ERIC Number: EJ1221730
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Jul
Pages: 7
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-8555
EISSN: N/A
Earth in Our Hands
Marshall, Cory
Science Teacher, v86 n9 p40-46 Jul 2019
This article describes how one teacher introduced Earth science topics to a 10th-grade biology class using a 3D printer. The activities described give students opportunities to visit Earth's geologic landmarks through kinesthetic modeling. 3D-printed topographical maps function as a supplement to, or replacement of, two-dimensional drawings, computerized maps, or satellite images. Using kinesthetic activities to introduce students to these formations allow students to interact with the world in ways that would be impossible using 2-D maps or drawings, or even if they were on location for their research (Williams, Oulton, and Taylor 2017). Stretches of land 60 km wide and 4,000 m high become small enough for students to hold in their hands while still retaining all the details necessary for studying. These 3D-printed topographical maps were presented to classes of 25-30 students as part of the class's end-of-year Earth science unit. Students participated in a series of stations, each taking 1-2 days for a group of 4-7 students to complete, each with unique 3D maps. Major lessons covered by the different stations include glaciation, erosion, and tectonic plate movement; however, this article focuses on an activity called "Caldera Comparison: Using 3D-printed maps to show how volcanoes have shaped Earth throughout history."
Descriptors: Computer Peripherals, Printing, Topography, Maps, Earth Science, Science Instruction, Teaching Methods, Secondary School Science, High School Students, Grade 10, Science Activities, Science Process Skills, Physical Geography
National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Secondary Education; High Schools; Grade 10
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A