Describes an experimental eight-day intensive field trip in the desert of southwestern United States for first and second year geology majors. Eight students and faculty departed from Boston and flew to Phoenix to begin exploring national parks and monuments in Arizona, Utah, and Colorado, Trip cost is itemized and figured at 44.50 per student per…

Presents a rock classification scheme for use by beginning students. The scheme is based on rock textures (glassy, crystalline, clastic, and organic framework) and observable structures (vesicles and graded bedding). Discusses problems in other rock classification schemes which may produce confusion, misidentification, and anxiety. (10 references)…

Describes a laboratory exercise using relief models, aerial photographs, topographic maps, and cone studies to determine depth and thickness of a concealed mineralized zone. (MA)

Describes resources for information and activities involving volcanoes. Includes an activity that helps students become familiar with the principal types of volcanoes and explores how the viscosity of magma affects the way a volcano erupts. (MKR)

Provides a list of sources for weather information. (CP)

The concept of sloping bedrock strata is portrayed by simple construction of a cardboard model. By use of wires and graph paper, students simulate the drilling of wells and use standard mathematical operations to determine strike and dip of the model stratum. (RE)

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)

Describes and lists sources of ideas for classroom activities in geology. Activities focus on Mount St. Helen's, maps as models, volcanos, and igneous processes. (JM)

Comments on the fact that national elementary school curriculum projects contain few earth science topics, in spite of the high interest which children display toward earth science activities. (MLH)

Describes a method of utilizing Silly Putty for making fossil impressions. (SL)

Describes a geology laboratory exercise involving weathering and topographic maps which allows students to put knowledge to practical application. (SL)

Describes a method illustrating continental drift by plotting paleomagnetic pole positions on plastic globes. (SL)

Provides background material and laboratory procedures for an activity which requires students to compare (in quantitative terms) fossils from 10 localities and to objectively define provinces, regions, and realms. These paleobiogeographic relationships are then used to reconstruct the drift histories of the three continents on which the 10…

Describes an earth science laboratory approach designed to involve students in an ongoing method of solving problems; student questions and discussion provide the basis for laboratory exercises. (Author/SL)