Using data to teach plate tectonics in an undergraduate oceanography course
Holly Dodson, UCSB

The CD-ROM, Our Dynamic Planet, developed by Dr. Bill Prothero, is a formidable tool enabling students to investigate the theory of plate tectonics using Earth data. This CD includes video animations created by Dr. Tanya Atwater that help students familiarize themselves with the theory of plate tectonics. The learning forums include the profile game that helps students use data to visualize three-dimensional geologic structures. The profile game is the ideal introduction to the map data module where students access Earth data to investigate evidence of plate interactions. The map data module gives students an opportunity to use data to make observations that they can interpret and use as evidence for their tectonic models. Students create profiles across subduction zones that show deep ocean trenches. They add the earthquake data to create earthquake profiles; and they can add the volcano data to show long linear chains of volcanoes that run parallel to the oceanic trenches. Profiles drawn across mid-ocean ridges display underwater mountain chains. Then when the seafloor age database is added it shows that new oceanic crust is formed at mid ocean ridges and gets progressively older as one moves away from the ridge. Finally, when the earthquake data is added, it outlines transform faults between spreading ridges in shallow earthquakes. Our Dynamic Planet gives students a friendly introduction to dealing with data, teaches them basic principles that they can apply to new situations, and stimulates their imagination.