Readers of the draft new English primary science curriculum (DfE, 2012) might be concerned to see that there is much more detail on the Earth science content than previously in the United Kingdom. In this article, Chris King, a professor of Earth Science Education at Keele University and Director of the Earth Science Education Unit (ESEU),…

Although science educators at all levels have focused on teaching students scientific literacy for nearly five decades, studies indicate that the average student remains far from scientifically literate. To address this issue at the local level, faculty at Trinity University, in San Antonio, Texas, significantly revised the curriculum of an…

In the science curriculum, use of a cemetery offers unlimited potential for developing the skills of collection, collation, and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data." (Author)

Describes a unit on dinosaurs that led students into many other areas and concepts. (GB)

Describes an introductory geology seminar conducted almost entirely upon reviewing current newspaper articles relating to earth sciences. (SL)

Presents the Crustal Evolution Education Project (CEEP) instructional module on Sea-Floor Spreading and Transform Faults. The module includes activities and materials required, procedures, summary questions, and extension ideas for teaching Sea-Floor Spreading. (SL)

Describes a course in log analysis which discusses academic and industrial applications. (SL)

Discusses how the topic of cratering can be used to help students develop inquiry skills. Details five activities that focus on the nature and processes of cratering. (DDR)

Describes geological field trip credit courses presented at Weber State College. (SL)

Describes a semester-long field trip in which 26 students of the University of Colorado studied the geology of the western United States. Only four of the participating students were geology majors. (JR)

Describes a final year undergraduate course in which students use X-ray diffraction to identify clay minerals. (SL)

Unit of study about rocks and the layers of the Earth focuses on building children's respect for nature by developing feelings of intimate relationship. Lesson plans include science activities (rock gathering, Earth models); "drama from the outside" (ritual to promote respect); literature readings; and "dramas from the inside"…

Explains the use of a constructivist model for engaging students in the curriculum. The student end of the model is characterized by the knowledge, personal experience, degree of motivation, and level of interest that a student brings to a learning situation. (DDR)

Describes how teaching a lesson on the discovery of a crater in the Yucatan Peninsula and the rock strata deep in the ocean can help students explain the demise of dinosaurs. Discusses the impact theory and the core model. (DDR)