Educational Materials

Data for Educators One Pager
Contains information for educators on how to get started with using UNAVCO's GPS data.

Visualizing Relationships Between Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Plate Boundaries in the Western U.S. Using EarthScope Jr.
Learners use the web-based data viewing tool, EarthScope Jr., or the included map packet to visualize relationships between earthquakes, volcanoes, and plate boundaries in the western United States. The instructor's guide, worksheet, and map packet are required for this activity; the computer instructions are required if using a computer. Includes the instructor presentation (in pdf and ppt formats), student worksheet, computer instructions, and map packet

Exploring Plate Motion and Deformation in California Using GPS Time Series Plots: Lesson Plan
Students learn about Global Positioning System (GPS) data and time series plots then work with authentic GPS time series plots to determine the magnitude and direction of movement for given GPS stations, and calculate the amount of slip that occurred during the Parkfield earthquake. There are two activities included in this sequence:

• Introduction to Reading Time Series Plots : This activity provides a brief introduction to GPS and provides a student activity to practice creating and reading time series plots with simplified GPS data. Students graph how a tectonic plate (and the GPS unit attached to it) has moved over a five year time period by moving a GPS model across a North-East coordinate graph. After this activity, students are ready to explore authentic GPS data.
• Exploring Plate Motion and Deformation in California Using GPS Time Series Plots
  
  • Part I: Analyzing real time-series data of two GPS stations to determine plate tectonic motion
  • Part II: Investigate deformation at two GPS stations in California

Exploring Plate Motion and Deformation in Cascadia Using GPS Data
Designed as a large class (50+) exercise. Students work in teams of 4 to analyze GPS data to determine regional plate motion in the Cascadia (Pacific Northwest) region using authentic GPS time series plots.

Analyzing Plate Motion Using EarthScope GPS Data with the Pacific Northwest as a case study
Earth Exploration Toolbook Chapter: Learn how to use GPS to visualize plate tectonics in the Pacific Northwest. Students learn how to access GPS data, create Time Series Plots, plot velocity vectors on a map, and analyze regional plate motion.

Episodic Tremor and Slip in the Pacific Northwest: when is the next big earthquake?
Designed for middle school students, grades 6 - 8. Students explore episodic tremor and slip in the Cascadia region by using GPS Time Series Plots.

Draft: Introducing GPS and Time Series Plots This activity for middle school students introduces high precision GPS. Students observe a demonstration and reflect on how GPS is used to pinpoint a location; learn how to read a GPS time series plot; analyze movement of GPS stations; build a simple GPS monument and model how GPS stations move; compare motions of multiple GPS stations; and analyze real GPS time series plots.

Will It Blow? Monitoring Yellowstone's Volcanic Activity Activity sequence for students in grades 8 - 12. Students interpret historical and real-time monitoring data: volcanic eruption history, hydrothermal activity, earthquakes, and GPS data for Yellowstone National Park. By analyzing this data students determine if there is a space suitable for building a golf resort in the park. Students construct a presentation or written report based on the National Science Standards format.

Using GPS to Study Tectonics, Earthquakes, and Volcanoes [PDF]
A two-page PDF overview of how researchers use GPS to learn more about our dynamic Earth. This document was developed by Jessica Murray and Becca Walker for K-12 teachers.

Northern California PBO Installation [PPT]
Princeton High School Earth Science teacher, TJ Pray, shares his PBO installation experience in a powerpoint presentation for his students.

GPS Tutorials

UNAVCO GPS Tutorial Pages
Elevation Correction and the Geoid
The Geoid and Receiver Measurements
Selective Availability and the GPS Receiver

More GPS Tutorials
Peter Dana's Tutorial on GPS
Kristine M. Larson's Tutorial on How GPS Works
Trimble GPS Tutorial
GPS Resource Library

Educational Game
Polar Power through the Night : In this Flash - based interactive exercise, students try their hands at designing a power system to run the GPS equipment through three years (including three polar nights!) of study and learn about the power needs of scientists doing research in extreme, polar environments and the important factors in powering remote, autonomous power and communication systems in Polar regions. Funded by the Polar MRI grant.

Science Standards