By the end of the nineteenth century, the momentum for the idea of a more practical education better suited to life in a modern, technological world brought the first educational reform movements in the nation. Concurrent reform efforts at the state and national levels influenced both the historical development of Earth science education and the…

The purpose of this report is to publicize some worthwhile experiences enjoyed by the author in a small school with a limited budget. (DF)

A discussion is presented with the following purposes: (1) to evaluate the types of students desiring and/or needing to study this course; (2) to evaluate the type of course that can be designed for them; (3) to describe a course developed for the needs of both geology and liberal arts students; and (4) to share the ideas and experiences of the…

Summarizes changes in paleoecology during the past few years (focusing on those influencing the way the subject is taught) and changes in the concept of what paleoecology is (focusing on the impact of the changing concepts on course content). Includes predictions about the future of paleoecological studies. (JN)

A geochemistry course for chemists is described. Includes: (1) general course information; (2) subject matter covered; and (3) a consideration of the uses of geochemistry in a chemistry curriculum, including geochemical "real world" examples, geochemistry in general chemistry, and geochemistry as an elective. (JN)

Describes the development of a month-long interterm course which involved a field trip to East Africa. An account of the field trip showing travel itineraries, costs, and other details of the trip is presented. (CP)

Describes geology teaching in a penal institution, considering class offerings, teaching structure, teaching schedule, security, cheating, student characteristics, women prisoners in geology classes, and outside field trips. Sample laboratory schedule is included. (JN)

Describes a course which developed as a result of student requests for practical experience in environmental geology. Students have gained insight into the interaction between geology and human activities. (DF)

Describes a course for non-science majors in gems and gemstones developed at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. (SL)

The course was designed: (1) to broaden the base for chemistry majors to build their courses; (2) to illustrate how some chemistry principles are applied to real situations; and (3) to serve as an introduction to geochemistry for geology majors. (DF)

Discusses rationale for, goals/organization of, and problems related to geology minicourse program. The program provides a framework for students to construct a tailor-made, individualized course in which a "walk-through" (poster session) replaces the traditional final examination. Includes results of course evaluations and listing of minicourses…

Describes an introductory geology laboratory course designed to keep the content and rigor of a traditional course while improving student self-esteem, attitude and achievement. (GS)

Thin-section photomicrographs are used to introduce the introductory geology laboratory classes to many of the optical properties of minerals. Evaluation by questionnaire suggests that the study of thin sections has a positive effect on the enjoyment and understanding of rock identification and classification by introductory students. (Author/MA)

Provides a course description of a geology/ecology program for nonscience students based in the Canadian Rockies. Reviews on-campus preparations and includes samples of discussion topics and essay questions used during the trip. Student evaluation responses are also presented. (ML)