Introduction

DESC Online is a project aimed at developing earthquake-related curricula and educational products on the internet, allowing access for students and teachers worldwide. The goal of this project is to create inquiry-based, engaging learning tools coupled with hands-on activities.

Go to the web pages:

Investigating Earthquakes through Regional Seismicity
Exploring the Use of Space Technology in Earthquake Studies

Brief description of Project

Through daily contact with educators in the community at large and through formal education project planning workshops, SCEC Outreach staff has determined that there is a need for Web-based earth science educational products, tools and accompanying materials. To answer the growing need in community colleges, high schools and middle schools for better education resources in earth sciences, SCEC launched its "Development of Earth Science Curricula Online" (DESC Online) project. The project currently involves teacher involvement in the development of two Web-based modules, which are made up of integrated materials that, when completed, will meet National Science Education Standards. They will demonstrate an interactive learning approach by coupling hands-on activities with scientifically accurate knowledge and "real time" data. These modules will be"translated" into high school (9th and 10th grade) and middle school (grades 5-8) versions that can be widely distributed via electronic multimedia.

We have learned that good on-line educational materials possess the following qualities:

* Scientific accuracy
* Alignment with National and State Science Education Standards
* Issue-based learning
* Hands-on activities
* User-friendliness for teacher and student-users
* Innovative teaching styles
* Level-appropriateness

DESC Online Advisory Team

Module Storylines (click on a title)

"Investigating Earthquakes through Regional Seismicity"
"Exploring the Use of Space Technology in Earthquake Studies"