HR: 1330h
AN: ED13D-09    [Abstracts]
TI: Explaining Earth and Space Science Concepts to Middle School Children Through Interactive web Based Stories
AU: Prakash, A
EM: prakash@gi.alaska.edu
AF: Geophysical Institute University of Alaska Fairbanks, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320 United States
AU: * Gens, R
EM: rgens@asf.alaska.edu
AF: Alaska Satellite Facility Geophysical Institute, UAF, P.O. Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320 United States
AU: Gupta, A
AF: Art Coordinator El Alsson National & British International School, P.O. Box 13, Embaba, Cairo, 12411 Egypt
AB: The role of story telling in educating, entertaining, and stimulating young minds needs no proof. Unwritten stories have carried from one generation to another preserving old traditions and cultural heritages. Advancements in technology have now brought computers and internet to homes, and tools for education and entertainment have adapted accordingly. Combining science content in web based interactive stories, provides a great way to capture the interest and curiosity of young minds, and in the process intrigue them to take up careers in science. 'Alaska: a Birds Eye View', and 'Treasure Hunt in Alaska' are two interactive web based stories designed for middle school children. Both stories are set up for the State of Alaska, but convey earth and space science concepts that are of relevance for everyone. Whereas the first story tells about the significance of satellite observations made in the optical and thermal part of the electromagnetic spectrum for mapping, monitoring volcanic eruption, studying impacts of sea ice edge changes in relation to global climate changes, the second story focuses on the significance of satellite data acquired in the microwave region of the spectrum for target detection. Creative art work has added to the visual appeal of the stories. Both stories provide a unique blend of earth and space science topics.
DE: 0845 Instructional tools
DE: 0850 Geoscience education research
DE: 0933 Remote sensing
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2005 Joint Assembly