This paper describes how plate tectonics and rock genesis, two topics that are typically addressed separately in secondary Earth science classes, can be taught together as an integrated system. We define the TecRocks Reasoning Framework, developed to support student reasoning about rock formation situated in the context of plate tectonics. We also…

Multidisciplinary field investigations courses offer exciting alternatives to traditional learning. They offer a more holistic view of Earth and an opportunity for students to experience the relationships between all of the different elements instead of just one individual segment. We designed a multidisciplinary field investigations course for…

In 2000, California introduced science content standards as part of an across the curriculum reform. This presented a special challenge for elementary teachers due to an increased emphasis on math and language arts, and limited science background and resources. This two year qualitative study looks at a professional development program that…

At the University of Vermont, an interdisciplinary faculty team developed an introductory watershed science field course. This course honed field skills and catalyzed communication across water-related disciplines without requiring specific prerequisites. Five faculty (geology, engineering, geography, natural resources) taught the four-credit…

Geoscience educational publications are reviewed in seven areas to identify future directions for curriculum development, professional development and research. The review shows that: effective teaching methods encompassing broad geoscience study still need extensive research; whilst some valuable materials have been developed for the teaching of…

Describes possibilities for breaking a semester course into a number of minicourses. Emphasizes the utilization of teaching assistants as minicourse leaders, and reviews current minicourse college programs. Minicourses can produce positive student attitudes and interests by providing students more choice and self direction. (PR)

Four compulsory introductory activities involving learning to use a stream tray, observing the relationship between water speed and entraining, transporting and depositing sediments, studying the formation of sedimentary rocks, and examining several types of sedimentary rocks are completed by all students using the unit prepared for Australian…

Noting that the interests of primary school age children (grades kindergarten through third) focus strongly on such topics as rocks, dinosaurs, volcanoes, weather, moon and stars, and further noting that the new elementary school curricula as developed for the primary level make relatively little use of earth science content, the authors have…

The development of the Crustal Evolution Education Project (C EEP) materials at Western Washington University is described. (MDR)

The development of the Crustal Evolution Education Project (CEEP) is discussed from a historical perspective. John Dewey's Laboratory School and Ralph Tyler's Rationale are included. (MA)

Environmental Studies for Urban Youth (ES) for first grade through college and the primary concerns of the Earth Science Teacher Preparation Project (ESTPP), both developed by the AGI's Earth Science Education Program, are considered. (PR)

Presents an outline of two sets of curricular materials that address the internal rock cycle and the internal energy of the earth in relation to plate tectonic theory. (Contains 31 references.) (DDR)