The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to determine the effects of a field-based, inquiry-focused course on pre-service teachers' geoscience content knowledge, attitude toward science, confidence in teaching science, and inquiry understanding and skills. The field-based course was designed to provide students with opportunities to…

Through the examination of the experiences of a pre-service teacher participating in a field-based science methods course, we make evident the ways in which a combination of collaborative teaching experiences and reflexive dialogues allowed for the evolution and transformation of her identity. This teacher is Johaira Lara, the second author of…

This article describes learner and tutor reports of a learning network that formed during the completion of investigative projects on a residential field course. Staff and students recorded project-related interactions, who they were with and how long they lasted over four phases during the field course. An enquiry based learning format challenged…

Advocates the use of field trips for improving students' image-interpretation abilities. Presents guidelines for developing a field trip for an aerial-photo interpretation class or a remote-sensing class. Reviews methodology employed, content emphasis, and includes an exercise that was used on a trip. (ML)

Described is a project which measured the parameters of the moon's orbit and the moon's size with various equipment, photographs, and calculations. The goals for this project included: completion within a 6-8 week period, reliance on existing equipment and data obtained, and provision for hands-on experience to advanced high school students.…

Reviews a study which sought to assess the influence of field activities, as compared to classroom-contained activities, upon students in an earth science laboratory course. Test results indicated that both groups had identical levels of lower-order learning but the field-oriented group demonstrated higher levels of understanding and application.…

Presents a method for calculating age specific expectation of life for human populations by examining obituary entries in newspapers, tombstones, and parish records. Examples are given which illustrate large differences between the sexes, social classes, and dates at a given locality. (Author/CS)

Utilizing the vast diversity of planktonic communities that exist in local, temperate ponds and lakes, the authors describe a simple exercise that gives students both a field and classroom experience in biodiversity. (ZWH)

Reviews methods for obtaining accurate and reproducible results in determining zonation patterns on rocky shores. (CS)

Asserts that field experiences cannot be replaced by a textbook or a computer program and discusses why field trips at the college level are in decline. (PR)

Describes a project involving primary science students on a unit on housing. Explains the students' participation in site surveys, housing design, and house construction. An evaluation of the project is stated and suggestions for future developments are offered. (ML)

Describes scope and significance of a high school water monitoring project and discusses problems and solutions related to water testing in general and winter water testing in particular. Discussions of stream velocity, stream flow, biotic index, and coliform bacteria tests are included. (DC)

Addresses problems associated with biology fieldwork and the teaching of ecology. Points out the need for the development of an objective approach in evaluating the effectiveness of fieldwork exercises. Reports on the evaluation of concept education by transect exercises. (ML)

The effectiveness of an interactive computer-based instruction program designed to give students experience with exploratory drilling is compared to a previously used field-oriented simulated exploration program. The development, operation, and implementation of the computer program are discussed. (DC)

Preservation of our wetlands has been an issue for many years. Today, despite current laws and those adopted 200 years ago, the wetlands remain insufficiently protected and developed. A holistic guide and suggestions for the classroom are provided to aid in efforts directed at wetland education, research and management. (ZWH)