Much effort over many years has been devoted to the reform of the teaching of physics. This has led to many new and imaginative approaches in the content and delivery of material. Great strides have been made in the delivery, and the content has been continually supplemented. However, attempts to modernize the basic structure of the presentation…

Traditional school science instruction has been largely unsuccessful in reaching diverse student groups and students from, in particular, underrepresented backgrounds. This paper presents a case study of an urban, dual-language middle school classroom in which the teacher used an alternative instructional approach, involving her students in an…

"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,…

Geoscience educational publications are reviewed in seven areas to identify future directions for curriculum development, professional development and research. The review shows that: effective teaching methods encompassing broad geoscience study still need extensive research; whilst some valuable materials have been developed for the teaching of…

Questions the merits of many topics taught in college degree programs. Ponders the relevance of any curriculum as to applications to careers. (CP)

Describes an introductory earth science course concerned with catastrophic events and processes in geology. Includes a section on lecture topics, readings, and visual materials. (MA)

Describes and provides evaluation of a one semester minicourse curriculum for undergraduate earth science instruction. (CP)

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)

Describes an exercise for a lecture class that breaks the monotony of note taking and requires active student thought and participation. Helps students grasp the idea of geologic time as it relates to the erosion of a prominent local landmark, Massanutten Mountain. (Author/SAH)

This publication is a compilation of examples of practical, easily implemented activities to help mathematics, science, and education faculty duplicate efforts by the Rocky Mountain Teacher Education Collaborative (RMTEC) to reform and revise curriculum for preservice educators. Activities are organized by content areas: mathematics; geology,…

Discusses a course at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire which improved instruction in physical hydrogeology, chemical hydrogeology, and water resources. Describes 14 laboratory activities including objectives, methods, and a list of equipment needed. (Author/MVL)

Asks the course planner, text writer, teacher, or even the student to consider a series of questions about Earth processes such as how, why, and where the process occurs and why is it important. Provides a guide for the coverage of a topic to ensure that nothing is overlooked. (Author/MVL)

Describes a method of integrating a course syllabus with a field geological inventory of the surrounding area. Consists of three modules, each with a preparatory unit, field trip, and summary unit. Discusses first hand experiences, learning cycles, novelty factors, and moving from the concrete to abstract. (MVL)

A group of scientists and science educators at Washington State University has developed and pilot tested an integrated physical science program designed for preservice elementary school teachers. This document includes the syllabus and class materials for the Geology block of the physical science courses developed by the group. Included are…

An inquiry-based curriculum can become the vehicle for bringing students out into the community and bringing the larger world to the classroom. The article describes one Hawaiian teacher's elementary curriculum that encouraged talking, sharing, and collaboration and incorporated reading and writing for real purposes into the curriculum. (SM)