Background: The Classroom Observation Project employs direct observations of geoscience teaching across the USA using the Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol (RTOP) to quantify the use of reformed teaching practices. We report on 345 RTOP observations used to evaluate the extent of teaching reform when curricular materials developed as part of…

Effective planning and rationalization of long-term graduate development in Ontario's universities concerning solid earth sciences are discussed in relation to a report and recommendations of the Council of Ontario Universities and a report of the Advisory Committee on Academic Planning. Recommendations suggest: (1) The universities proceed with…

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)

Described are lecture topics and laboratory assignments for a course offered to engineering technology students specializing in construction. A dual-purpose laboratory which serves both engineering technology students and civil engineering students is described. The course work may be presented during either a 10-week quarter or may be expanded…

Explains experiments now being conducted involving the use of advanced telecommunications techniques to deliver health care and medical education to populations where these commodities are scarce. (Author/GS)

Describes an introductory earth science course concerned with catastrophic events and processes in geology. Includes a section on lecture topics, readings, and visual materials. (MA)

Describes an instructional format for introductory undergraduate earth science in which students work in small groups on topics of interest in earth science-related fields. (CP)

Uses a university campus as the focus for a study of the entire watershed. Presents a context for incorporating pedagogical elements, interdisciplinary teaching, research experience, and active, collaborative strategies into a useful framework for undergraduate science education. (Author/KHR)

The author's premise rests on the endless parade of public controversies regarding education. He specifically opposes the views of those scientists who feel that they, and their work, are being discredited and that the scientific capability of the nation is being dismantled. He restricts his remarks to the science disciplines. Rather than…

Reports on an undergraduate earth science course for non-science majors structured around five-week minicourses. Evaluates student and teacher response to the program. (CP)

Discusses the benefits of research partnerships between scientists and K-16 students. Regards the partnerships as effective vehicles for teaching scientific logic, processes, and content by integrating inquiry-based educational approaches with innovative research questions. Reviews integrated research and education through geoscience partnerships.…

Describes and provides evaluation of a one semester minicourse curriculum for undergraduate earth science instruction. (CP)

Presents a preliminary position paper for future submission to the American Geological Institute (AGI). Addresses the problems of educating the decision-makers and lay public, improving earth science education in secondary schools, educating professional geoscientists, and continuing education and retraining of professional geologists. (MA)

An introductory course in earth science, specifically designed for nonscience majors, is offered at the University of Edinburgh. A background and description of the course are included, and some lessons learned during the development of the course are discussed. The recommended booklist is appended. (JMD)

Discusses the use of science fiction as a part of a general astronomy course. The author describes how science fiction is used in conjunction with the study of the solar system. Suggested references and a science fiction reading list are also included. (HM)