The IRIS Education and Outreach Program

Abstract

Seismology is a broad science, fundamental to the study of earthquakes and volcanoes, the prospecting and recovery of natural resources, and the evaluation of seismic hazards. Seismology is also about probing the deep interior of the Earth, and even about monitoring for clandestine nuclear explosions. This unique blend of basic and applied research in Earth science and physics makes seismology an engaging and highly relevant topic for communicating the essence and excitement of science to students and the public. The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) is a consortium of U.S. universities whose full members have research programs in seismology. IRIS is responsible for the development and operation of the infrastructure needed for the acquisition and distribution of high-quality seismic data to a global audience of researchers, educators, and the interested public. With the resources in data, data accessibility, computer technology, and scientific expertise among its member institutions, IRIS is also able to make substantial contributions to science education. IRIS members have increasingly recognized the need to communicate the results of scientific research to the public more effectively, to advance science literacy for greater understanding of our rapidly changing and increasingly technological world, and to attract more students to study science. To address these issues, the IRIS Education and Outreach (E&O) program was formed in January 1997. Since its inception, the E&O program has explored the needs of the different audiences we serve and has developed core activities to address those needs. IRIS E&O has chosen, through internal decision-making and guidance from education and research communities, to provide products and programs for a variety of audiences. The E&O program is focused on: