ED22B-06
3D movies for teaching seafloor bathymetry, plate tectonics, and ocean circulation in large undergraduate classes

Tuesday, 15 December 2015: 11:35
103 (Moscone South)
Carlye D Peterson1, Lorraine E Lisiecki1, Geoffrey Gebbie2, Bernd Hamann3, Louise H Kellogg4, Oliver Kreylos5, Markus Kronenberger6, Howard J Spero7, Gregory J Streletz3 and Christopher Weber6, (1)University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States, (2)Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Woods Hole, United States, (3)University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States, (4)University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States, (5)University of California Davis, KeckCAVES, Davis, CA, United States, (6)University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany, (7)University of California Davis, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Davis, CA, United States
Abstract:
Geologic problems and datasets are often 3D or 4D in nature, yet projected onto a 2D surface such as a piece of paper or a projection screen. Reducing the dimensionality of data forces the reader to “fill in” that collapsed dimension in their minds, creating a cognitive challenge for the reader, especially new learners. Scientists and students can visualize and manipulate 3D datasets using the virtual reality software developed for the immersive, real-time interactive 3D environment at the KeckCAVES at UC Davis. The 3DVisualizer software (Billen et al., 2008) can also operate on a desktop machine to produce interactive 3D maps of earthquake epicenter locations and 3D bathymetric maps of the seafloor.

With 3D projections of seafloor bathymetry and ocean circulation proxy datasets in a virtual reality environment, we can create visualizations of carbon isotope (δ13C) records for academic research and to aid in demonstrating thermohaline circulation in the classroom. Additionally, 3D visualization of seafloor bathymetry allows students to see features of seafloor most people cannot observe first-hand. To enhance lessons on mid-ocean ridges and ocean basin genesis, we have created movies of seafloor bathymetry for a large-enrollment undergraduate-level class, Introduction to Oceanography. In the past four quarters, students have enjoyed watching 3D movies, and in the fall quarter (2015), we will assess how well 3D movies enhance learning. The class will be split into two groups, one who learns about the Mid-Atlantic Ridge from diagrams and lecture, and the other who learns with a supplemental 3D visualization. Both groups will be asked “what does the seafloor look like?” before and after the Mid-Atlantic Ridge lesson. Then the whole class will watch the 3D movie and respond to an additional question, “did the 3D visualization enhance your understanding of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?” with the opportunity to further elaborate on the effectiveness of the visualization.

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