In the past few decades, scientific and educational entities in the United States have repeatedly expended considerable fiscal and human resources in an effort to establish contemporary education standards, curriculum frameworks, and assessment tools. These efforts are intended to reform the quantity and quality of K-16 Earth science education…

For the past 5 years I have been teaching my introductory geology class using a case-based method that promotes student engagement and inquiry. This article presents an explanation of how a case-based curriculum differs from a more traditional approach to the material. It also presents a statistical analysis of several years' worth of student…

In 2000, California introduced science content standards as part of an across the curriculum reform. This presented a special challenge for elementary teachers due to an increased emphasis on math and language arts, and limited science background and resources. This two year qualitative study looks at a professional development program that…

"Approaches and Strategies in Next Generation Science Learning" examines the challenges involved in the development of modern curriculum models, teaching strategies, and assessments in science education in order to prepare future students in the 21st century economies. This comprehensive collection of research brings together science educators,…

The report attempts to assess the broader implications of geology within the framework, and in the development, of society; to review existing undergraduate programs in geology and earth science teacher-training; to analyze the consequent demand and supply for geologists and other earth scientists; and to consider the varying effects and…

Describes the history of development of a typical Crustral Evolution Education Project (CEEP) instructional module on Sea-Floor Spreading. (SL)

Suggested is that geology can contribute significantly to the general education of our students from the point of view of relevance and increasing understanding of the planet we inhabit which should be learned as a series of interacting processes involving a time dimension. Several curriculum projects are outlined. (Author/DS)

Provides an introduction and explanations of stress-strain relationships, measuring stress, a goal of structural analysis, and legitimate applications of the concept of stress. Diagrams include a derivation of the stress tensor, graphical representations of stress-strain relations, and related problems. (RT)

This paper focuses upon the process of using curriculum and instructional frameworks to develop a curriculum unit in the earth sciences. The work stems from a graduate level seminar in science education which required participants to use a curriculum framework to design a unit of individualized science instruction. This research was guided by…

Discusses summer workshops designed to help elementary teachers develop an earth science program for their schools. Includes descriptions of three lessons and related instructional strategies on rocks and minerals, topographic maps, and fossils. (BC)

Reviews a model used in the teaching of plate tectonics which includes processes and concepts related to: terranes and the amalgamation of terranes, relative plate motion and oblique subduction, the effects of continent-continent collision, changes in plate motion, plate configuration, and the type of plate boundary. Diagrams are included.…

Presented is one approach to the reform of earth science education. Discussed are conceptual themes, the role of elementary school science, the development of positive science attitudes, selection of topics and the role of the geologist. (CW)

The Learning in Science Project (Primary)--LISP(P)--investigated the questions and explanations primary children have about rocks. Data were collected during teaching sessions from New Zealand students (ages 8-11) and Australian students (ages 10-11). The teaching sessions required the teacher to create a situation in which children generated some…

Reviews requirements in developing crustal evolution modules suitable as supplementary classroom materials in grades 8-10 by the Crustal Evolution Education Project (CEEP). (SL)

Discusses changes in the methods of earth science fieldwork brought about by the introduction of the National Curriculum to UK schools. Teachers have traditionally described and interpreted geology for pupils. Teachers now need accessible, safe sites close to schools. The sites must allow pupils to identify problems for themselves and solve them…