Ideas FOR TEACHING EARTH SCIENCE
Sharing papers, references and suggestions to support traching Earth Science at school
We especially need imagination in science.
It is not all mathematics, nor all logic, but it is somewhat beauty and poetry.
Maria Montessori
Link to papers focussed on the use of geological maps in education
what are geological maps, why they are important and why their use is fundamental for the society
about the use of Geological maps as educational tool for classroom and outdoor activities
Use of geological maps and digital tools in classroom to improve 3D visualization of geological elements
file kmz for google earth
Google Earth allows not only to explore our planet, but also its geology. I list at least three different ways for a “geological” use of Google Earth, by adding and customizing specific information:
1) organize virtual geological tours (also as a hands-on activity with students) on specific topics: here are two examples for download, related to two resources of our planet, such as iron and gypsum, with local and global references;
2) drape a geological map on the three-dimensional terrain model (here are some examples to download), highlighting how landforms are controlled by the rocks and structures present: this can also be done together, on selected areas;
3) visit spectacular places where geology is naturally visible, such as the Grand Canyon or the Zagros Range (also finding them on your own may be an exercise….).
From the links in red in the text you can download some examples of files in KMZ format I prepared, to be view in GOOGLE EARTH (just download the file and double-click on the contained files and automatically the elements will be placed in the right position in Google Earth).
The shaping of the Earth
Mountains, valleys, and plains do not have a random distribution. Their features reveal what lies beneath the surface: geology is a three-dimensional science, allowing us to deduce from surface observations the nature and composition of the subsurface. Exploring with instruments such as Google Earth areas where vegetation is sparse, as in deserts, the colors and shapes of the rocks paint landscapes that reveal to geologist the history of the area
The planning of virtual tours and the draping of geological maps on Google Earth is an easy but excellent teaching activity, to explore our planet with a geological eye: students’ creativity can be stimulated by collecting geological information and displaying it in Google Earth. On the left you can see some examples (Mt. Vesuvius, Mt.Everest, Italian Alps) of Google Map screenshots with draped geological maps
An experience to engage younger boys and girls and bring them closer to geological disciplines: fossils are among the most fascinating objects, but how are they formed? And how can we have fun studying them?
A short video of an experience that can be easily replicated, with simple materials, without danger and involving everyone.
The memory of the experience will remain in the minds of participants for a long time, much more than any classroom lecture.
A simple activity for the next generation of geologists
You need some chalk, water, some colors, a few shells, containers, and simple tools: in a few minutes you simulate a process that lasts millions of years!
There are so many different rocks in our cities. What are they, where do they come from and how did they get there?
Why not a geological tour in our city to discover the story of these rocks? An example from the center of Milan, to observe different rocks that tell the story of man and of the planet.
Here some ideas and geological stuff for teachers, to experience geology in our cities (in Italian, but easy to understand for everybody, more images than text).
A Software to sumulate geological processes: a tool for everybody
Useful material for understanding geological processes can be found on the Web. I point out here a friendly, intuitive and interesting package for the digital simulation of geological processes such as folds, faults, erosion, and rock deformation. At https://app.visiblegeology.com/ it is possible to create a geological history and understand how geological processes can shape the planet we inhabit.
USEFUL WEBSITES FOR EARTH SCIENCE EDUCATION
On the Web you can find a number of tools for “touching” geology” and “playing” with geological processes and their products.
Below you will find links to some of the numerous sites with useful geology teaching materials
GEOLOGICAL MAPS: AN IMPORTANT BUT neglected TOOL IN EARTH SCIENCE EDUCATION.
Several geological maps are public and easily accessible from institutional websites (in italy, ISPTA) and may bean important educational tool that is unfortunately little used in teaching geology. Geological maps can also be purchased at a cost of a few euros and became an important part of the school library. For education, geological maps can be used to describe the area in which the school is located or for excursions, involving students in “reading” the area around them. Notions learned in books (types of rocks, existence of folds and faults, landforms and processes such as landslides) can be recognized in reality, consolidating the knowledge acquired.
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand – Confucio
Slide (and recordings in italian) of different seminars
I share the slides of different seminars I have held during dissemination initiatives organized by the Earth Science Department “A. Desio” of the Milano University. They are mostly in Italian, but full of images that can be used for presentation in any language. The seminars cover different basic topics of geology and may be used for teaching purposes.
If you speak Italian.... a book describing geology for everybody
Un saggio semplice ma rigoroso, per avvicinarci ad una disciplina affascinante, quale è la geologia: una scienza utile per la vita di tutti i giorni, per le risorse che la Terra di fornisce, per i rischi che dobbiamo affrontare su un pianeta dinamico, per l’attenzione che dobbiamo avere per evitare errori che potremmo pagare cari. Ma anche per capire come la mente umana e la tecnologia ci abbiano permesso di comprendere processi e fenomeni che durano milioni di anni e che hanno prodotto il mondo e la vita come la conosciamo oggi. Un testo per tutti: curiosi, insegnanti e studenti, che ci può avvicinare ad una scienza trascurata.
Disponibile (anche in e-book) in libreria e su tutte le piattaforme ecommerce (Amazon, IBS, Mondadori, Hoepli, Feltrinelli, Google books etc.), acquistabile con la “Carta del docente” e “Bonus cultura 18app”.
La geologia per tutti
PER CHI E’ CURIOSO: Una mia intervista radiofonica per spiegare la vita del geologo e l’importanza della geologia nella nostra società
Un “manuale di funzionamento” del nostro pianeta, per capire come si trasforma e come gestire le sue risorse rispettandolo
Come facciamo a misurare quanto è vecchia la Terra?
Come si formano i fossili e i minerali?
Dove troviamo le risorse naturali?
Quanto è dinamico il nostro pianeta?
Come è cambiato il clima?
Cosa vuol dire prevedere i terremoti?
Domande complesse, per le quali abbiamo le sorprendenti risposte che ci fornisce la geologia, la scienza che studia la Terra, il nostro fantastico, unico e delicato pianeta.
Qualche approfondimento sul saggio: geologia e cambiamenti climatici
Un seminario per parlare di “cambiamento climatico” e capire come la geologia può aiutarci a comprenderlo. Conoscere è fondamentale, per capire l’effetto di otto miliardi di Homo sapiens, il mammifero di grossa taglia più diffuso (e più intraprendente) presente sul nostro pianeta
Se vuoi le diapositive, puoi scaricarle qui sotto in formato PDF
GEOLOGY IS ALL AROUND US
Even in the walls of our cities