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)…

Provided is a flow chart for the separation and purification of major, minor, and accessory minerals from granitic rocks. With careful use of heavy liquids, and a Franz Isodynamic Magnetic Separator, it is possible to obtain mineral concentrates with a purity of 95 percent or better. (Author/RH)

Six secondary school teachers describe their most successful earth science investigations. They include various outdoor field activities, road-map reading skills, student-prepared and conducted investigations, and use of several materials for studying volcanoes. (JN)

A simple device that aids in plotting poles to planes on structural equal-area diagrams (pi diagrams) is described. It is used in conjunction with a standard equal area Schmidt net to assist students in understanding principles of plotting pi diagrams and for rapid plotting of large amounts of data. (BC)

Erwin Raisz's Landform Map of the United States, a popular teaching aid in geology and geography courses, is available as a jigsaw puzzle. Indicates that puzzle assembly represents a unique way to expose students to the physiographic features of the map without the need for written exercise material. (BC)

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 a terrain model for geologic mapping which, when combined with exercises in rock description, Brunton compass manipulation, orienteering, and geologic report writing, allows students to refine skills needed for summer field camp. Advantages and limitations of the model and its use in a field course are also discussed. (BC)

The sport of orienteering is described briefly and ideas are presented that may be useful to the earth science teacher. (SA)

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)