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地球系统科学学习计划的研究和开发原型。该产品将包括一个DVD-ROM，它结合了高分辨率可视化库和基于查询的课程，并能够从互联网上的网站更新新内容。在WorldLink Media之前发布的CD产品“互动地球”的基础上，调查小组将研究和原型化一套先进的数据分析和图像解释工具，使学生能够询问、假设、分析、发现和与同龄人交流，复制真正的科学家的工作。以NASA的地球观测站和可见地球网站作为测试案例，第一阶段的研究将定义网络协议，让用户无缝地将数据和图像上传到DVD-ROM界面。TERC是一个研究和教育组织，它将评估教师的需求，并制定一个与国家科学教育标准相一致的课程框架。该项目认识到课程开发者（TERC）、数据提供者（NASA）和工具构建者（WorldLink）在创建模范材料方面的重要相互作用。主要的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。所提供的技术不仅有助于地球科学的学习，而且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.