Describes the sociocultural theory motivating strategy "transformative communication" as well as a specific dialogue sequence that can be used as a cultural tool for accompanying such interaction. Illustrates the utility of the dialogue sequence in four key episodes within and inquiry-based high school earth science class. (Author/SAH)

Explores the interrelationship between students' problem-solving ability and their science-process skills in earth science. Statistical analyses indicated that a significantly moderate correlation existed between students' problem-solving ability and their science process skills. Results of a t-test also revealed that there were significant mean…

Explains how the moon provides information about the evolution of the solar system and offers scope for physics-based investigations. Uses statistical analysis of real scientific data with which students can predict the diameter and depth of impact craters then compare them with data gathered in institutions or laboratories. (Author/YDS)

Reports on the effects of a problem-solving-based instructional model on earth science students' (n=172) achievement and alternative frameworks. Results revealed that the problem-solving-based instructional model significantly improved the achievement of students, especially at the application level. Students in the treatment group experienced…

Describes the stages and outcomes of a junior high school science lesson on erosion and deposition utilizing a "kids as researchers" theme. Stages include awareness, discussion, investigation, experimentation, generalization, and extension. (SK)

Investigates the interaction between semantic knowledge and process skills in eighth-grade students' (N=27) performance in solving two types of problems (analogies and set-membership) of inducing structure drawn from physical geology concepts. (DS)

Reviews an educationally valuable and reasonably well-designed simulation of volcanic activity in an imaginary land. VOLCANOES creates an excellent context for learning information about volcanoes and for developing skills and practicing methods needed to study behavior of volcanoes. (Author/JN)

Describes a learning module designed to help students use the factor labeling method in problem solving. (ZWH)

Discusses two ninth grade ten-week courses which use problem solving as one of the main teaching methods. Anecdotes are used to set up problems to be solved in student investigations. (MLH)

Reports on a study involving eighth grade earth science students (N=287) which indicates that a problem solving approach is useful in improving overall achievement, particularly in facilitating application of earth science subject matter. (CS)

A study was initiated at the inception of the Exploring the Environment (ETE) project to look at critical factors concerning the use of problem-based learning in Earth science classes. During the 1995-96 school year, the Tropical Poison module from the ETE Project was evaluated in nine high schools across the country. The module introduced…

The relationship between specific gravity, salinity, and density in brine solutions is investigated. Students construct hydrometers to reinforce concepts learned in oceanography. Background information, salt requirements for the unknowns, directions, and reproducible worksheets are included. (KR)

Presented is the best understanding of the flaw discovered in the optics of the Hubble Space Telescope and the possible solutions to the problems. The spherical aberration in the telescope's mirror and its effect on the quality of the telescope's imaging ability is discussed. (CW)

Describes a lesson plan for use in physical geography, earth science, and social studies classes. Suggests that students will find the problem solving approach interesting and will use knowledge of earth-sun relationships, absolute location, and place. Includes objectives, two days of learning activities, evaluations, resources, and an activity…