About the Earth Exploration Toolbook
The purpose of the Earth Exploration Toolbook (EET) is to support access to and effective use of scientific datasets and analysis tools by the educational community.
Using scientific data in educational contexts can be difficult. Though incredible amounts of data are freely available, it is often quite challenging to find the exact information desired in a format that can be opened and analyzed using a manageable software tool.
Earth Exploration Toolbook chapters provide step-by-step instructions for using Earth system science datasets and scientific analysis tools in educational settings. Toolbook chapters guide users through case studies, in which they access data and analysis tools to explore important issues and concepts in Earth system science. Screenshots are available to help novice technology users complete detailed operations. Chapters also offer suggestions for further exploration of the data and other ways to use the tool.Chapters are designed for use by teachers, undergraduate faculty, and their students. Each chapter provides background information, supplemental resources, and teaching notes that enable an educator to use the chapter as is, apply it to other teaching contexts, and help students to explore and investigate a variety of aspects of the Earth system.
Why teach with data?
Humans' abilities to collect data about our planet has expanded exponentially in recent years. Our ability to interpret Earth system data, including the impact of humans on the system, is essential to developing an understanding of our planet's future.
Data-rich learning experiences can prepare students to address real-world problems. Using data provides students with opportunities to design and conduct scientific investigations and draw conclusions. Working with data also prepares students to evaluate the validity of evidence presented in any arena.
To address the challenges of teaching with data, the Earth Exploration Toolbook offers a carefully structured approach to provide teachers and students with direct practice finding, accessing, and analyzing data. This practice gives teachers the experience they need to adapt the use of the data to the curriculum teachers must teach, and gives teachers and students the tools they need to explore the Earth science questions they may have.
How do we ensure the quality of the Earth Exploration Toolbook collection?
The individual chapters within the Toolbook are tested and refined through an iterative process of review, including both scientists and educators active in the field. This process ensures that both the chapters themselves and their supporting resources, as entered into the collection, are of the highest quality.
Terms of Use
This website was developed by TERC with funding from the National Science Foundation.
We encourage the reuse and dissemination of the material on this site for educational, noncommercial purposes as long as attribution is retained. To this end the material on this site is offered under a Creative Commons license Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 1.0.
