The Northridge case study presents a scenario of discovery by unraveling a sequence of scientific periods of understanding about the earthquake hazard in the Los Angeles area and how it changed over time. The Northridge earthquake was unexpected - as it occurred on a blind thrust fault in an area comparatively not noteworthy for seismic hazard.
The case study is designed for undergraduate geoscience majors taking an introductory geology or hazards course. It is designed for two full lab periods or a mix of homework time and one lab period to complete, depending on how and when it is used in a course. It could also be used as a semester project, with the students exploring pieces of the case study over the course of the semester or as a wrap up to the semester.
The case study documents contain complete instructions for the user, allowing students and faculty with no expertise with a GIS application to be successful with the investigation. The materials below are written for the MyWorld GIS software. We are also converting them for ESRI ArcGIS. That version will be posted by the end of June 2008.
Looking for New Field Testers
The case study has undergone two rounds of technical review and field testing. Based on feedback, we have a durable module that works on Macintosh and Windows computers and that users find engaging and enjoyable learning. We are seeking additional field testers for the summer and fall 08 semesters. All the materials you need are contained on this site. If you can give us feedback, we would greatly appreciate it.
>> We would like you to use the peer review criteria we have been implementing as part of the DLESE Panel Review Process. These can be found at http://www.dlese-project.org/review_criteria.html.
>> Though this lesson has been field tested, there are always ways to improve. So, let us know how it worked for you.
>> We are interested on your thoughts on whether the length, breadth and depth are appropriate for the target audience. We also want to hear about any technical issues you may find.
Items to download
Northridge Case Study A PDF file containing the investigation.
Project files
Regional_View.m3vz
Northridge_Regional_View.kmz
Before_the_Earthquake.m3vz
The_Earthquake.m3vz
Aftermath_I.m3vz
Aftermath_II.m3vz
Hazard_Revisited.m3vz
MyWorld GIS Trial Version
Download a 45 day Free Trial of MyWorld GIS
To Begin Your Review
Open and print, as desired, the Northridge Case Study document.
Install the MyWorld software on your computer.
Install the Northridge project files in the data folder within the MyWorld application folder on your computer.
Launch MyWorld software on your computer and begin your investigation.
Science Education Solutions is grateful for the generous funding from the National Science Foundation for this project under Grant No. 0521936. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed on this website or the resources created and disseminated by SES are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.