Computer Science – Learning
Scientific paper
Dec 2005
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005agufmed11b1106r&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2005, abstract #ED11B-1106
Computer Science
Learning
0805 Elementary And Secondary Education, 0815 Informal Education, 0845 Instructional Tools, 0850 Geoscience Education Research, 0855 Diversity
Scientific paper
Since the creation of the Rock Around the World (RATW) program in January 2004, we have received 6,861 (to date) rocks from children and adults alike from around the world. RATW is an educational outreach device to inspire and teach children about science. In addition, the accumulation of almost 7,000 rock samples has exponentially expanded the Arizona State University earth-based rock library into a large collection of samples useful for scientific investigation of Earth and Mars. This library currently supports research that is being conducted by the Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES), the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) and the two Mini-Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini-TES) instruments that are onboard the Mars Exploration Rovers. Currently, we have 3 undergraduate students working on the RATW project. As each rock sample arrives, appropriate information that was received with the sample is entered into our web-based RATW database. The information received with the rock sample is directly input into the RATW website. The information is publicly available for each sample at http://ratw.asu.edu. The sample is photographed, and then sent to the spectrometer for analysis. Once the spectrum is taken, calibration is performed. Then the sample is filed away in our rock archive room. Our website has several interactive tools which enhance the learning process. These tools include an interactive world map where the visitor can click on a rock location and preview all of the rocks sent from that geographical area of the world. In addition RATW has also put four virtual mineral libraries online. This enables any visitor to the RATW website to deconvolve or "unmix" their spectrum to see the mineral composition, using the same techniques that scientists use on the TES, THEMIS, and mini-TES data. The 6,861 rock samples we have received have been very geographically widespread. Participants have sent rocks from such places as Greenland, India, Switzerland and the Falkland Islands. We have received submissions that have included maps, drawings, pictures, stories, GPS readings and scientific literature and research about their rock sample and collection area. The number of RATW participants, and the enthusiasm with which they have participated, has shown that educational and scientific programs in Earth and Planetary Science draw worldwide interest among students and adults alike.
Christensen Per Rex
Daub G.
Klug S. L.
Rogers Dennis L.
Rogers T. A.
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