Interactive computer modeling of social and scientific issues related to volcanic hazards

The paper presents a fully interactive, multimedia computer laboratory on volcanic eruptions for use in introductory geology and environmental earth-science classes. The laboratory exercise is based upon a model or simulation of a volcanic crisis, in which both scientific and social interactions are important. The crisis model is a program that simulates a 50-day period of activity at a volcano that is showing signs of unrest and may erupt. Students play the role of inhabitants of a village threatened by the volcano. Students divide into groups, each representing different sectors of the populace within the village. The goal is for the groups to work together to save as many people and as much property as possible within the village, yet stay within the village budget. Students appear to retain material presented in the laboratory well. After observing use of the model during a number of laboratory sessions, it is hypothesized that the model tests student ability to digest, communicate, and act upon information. -from Authors