The undergraduate years are a turning point in producing scientifically literate citizens and future scientists and engineers. Evidence from research about how students learn science and engineering shows that teaching strategies that motivate and engage students will improve their learning. So how do students best learn science and engineering?…

Geological field trip guidebooks, developed for use during a field trip or field conference, are considered ephemeral publications by their compilers and publishers. Too few copies are printed and little attention is paid to bibliographic format and information. These difficulties are discussed and recommendations are made to alleviate the…

The most common igneous minerals and their diagnostic properties, which the author considers the most significant and pragmatic aspect of igneous geology for physical geography students, are discussed. The nature of igneous geology is also examined. (RM)

The activities in this document are designed for elementary students by the American Coal Foundation. The activities contained in this booklet are as follows: (1) Coal Flowers; (2) Coal Formation; (3) TV Documentary on Coal; (4) Controlling Our Rate of Consumption; and (5) The Geologists' Dilemma. The last two activities were developed by Indiana…

This issue of Exploratorium Magazine focuses on microbes. Different types of microorganisms are introduced based on their living environments or whether they are harmful or beneficial. Contents include: (1) "It's a Small World" (Blake Edgar); (2) "The Human Body: A Complex Ecosystem" (Nik Walter); (3) "The Hills That…

Presents activities that involve geological sleuthing to solve mysteries. Uses sand for teaching the scientific method, involving parents and community members, and helping students see connections between science and other disciplines. (JRH)

The cause of the Cretaceous/Tertiary extinction has become a major geologic controversy. Current evidence for the two opposing views is reviewed to provide an introduction to the controversy and to form the basis for a seminar of discussion topic. (Author/JN)

Presented are activities for students in grades 3-6 which use assorted breads and spreads to represent layers of the earth's crust. It is suggested that in addition to providing good nutrition, this method has helped the children use the processes of science to deduce some basic principles of geology. (KC)

Discusses: (1) geologists and the history of geology; (2) American historians and the history of geology; (3) history of geology in the 1980s; (4) sources for the history of geology (bibliographies, dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, periodicals, public/official histories, compilations, and books); (5) research opportunities; and (6) other…

Presents a dynamic diagram designed for use in introductory college geography and geology classes to illustrate the processes which form the earth's crust. (AM)

Designed for elementary school teachers, this article describes the recent eruptions of Mt. St. Helens, provides basic information on volcanos, and gives instructions for making a model volcano in the classroom. Resource materials for students and teachers on volcanos are listed. (SJL)

Describes seasonal activities that can be used to study the sedimentation process. (ZWH)

Discusses the succession of ecological and geological structures as exhibited at Glacier National Park, Montana. Topics discussed include glaciers, the geological history of Glacier National Park, glaciation of the Rocky Mountains, paleoecology, the vegetational history of the Northwestern United States, and glaciation and the modern vegetation.…

Presents activities designed to introduce the concept of fossils to middle school students and to clarify students' misconceptions about what is, and is not, a fossil. (JRH)

Describes a laboratory course in mineralogy offered for humanities majors. Discusses the course's topics, requirements, and structure. (ML)