SBIR Phase I: Interactive Earth: Tools for Earth Systems Science

这个小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目将为中学进行研究和开发地球系统科学学习计划的原型。该产品将包括一个DVD-ROM，它结合了一个高分辨率可视化图像库和一个基于探究的课程，并能够使用互联网上网站的新内容进行更新。在WorldLink Media之前发布的CD产品Interactive Earth的基础上，调查团队将研究并制作一套先进的数据分析和图像解释工具集，使学生能够询问、假设、分析、发现并与同行交流，复制真正科学家的工作。以NASA的地球观测站和可视地球网站为测试案例，第一阶段的研究将定义网络协议，允许用户无缝地将数据和图像上传到DVD-ROM接口。TERC是一个研究和教育组织，将评估教师的需求，并制定符合国家科学教育标准的课程框架。该项目认识到课程开发者(TERC)、数据提供者(NASA)和工具建造者(WorldLink)之间在创建示范材料方面的重要相互作用。主要商业应用包括供学校使用的DVD-ROM和课程包，供家庭和图书馆使用的DVD程序，以及供博物馆和科学中心使用的交互式多媒体资源。提供的技术不仅将有助于地球科学的学习，还将有助于解决信息管理问题：在课堂环境中有效地处理大量数据。

This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will conduct research and develop prototypes of an Earth Systems science-learning program for secondary schools. The product will consist of a DVD-ROM that combines a library of high-resolution visualizations with an inquiry-based curriculum and the ability to update with new content from web sites on the Internet. Building on WorldLink Media's previously published CD product, Interactive Earth, the investigative team will research and prototype an advanced tool set for data analysis and image interpretation that will enable students to inquire, hypothesize, analyze, discover, and communicate with peers, replicating the work of real scientists. Using NASA's Earth Observatory and Visible Earth web sites as a test case, the Phase I research will define Web protocols that let users seamlessly upload data and imagery into the DVD-ROM interface. TERC, a research and education organization will evaluate teacher needs and develop a curriculum framework that aligns with the National Science Education Standards. This project recognizes the vital interplay between a curriculum developer (TERC), a data provider (NASA) and a tool-builder (WorldLink) in creating exemplary materials. Principal commercial applications include a DVD-ROM and curriculum package for schools, a DVD program for homes and libraries, and an interactive multimedia resource for museums and science centers. The proffered technology will not only contribute to earth science learning but also to solving information management problems: dealing with large amounts of data effectively in a classroom setting.