Module 6: Earth Science

Section 6.1: Learning About the Earth

6.1.B: Rock Types

Bedrock Geology of the Fulton Lake Map Area, North-Central B.C.
Example of a ‘real-life’ example of a geological map from the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. The Geological Survey Branch Mapping Project has created geological maps of many areas in BC.
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/dl/GSBPubs/OF/1996-29/OF1996-29c.pdf

Geologic Maps
Information on Geologic Mapping from the US Geological Survey
http://www2.nature.nps.gov/geology/usgsnps/gmap/gmap1.html

An Introduction to Remote Sensing
It’s interesting to note how different maps can be produced from one image, depending upon the information required by a map user!
http://www.cmis.csiro.au/rsm/intro/

6.1C: Seismology

National Geographic ‘Forces of Nature’
Go to the website below and select ‘earthquakes’. Watch step 5 in the sequence—it’s called ‘Measurement and Recording’. Here you see a cross section of an earthquake’s epicentre and focus (also called the hypocentre).  Start an earthquake, watch waves radiate outwards and keep an eye on the seismograph to see what happens when the waves reach the recording station!

Next, try step 6 (Locate an earthquake) in the sequence. Try this interactive animation and actually locate an epicentre using seismograph readings.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/forcesofnature/interactive/index.html?section=e

Savage Earth
View the P- and S-wave animation. This animation uses side-by-side images of earth’s surface and interior to recreate the wave movement triggered by an actual 1994 earthquake.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/savageearth/animations/earthquakes/index.html

Volcanoes of Canada
Learn about types of volcanoes and eruptions, their hazards, how they are monitored, what we do about them, and how to become a volcanologist’.
http://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/volcanoes/index_e.php

Volcano World
K-12 resource featuring images of volcanoes, current eruptions, ‘today in volcano history’ and a volcano locator.
http://volcano.und.edu/

Section 6.2: The Geological Time Scale

Lesson 6.2A: Investigating Fossil Evidence

Extinction!
Preview available addressing the relationship between human activity and the extinction of wildlife species.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/extinction/index.html

The Formation of Fossils
Examples of body fossils.
http://www.scienceviews.com/dinosaurs/fossilformation.html

The Cambrian Explosion’
Information on fossil preservation.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/03/4/l_034_02.html

6.3A: Theory and Evidence of Plate Tectonics

Tectonics 1.0
Try an interactive puzzle—move and rotate continents to go back in time and reconstruct the ancient supercontinent of Pangaea
http://atlas.geo.cornell.edu/education/student/continental_puzzle.html

6.2B: Measuring Geological Ages

“Unusual Rock Upsets Geology Theory”. National Science Foundation, Frontiers, October 1996.
Information related to identifying scientific hypotheses, theories and laws
http://www.nsf.gov/news/frontiers_archive/12-96/12rock.jsp

Section 6.2: Final Assignment: Concept Mapping

Freemind
Freemind is a free, open source mind-mapping software application.
http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Inspiration
Inspiration software provides a free 30-day trial version of concept mapping software along with samples and other graphic organizer ideas.
http://www.inspiration.com/vlearning/index.cfm?fuseaction=concept_maps

The Concept Mapping Homepage
Scroll down to see a sample concept map as well as a list of links to downloadable software. If you choose to use a software program, select one that is either free or that offers a free time trial.
http://users.edte.utwente.nl/lanzing/cm_home.htm

Section 6.3: Plate Tectonics

6.3B: Tectonic Plate Interactions

Plate Borders and Mountain-Building
Click on each image for an animated demonstration of plate movement.
http://www.seed.slb.com/en/scictr/watch/living_planet/mountains.htm

Mountain Maker, Earth Shaker
Pull the plates apart and push them together and watch what happens to the Earth.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/tectonics/#

Exploring Earth Visualizations—Transform boundary
Animations of processes that occur along plate boundaries.
http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/visualizations/es0804/es0804page01.cfm?chapter_no=visualization

Hotspots Animation
A good example of hotspots, since this animation shows the build-up of islands as a gradual process.
http://www.geo.wvu.edu/~donovan/geol101/animations/55.swf

6.3C: Impact of Tectonic Activity

National Geographic Forces of Nature: Volcanoes
To see examples of each type of volcano, visit the 'Forces of Nature' site created by National Geographic; choose the 'Volcanoes' icon and read the 'Lab' tabs 1-6. Try animating each type of volcano for yourself.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/forcesofnature/interactive/index.html?section=e

Tsunamis and Earthquakes: Life of a Tsunami. US Geological Survey
Images an explanation of tsunamis, with links to Quicktime animations and additional resources on tsunami preparedness.
http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/tsunami/basics.html

Tsunami Attack—PBS
Animation and explanation of tsunamis.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/savageearth/animations/tsunami/

Tsunamis
Learn more about how and why they happen, and what to do in case of a tsunami.
http://www.pep.bc.ca/tsunamis/index.htm