Educational Value of Seismic Data – A Case Study

Session: Research, Discovery and Education Made Possible by Low-Cost Seismic Equipment [Poster]
Type: Poster
Date: 4/30/2020
Time: 08:00 AM
Room: Ballroom
Description: 

The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) have supported low-cost seismic systems in schools for over 20 years through the Seismographs in Schools program. In the early years, educational seismometers were distributed to classrooms across the country. In subsequent years, the distribution of instrumentation expanded to seismographs operating in such venues as libraries and other public places, as well as supporting citizen scientists who operate seismographs privately. Additionally, the early program inspired many international educational networks. While we began the Seismographs in Schools program with the goal of increasing the quality and quantity of earth science education in the classroom, a recent case study research effort reveals that in addition to students developing a better understanding of seismology, earthquake hazards and earthquake risk mitigation, students are developing transferrable skills related to the manipulation and analysis of large data sets due to their work with seismic data.

Seismographs in Schools will continue to be of value to the goals of regional seismic monitoring because of its role in improving science education. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills required for working with seismic data help create a culture of scientific inquiry in schools inspiring some students to pursue careers in science and engaging even more in a deeper understanding of the science and the nature of scientific research that helps students understand the world around us.

Presenting Author: Tammy Bravo

Authors