Readers of the draft new English primary science curriculum (DfE, 2012) might be concerned to see that there is much more detail on the Earth science content than previously in the United Kingdom. In this article, Chris King, a professor of Earth Science Education at Keele University and Director of the Earth Science Education Unit (ESEU),…

This article discusses using students' analysis of media coverage of the March 2011 Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear events to develop their knowledge and understanding of geological concepts and related socio-scientific issues. It draws on news reported at that time, identifies themes in those reports, and suggests how this event can be…

The departments of Geology and Education at Brooklyn College collaborated with five informal educational institutions in the development of a place-based graduate program for Earth science teachers. The team used "backward design" to develop a program of courses that are thematically structured and use a city-as-lab approach that places…

A geochemistry course for chemists is described. Includes: (1) general course information; (2) subject matter covered; and (3) a consideration of the uses of geochemistry in a chemistry curriculum, including geochemical "real world" examples, geochemistry in general chemistry, and geochemistry as an elective. (JN)

Discusses several pedagogical merits to teaching geology with a historical emphasis. Describes how concepts of relative time, the field aspects of geology, and the cultural relationships of science can be applied in a historical approach to the subject. Shortcomings to this sort of approach are also mentioned. (CS)

Discusses rationale for, goals/organization of, and problems related to geology minicourse program. The program provides a framework for students to construct a tailor-made, individualized course in which a "walk-through" (poster session) replaces the traditional final examination. Includes results of course evaluations and listing of minicourses…

Although most educational programs for senior citizens emphasize arts and crafts, model science programs designed specifically for seniors, emphasizing geological science, have been developed at the University of Colorado (Colorado Springs). The programs have been well received and can be useful in integrating or mainstreaming seniors into the…

Traces the development of the study of geology and geological education in the United States during the 1700's. Addresses the influences of world travel, agriculture, and medicine on the inclusion of earth science into college curricula and self-instruction "civility books." (TW)

Discusses content, laboratory work, and field studies of a senior-level course in paleopedology (study of fossil soils). The course explores interpretation of ancient terrestrial environments from fossil soils and the study of the fossil record of such soils as an additional approach to earth history. (JN)

Describes a graduate-level tectonics course which includes the historical basis for modern tectonics concepts and an in-depth review of pros/cons of plate tectonics. Tectonic features discussed include: ocean basins; volcanic arcs; continental margins; continents; orogenic belts; foreland fold and thrust belts; volcanic/plutonic belts of orogens;…

Describes a self-paced geology course utilizing a diversity of instructional techniques, including maps, models, samples, audio-visual materials, and a locally developed laboratory manual. Mechanical features are laboratory exercises, followed by unit quizzes; quizzes are repeated until the desired level of competence is attained. (Author/JN)

Described is a nine-week undergraduate semester program (12 credit hours) conducted at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research which included three courses: introductory oceanography, sedimentology, and independent field study. Brief descriptions of sample student projects are included. (DC)

Presents lecture outline comparing uniformitarianism with other philosophic approaches to earth study. Comparison is valuable since: (1) it provides insight into the character of geology and the meaning of the scientific method; and (2) it reveals the necessarily biased nature of all information. (Author/JN)

Argues that advances in Earth science call for their inclusion in Earth history. States that the focus should be on the planet and the process by which it reached its present state. Explains pre-solar and pre-lithospheric history, interacting spheres of influence, characteristics of eons and eras, and their transitions. (RT)

Understanding the complex stratigraphic/structural relations produced during accretionary events is best achieved through "terrane analysis," wherein individual structural domains are discriminated and their geologic histories compared and analyzed for critical, paleogeographical significant information. Terrane analysis methodology,…