NEW_Accomplishments.indd - IRIS

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
2006 IRIS 5-YEAR PROPOSAL
The U.S. Educational Seismology Network
Michael W. Hamburger, Gary L. Pavlis • Indiana University
Larry W. Braile • Purdue University
Tom Owens • University of South Carolina
John Lahr • U.S. Geological Survey (Emeritus)
Over the past five years, IRIS and its member institutions have contributed to a growing movement that seeks to introduce
students to geophysical study of the Earth through the deployment of seismological sensors in educational settings.
These science outreach programs promote the use of seismographs and seismic data to improve scientific literacy, spark student
interest in scientific research, increase their understanding of natural hazards, and to actively engage them in real-world
scientific research. Following community initiation and involvement, IRIS has taken the lead in organizing and energizing
this new approach to earth science education—the U.S. Educational Seismology Network, or USESN.
The mission of the USESN
is to promote the use of seismographs
and seismic data for
science education. This project
has emerged out of several independent
educational seismology
initiatives, whose collective efforts
have resulted in the development
of a 300+ station national
school seismograph network. The
USESN effort is envisioned to
include support for a full range
of educational seismograph
options, from display-oriented,
stand-alone systems to networked
broadband instruments. USESN
seeks to provide an organizational
structure for the coordination
of the numerous educational
seismology activities that are
developing across the country.
The primary goals of the USESN
initiative are to: (1) promote
the installation and operation of
educational seismographs and effective use of seismic data; (2) disseminate high-quality curricular materials and educational
services that promote the use of seismology in science education; and (3) provide an organizational framework for coordination
and advocacy of educational seismology across the country. A 2003 national workshop led to a prioritization of efforts
in curriculum development, professional development, resolution of technical issues, and organizational structure. Additional
information about the USESN initiative can be found at http://www.indiana.edu/~usesn/ and http://www.iris.edu/.
Braile, L.W., M. Hall-Wallace, J. Taber, and R. Aster, The IRIS Education and Outreach Program, Seis. Res. Lett., 74, 503-510, 2003.
Hamburger, M.W., G.L. Pavlis, R. A. Phinney, D. Steinberg, T.J. Owens, M. Hall-Wallace, New Science Education Initiative brings Seismology into the
Classroom, EOS, Trans. Am. Geophys. Un., 82, 266-267, 2001.
Hamburger, M.W., and G.L. Pavlis, New midwestern seismic network combines research and education, CUSEC Journal, 9, 17-19, 2003.
Hamburger, M.W. and J. Taber, Towards Integration of Educational Seismology Programs: The U.S. Educational Seismology Network, Seis. Res. Lett., 74,
603-604, 2003.
Hamburger, M.W., and J. Taber, Focusing on Seismology Education, EOS Trans. Am. Geophys. Un., 85 (12), 116, 2004.
Support for this initiative has been provided through NSF grant REC-99106 and supplement to Cooperative Agreement 0004370.
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