The application of technology in classroom settings has equipped educators with innovative tools and techniques for effective teaching practice. Integrating digital technologies at the elementary and secondary levels helps to enrich the students' learning experience and maximize competency in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and…

Describes student-friendly data sets accessible over the Internet that enable students to use large sets of real data to create graphs, apply basic statistical techniques, construct models, and draw conclusions about how the earth functions. Lists useful online data sets. (JRH)

Describes the use of weather satellites in providing an exciting, cohesive framework for students learning Earth and space science and in providing a hands-on approach to technology in the classroom. Discusses the history of weather satellites and classroom satellite tracking. (JRH)

Significant information on the relative thickness of plutons, the structure of poorly exposed or concealed magnetic units, and possible evidence of mineralized ground are discussed. The techniques used to produce images that reveal the new information are described. A list of 34 references is included. (CW)

Described is a set of FORTRAN programs, suitable for teaching and research purposes, that simulate contact and regional metamorphism. Equations, examples, program uses, and availability are discussed. (CW)

The use of computers in classrooms to support and extend instruction is a topic which is being discussed in major educational forums across the United States. Until a few years ago, computer use in schools was the exclusive domain of the mathematics department. Other content areas have now found ways to use computers to enhance their instruction.…

Previous studies have documented the effectiveness of feedback in improving students' achievement, but few studies have examined the effectiveness of summaries or reviews. This study examines the respective and combined effects of feedback and review on students' achievement, retention, and level of cognitive development. A total of 55 ninth-grade…

Presented is a description of a BASIC program to be used on an IBM microcomputer for calculating and plotting synthetic seismic-reflection traces for multilayered earth models. Discusses finding raypaths for given source-receiver offsets using the "shooting method" and calculating the corresponding travel times. (Author/CW)

Presented are the background theory, program procedures, output display, and applications for this program which is designed to calculate the slip vector and the stress to normal stress ratio on an arbitrarily oriented fault plane. Program availability is discussed. Twelve references are listed. (CW)

Spreadsheets are well suited to many geochemical calculations, especially those that are highly repetitive. Some of the kinds of problems that can be conveniently solved with spreadsheets include elemental abundance calculations, equilibrium abundances in nuclear decay chains, and isochron calculations. (Author/PR)

Designed to investigate whether or not science teachers can positively influence student achievement in, and attitude toward, science, this study focused on a specific teaching strategy and utilization of a computer-based simulation. The software package used in the study was the simulation, Volcanoes, by Earthware Computer Services. The sample…

Reported are the results of a study at the Royal British Columbia Museum where an interactive computer program, "Explore the Seashore," was added to an exhibit to test its effects on visitor enjoyment and learning. Details of the presentation and structure of the hypercard media are presented. (CW)

Reviewed are seven computer software packages for IBM and/or Apple Computers. Included are "Windows on Science: Volume 1--Physical Science"; "Science Probe--Physical Science"; "Wildlife Adventures--Grizzly Bears"; "Science Skills--Development Programs"; "The Clean Machine"; "Rock Doctor";…

Describes a five year research project in plant ecology by successive teams of students. The aim was to identify environmental factors which were determining the distribution of the vegetation on a pitheap. Includes descriptions of vegetation, soil properties, and computer assisted analysis of results. (Author/CW)

Describes a computer program written in Microsoft BASIC for use on personal computers to calculate travel times of refracted waves in layered structures with arbitrary dipping interfaces. Exercises for student use are given to illustrate some of the basic properties of reversed refraction travel time graphs. (TW)