Describes a method to examine preparations of rocks in thin sections between crossed polaroids using a converted biological microscope or a homemade polariscope. (JRH)

Describes an approach that uses the learning cycle to meaningfully teach students about mineral properties while alleviating the tedious nature of identifying mineral specimens. Discusses mineral properties, cooperative learning, and mineral identification. (JRH)

Describes a laboratory activity on plate tectonics which focuses on the connection between plate tectonics and the different types of volcanoes. Provides questions for discussion and includes suggestions for extending the activity. (ML)

Information is provided about the origin, the features, and the availability of tektites which are odd and very rare types of transparent glass theorized to be from a common, yet unknown, origin. The basis for this article is the Howard collection of tektites found in a small region of central Georgia. (seven references) (JJK)

Describes activities that take advantage of heavy snowfalls to study numerous geological concepts including sedimentation, precipitation, morphology and metamorphosis of crystals, compaction and cementation, fossilization, and erosion. (JRH)

Presented is an interpretation of the inward and outward growth and formation of plume textured geodes available from southern Brazil. Field occurrence, morphology of vesicles, growth history, closure of the agate shell, microscopic features, coherent reflection of light from convoluted surfaces, and accessory minerals of the inner cavity are…

Described is a field trip in which eighth grade earth science students map the rock types located on the side of a mountain. Pretrip preparation, equipment, procedures, and posttrip analysis are discussed. (CW)

The purpose of "Project Catalyst" is to enhance teacher competencies through academic-year workshops and two content-intensive summer institutes. The goals, eligibility and recruitment, selection criteria, format, and preliminary evaluation for the program are discussed. (CW)

Strategies that can be used to revitalize geoscience education are discussed. Stressed are the ideas of providing voluntary assistance to science and science teacher education and program diversification. (CW)

The causes for many of the colors exhibited by minerals are presented to students. Several theories of modern physics are introduced. The nature of light, the manner in which light interacts with matter, atomic theory, and crystal structure are all discussed in relation to the origin of color in minerals. Included are color pictures of many…

Describes a British secondary school's use of a spectrometer to identify minerals. Discusses the origins of mineral spectra, the preparation of the specimen, the actual spectroscopic scanning, and the interpretation of the spectra. (TW)

Reviewed are four computer software packages: "Minerals Data Base"; "Canvas 2.1," a graphics program for producing technical illustrations; "Glossary of Geology Speller"; and "PCUSA," which produces maps and statistical diagrams of the United States. Hardware requirements, functions, cost and availability…

Snow is a widely available earth-science teaching medium which can be used to explore scientific concepts in the field, either directly or by analogy. Snow can be considered a mineral, sediment, sedimentary rock, or metamorphic rock. Natural processes such as crystal growth, melting, sedimentation, and metamorphism can be studied in practical time…

A new classification of rocks that requires no tools other than a hand lens and that is both comprehensive and informative is described. Each of the three main rock groups is treated in two-dimensional, rectangular charts with additional appended boxes that provide optional mineralogical and textural terms that can be used in rock names. (PR)