Denise Karratti
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School

Earth Structures

Tue, Nov 06, 2012 2:36 PM
Resources Abound!

Although the content is aimed at the high school level, there is still a lot of information that can be used at the elementary level. The SciGuide map helps you navigate easily through the various resources. There are 3 main themes: earthquakes, plate tectonics, and volcanoes. Under each theme, there are subcategories. Each subcategory features both teacher websites and student websites. A computer center could easily be setup so that students can explore these sites on their own. The visuals are extremely helpful. For example, one link led me to Exploratorium, where there were photographs and graphics used to teach seismic science. I especially thought the Oreo cookie model used to explain subduction was cute and yummy, a perfect activity for 4th graders! Another link led me to the National Science Foundation website which had a report on what happens after a tsunami. It provided feedback from scientists on location. Another site from NSTA had students plotting earthquakes using longitude and latitude data. This would make a great extension activity for those students who are looking for ways to show “exceeding” performance.

Plate Tectonics

Sun, Oct 28, 2012 1:19 AM
Solid Resource

This SciPack is very informative. It provides great information on plate tectonics by walking you through a history of how today's understandings were developed. It was interesting to see how the theories such as continental drift evolved years ago, and yet it took many years later for technology to finally prove these hunches. The simulations and visuals play a critical role in increasing your understanding. So, sit back and enjoy learning about plate tectonics! Although you may not teach all of the material provided to your students, the depth of information definitely provides you, the teacher, extra confidence.