Describes models which (1) illustrate spreading that varies in rate from place to place; (2) clearly show transform faults as arcs of small circles; and (3) illustrate what happens near a pole of rotation. The models are easy to construct and have been well received by students. (JN)

Presents a procedure for calculating the compass direction and velocity of present plate motions at any geographical point of interest. Includes a table of the relative and geographic motion of the 11 largest plates and a flow chart for determining their present motion. Also offers suggestions for classroom instruction. (ML)

Describes a laboratory activity on plate tectonics which focuses on the connection between plate tectonics and the different types of volcanoes. Provides questions for discussion and includes suggestions for extending the activity. (ML)

Presents a three-part exercise which provides undergraduates with opportunities to work with data related to the earth's magnetic field. Includes student materials for activities in determining the history of the earth's magnetic field, in finding the general pattern of declination, and for looking for a polar reversal history. (ML)

Summarizes representative quantitative tectonic-geomorphology studies made during the last century, focusing on fault-bounded mountain-front escarpments, marine terraces, and alluvial geomorphic surfaces (considering stream terraces, piedmont fault scarps, and soils chronosequences). Also suggests where tectonic-geomorphology courses may best fit…

This CD-ROM contains 17 computer-generated teaching tools, 16 interactive HyperCard "stacks", and a printable model. The 17 tools are separated into the following categories: (1) Geologic Processes; (2) Fossilization; (3) Earthquakes and Faulting; and (4) Map Projections and Globes. A navigation stack, "Earth Science," is provided as a launching…

Provides easy to teach and understand laboratory exercises for three fundamental concepts (plate movement, rock mechanics, and geologic time) that are often left out of the geology and Earth science curriculum. (ZWH)

Describes three activities to help students understand plate tectonics. (PR)

Discussed are several phenomena associated with earthquakes. Included are seismic waves, plate movement, and earthquake measurement. Diagrams of different plate boundary types are included. An activity for teaching these events to elementary school children is provided. (CW)

Describes an exercise which provides a small data set consisting of the localities where various genera of a fictitious group of fossil "Archaeomorphs" have been found on various continental blocks. The activity can be used to develop hypotheses regarding plate tectonic processes and the present arrangement of fossil localities. (TW)

Reports on an investigation of 31 introductory geology textbooks indicating that the concept of contact between bodies of rock is only rarely discussed. Data collected pertaining to 15 related terms demonstrated that many are either omitted or inadequately covered. (TW)

This CD-ROM uses catastrophic events to teach the fundamentals of the earth's dynamism. Topics discussed include earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, plate tectonics, and many subjects that have to do with energy transfer. It contains 63 interactive, inquiry-based activities that closely simulate real life scientific practice. Students work with…

This activity introduces students to the basic concept of seafloor spreading, the processes involved in creating new seafloor at a mid- ocean ridge, the Galapagos Spreading Center system, and the different types of plate motion associated with ridge segments and transform faults. The activity provides learning objectives, a list of needed…

Discusses the use of a strip log as a diagrammatic representation of the information available in a sequence of sedimentary rocks. Describes the design of the strip log (both symbolically and by visual/spatial patterns) and some of the possible interpretations that can be made using them. (TW)

This teacher guide features five hands-on science units designed for elementary school students using an interdisciplinary approach. The first four units are presented at three different grade levels: K-2, 3-4, and 5-6. Units include: (1) "Defining an Earthquake"; (2) "Why and Where Earthquakes Occur"; (3) "Physical Results of Earthquakes"; (4)…