Department of Geology Assistant Professor Matthew W. Becker recently received a $79,520 grant from the National Science Foundation. Becker will use the money to create an Interactive Teaching Database, which will transform hard dry numerical models into a 3D computer model so students will be able to grasp the concepts more clearly. This is being done in an effort to transform hard to grasp numerical data into something tangeible and easier to retain.

Becker hopes to create a visual database for upper-level hydrology students who are studying the earths water systems. The database would construct a model of an ecosystem that scientists have been studying for forty years-the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire.

When completed, students will be able to traverse a 3D forest, complete with icons that, when clicked on, will display numerical models and statistical information regarding the corespoding objects. The ITD will also be useful for teaching students how to construct accurate models of their own.

Becker told reporters that with this project he hopes to, "turn [the data] into lessons that not only teach something, but retain the character of the research."

While the ITD will be undergoing tremendous changes to keep up with the ever-changing world of technology, a usable prototype of the system already exists in the Geology Department's new 16 station computer lab. This prototype is currently being used by one of the deprtment's 300-level Hydrology courses taught by Marcus Bursik.