EDG 795 Teaching Regents Earth Science Using Hawaii as a Natural Laboratory (Gr. K-12) Course fee $1200.
Instructor:
Len Sharp
Course Description
The Big Island of Hawaii is an earth scientist and naturalist paradise, providing a “natural” laboratory for the study of active volcanoes, hot spot dynamics, earthquakes, tsunami danger, massive landslides, climatic variation, astronomical observations, unique wildlife and a vibrant Polynesian culture. Hawaii’s offers earth science or environmental teacher a diverse and rich “natural laboratory” to perform activities related to their respective curriculums. Participants will hike through national and state parks as well as to perform investigations in the field. Included in this field experience will be a trip to the Mauna Kea Observatory for an evening of astronomical viewing.
Objectives:
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Using firsthand experience, the students will be able to make observations, collect and analyze data, and apply technology.
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Explore volcanic landscapes both ancient and recent.
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Experience 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones found on the Big Island, Hawaii.
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Develop a photographic essay with detailed captions concerning the areas studied on Hawaii.
- Through firsthand field experiences and research via a variety of media the natural history and tectonic processes that have evolved over the last 70 million years in Hawaii to support the habitability of life.
- Heighten awareness about the “pulse” of Earth - that is, the value environmental concerns that is vital to students’ informed decision making, responsible citizenship, and career success.
- Students will observe the interaction(s) between the lithosphere (rocks and minerals, landscape development, volcanic activity, earthquakes, etc.), hydrosphere (ocean, tsunami, streams, and groundwater), atmosphere (weather and climate, global warming), biosphere (wildlife and people), and cryosphere (the effects of the last continental Ice Age on the Hawaiian Islands).
- Develop a field guide for the planning, delivery, and assessment of a safe and successful Earth Science field experience.
- Collect, collate, and identify a variety of rocks, minerals, sand, and “fossils” indigenous to Hawaii.
- Perform Earth Science activities that are related to field experiences in Hawaii that can be implemented in New York’s Earth Science classrooms.
- Develop a network of resources for the from organizations such as FEMA, USGS, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory [HVO], The Climate Project, NASA, and NOAA.
- Explore numerous natural Areas of Hawaii and observe the rock types, landscape structure, fossils, and wildlife that make the preserved area unique. [Volcano National Park, Lava Tree SP, South Point, Mauna Kea Observatory, Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, Laupahoehoe (tsunami), Wapio Valley, cinder cones, black sand beaches, etc.]
- Develop a sequence of events via a geologic timeline of the Hawaiian Archipelago geologic province(s). Research the process of Hot Spot geology.
- Effectively using the New York State Earth Science Reference Tables in the classroom and the field as applied to Hawaii.
- Interpret and analyze USGS 3.5 Series Topographic Maps of selected areas of Hawaii’s Volcano National Park.
- Investigate weathering and erosion of Hawaii specifically related to landscape development while referencing the kinds of rock and minerals, climatic factors, availability of water, gradient, volcanic activity etc.
- Observe firsthand the effects of the present Pu’ Oo eruption upon the landscape development in Hawaii area black sand beaches, pahoehoe flows, aa flows, “fossils” “skylights”, lava tubes, pillow lava, etc.)
- Explore the Hawaii’s diverse environment by sampling water in streams, and ponds, monitor the weather, investigate methods of controlling lava flows, and visit museums and science centers via firsthand field experience(s).
- Prepare science projects and conduct scientific investigations appropriate for the Earth Science classroom and in the field.
- Develop and organize a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation describing a specific aspect of the Natural Resources of the Big Island, Hawaii based on firsthand observations.
Registrataion Deadline: May 20, 2008
Costs: Airfare Participant will arrange for their own airfare after May 20th, 2008. This is suggested in the event 10 participants are not met for the course to be held. Under no circumstances pursue an airfare until the instructor confirms course numbers have been met!
$1200.00 Activity Fee to cover transportation, lodging, and entrance fees
Tuition for the cost of three graduate credits at LeMoyne College
Field Trip Highlights:
Hilo – Lodging: Uncle Billy’s Hawaiian Family Hotel
Volcanoes National Park – Lodging: Kilauea Military Camp
Kailua-Kona – Lodging: Kona Seaside Hotel
- Volcano National Park (film, Kilauea volcano crater and steam vent observations, flora and fauna, precipitation / air temperature data collection, Jagger USGS Museum seismology)
- Haleamaumau Fire Pit (Hawaiian culture and archeology)
- Puo’o (if conditions permit), Kilauea Iki and Mauna Ulu (past lava flows)
- Kapalanni Black Sand Beach (sand and rock collection)
- Waipio Valley (canyon overlook)
- South Point; southernmost point in USA (coastline observations)
- The Refuge (ancient Hawaiian culture)
- Akaka Falls (rain forest), and Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots Plunge Pools (observations)
- Thurston Lava Tube and Lava Tree State Park (observations)
- Pacific Tsunami Museum and LauPahoehoe (past tsunami site)
- ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii at the University of Hawaii (astronomy, Origins Exploration Center, planetarium show, observations)
Instructor Information
C0-Facilitator: Susan Sharp, Phoenix High School Earth Science and Astrobiology teacher, Project LAVA (1999), Project Climate Ambassador, Woodrow Wilson Fellow , and recently elected STANYS Director-at-large for Earth Science (effective summer 2008)
Co-Facilitator: Len Sharp, 39 years Earth Science Instructor, Project LAVA1999), Presidential Awardee, STANYS Fellow, NSTA Distinguished Teacher, and Project Climate Ambassador. Past President of STANYS, NESTA and APAST
Both facilitators are trained field geoscience and astrobiology instructors and have combined knowledge and experience of 10 trips to Hawaii, including graduate level field coursework in the study of Hawaiian volcanoes.
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