Earth science concepts can be challenging for children to grasp due to their abstract nature. This study explores the potential of 3D computer animation as an engaging and effective medium to communicate various earth science processes to young learners. By creating age-appropriate, scientifically accurate visualizations of geological features and…

For some time now, images in science have been an object of study in the history of science. The multiple roles that images play in scientific practice have been recognised and discussed. However, little attention has been given to science related images in educational contexts. The case of geology is all the more relevant because it is considered…

This paper analyses the conceptions of a group of students about geological time and its relation to physical landscape formation, focusing on the frequency and rate of a number of geological processes that have shaped our planet over time and that are involved in the formation of the current relief. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire…

By the end of the nineteenth century, the momentum for the idea of a more practical education better suited to life in a modern, technological world brought the first educational reform movements in the nation. Concurrent reform efforts at the state and national levels influenced both the historical development of Earth science education and the…

The present article analyses the changes in practices, ideas, and attitudes proposed by a group of novice science teachers during a further education teacher training program. The research on which it is based is focused on monitoring the training program and its impact on the participating teachers. The training program has as its starting point…

An understanding of geologic time is comprised of 2 facets. Events in Earth's history can be placed in relative and absolute temporal succession on a vast timescale. Rates of geologic processes vary widely, and some occur over time periods well outside human experience. Several factors likely contribute to an understanding of geologic time, one of…

Constructivist-based inquiry instruction has been popularized for several decades in primary- and secondary-science education, with overwhelmingly positive results across all sciences. Importantly, higher education faculties have begun to embrace inquiry instruction in many subject areas. In fact, a growing body of literature illustrates the…

Presents five guidelines for helping students retrieve declarative memories in the context of geology activities. Based on research findings on brain function from the fields of neuroscience and psychology, the activities provide opportunities for students to practice using cues to enhance memory. (DLH)

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)

Discusses the use of rocks and fossils to stimulate study of nuclear decay. (Author/JRH)

One of a series of general interest publications on science topics, the booklet provides those interested in the study of caves (speleology) with a nontechnical introduction to the subject. Separate sections examine types of caves, how caves form, cave features, minerals found in caves, uses of caves, and caves as natural underground laboratories.…

Discusses continental drift, sea floor spreading, evidence for these two geological phenomena, and how they were unified into a theory of plate tectonics. Also discusses three types of plate boundaries: (1) divergent junctions, (2) convergent junctions, and (3) shear junctions. (Author/JN)

Interviews eight students enrolled in a secondary-science curriculum class and four experienced high school biology and geology teachers to determine reasons for disciplinary variance in the teaching of evolution. Finds variance imbedded in inherent differences in content and methodology of the two scientific disciplines. (Contains 27 references.)…

Describes an activity to demonstrate the freeze thaw cycle which can cause rocks to break apart due to the expansion of freezing water. (Author/MM)

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