K-12 Teacher as An NSF RET (Research Experience for Teachers) Participant in the NSF INTERFACE (Interdisciplinary alliance for digital Field data Acquisition and Exploration) Facility at UT-Dallas

Through the NSF RET program (Research Experience for Teachers), the University of Texas-Dallas INTERFACE facility developers are collaborating with a K-12 teacher over the summer to adapt and determine the integrating of GIS and Earth Science topics and/or methods in K-12. The teacher actively participates in the digital field collecting data at outcrops in Texas, Nevada, California, and Canada to build 3D photorealistic models. The field data collection was done with equipment for acquiring information in a digital and geo-referenced format using scanners, total stations, cameras and satellite positioning. Geologic data was logged, annotated, and processed by the teacher using software such as InnovMetric Polyworks, ArcGIS, UTD's GeoDimensional Tools, and Topcon Imaging software to build and analyze 3D photorealistic models providing insight in the possible adaptation and integration of digital geology concepts and tools in the teaching GIS and Earth Science in K-12. In addition the teacher is being introduced to computer animation in cooperation with the UTD Arts and Technology Program using MAYA software to be familiarized with the potential of such animation and especially of 3D virtual modeling in K-12 teaching. The active participation of teachers in NSF projects is an excellent way to reach the teacher talent pool in and ultimately to encourage more K-12 students to pursue science and engineering. It also allows INTERFACE and the teacher to collaborate on future activities related to K-12 teaching such as grant proposals.