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

SBIR第二阶段项目提议研究和开发方法，提高中学教师和学生对地球系统科学数据和可视化的可访问性和利用率。 商业产品将包括一个DVD光盘、课程和网站。 WorldLink Media，Inc.该公司先前出版的CD产品，互动地球，该公司将开发一个集成的工具集，数据显示和图像解释，将使学生查询，假设，分析，发现，并与同行交流-复制真实的科学家的工作。交互式地球DVD-ROM远不止是一个静态软件程序，它将成为一个“学习平台”的一部分，该平台包括一个深入的课程包，通过网络访问丰富的全球数据档案，以及专业发展机会。 与美国航天局地球观测站网站和世界资源研究所地球趋势项目的伙伴关系将使课堂能够获得广泛的全球数据集和可视化。TERC是一个研究和教育组织，将开发一个符合国家科学教育标准的课程。 这个SBIR项目认识到课程开发人员（TERC），数据提供者（NASA和世界资源研究所）和媒体设计师和工具构建者（WorldLink）在创建示范性学习材料方面的重要相互作用。 地球科学作为一个研究和创新领域具有国家战略重要性。 对我们学校和学生的潜在贡献不仅在于地球系统科学，而且在于学生所开发的技能在科学，数学，地理和其他领域的相关领域的更广泛适用性。 这些思维技能包括探究，视觉素养，理解系统和模型，以及将知识和解决问题的能力应用于一系列现实世界的问题。

This SBIR Phase II project proposes to research and develop ways to increase accessibility and utilization of Earth systems science data and visualizations for secondary school teachers and students. The commercial product will consist of a DVDROM, curriculum, and web site. Building on WorldLink Media, Inc.'s previously published CD product, Interactive Earth, the firm will develop an integrated tool set for data display and image interpretation that will enable students to inquire, hypothesize, analyze, discover, and communicate with peers-replicating the work of real scientists. Much more than a static software program, the Interactive Earth DVD-ROM will be part of a "learning platform" that includes an in-depth curriculum package, access to a rich archive of global data via the web, and professional development opportunities. Partnerships with NASA's Earth Observatory web site and the World Resources Institute's EarthTrends project will enable classroom access to extensive global data sets and visualizations. TERC, a research and education organization, will develop a curriculum that aligns with the National Science Education Standards. This SBIR project recognizes the vital interplay between a curriculum developer (TERC), data providers (NASA and World Resources Institute), and a media designer and tool-builder (WorldLink) in creating exemplary learning materials. Earth science is of national strategic importance as a field of research and innovation. The potential contribution to our schools and students is not just in Earth systems science, but in the broader applicability of the skills developed by students to related domains of science, math, geography, and other fields. These thinking skills include inquiry, visual literacy, understanding systems and models, and the ability to apply knowledge and problem solving to a range of real-world issues.