Hotspots, Plumes and LIPs: Everything's Coming Up Igneous!
This Web Seminar, developed in collaboration with the National Science Digital Library
(NSDL) took place on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern
time. In this program, participants received a rich view of the research dealing
with the formation of seamounts, hotspots, mantle plumes, and LIPs (large igneous
A certain level of controversy exists in explaining how seamounts, hotspots, mantle
plumes, and LIPs are formed, especially LIPs in recent years. Through illustrated
and colorful examples using maps as well as instrumentation measuring heat and seismic
tomography, the participants learned about areas across the globe where such activity
exists—in particular the Hawaiian Islands where Dr. Chris Symons, researcher at
the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Dr. Anthony Koppers, Associate Professor
of Marine Geology and Geophysics College of Oceanic & Atmospheric Sciences at the
Oregon State University, have conducted research.
The presenters also showcased NSDL’s ERESE collection (Enduring Resources for Earth
Science Education), developed by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to provide
a way for teachers to use current research in the classroom.
Fifty-eight (58) participants were present at the live Web Seminar in addition to
the presenters, the NSDL moderator, and the NSTA staff. Participating educators
represented the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois,
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York,
North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin,
and Wyoming. One participant attended from India and another from Spain. All participants
received a copy of NSTA’s SciGuide: Earth Structures.
Here are some comments provided by the participants at the end of the Web Seminar:
- "Wow! I am a relatively new Earth science teacher and I learned a lot. I also
have some great resources to help me present it to my students better."
- "I teach Technology Education and this is applicable in many areas. I integrate
regular science with the technological application."
- "Excellent visuals, explanations, websites, and information to use in my classes."
- "I was reminded of the joy of sharing science with like-minded people, and the
excitement of learning in a supportive environment. Not too many opportunities for
me to learn, as I'm sometimes viewed as the expert in my building. Nice to be a
learner again, reminds me that a PhD. is an entry ticket to scientific dialogue!"
Thanks to the participants and the presenters for the learning opportunity, the
interactions, and a job well done!
For more information contact firstname.lastname@example.org
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||Underwritten by NSDL