 133 69 54

Enrichment Programmes in Earth Science

Components

• 7-day intensive workshop• 2 field trips• Seminar and museum visit• Supervised student research project• Mentorship programme

Summer workshop

Prof Philip Murphy from University of Leeds• Team building activities• Lectures and practical• Group research projects

o Topics on earthquakes and geosciences careerso Forensic Geology

• Individual research projectso Topics on global warming

Seminars and museum visits• Self-guided museum exercise• Review of the Earth Science webcourse • Rocks and Minerals identification• Air photo exercise• Slope inspection

Field Trips

Tung Ping ChauSai Kung