As interplanetary travel by robot vehicles launched from earth becomes more sophisticated, the solar system neighborhood will be constantly rediscovered. This will lead to the maturation of the science of comparative planetology. This discipline, involved in study of the origin, evolution, and nature of planets, promises significant future…

Presents a method for teaching about climate in introductory physical geography and earth science classes. A classification scheme consists of four basic types: instability, inversion, subsidence, and frontal; four seasonal hybrids based on combinations of the basic types; and three topographic variants: highlands, rainshadows, and coasts. (KC)

Discusses meteorological resources available to classroom teachers. Describes in detail the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and the A.M. Weather Show on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Includes addresses where teachers can get more information. (MA)

Investigates Mercury concentration in ocean water in the Gulf Stream. A correlation was found between variations in mercury and silicate, suggesting a common link in their marine geochemistry. (HM)

Discusses the concept of time in relation to the age of the chemical elements and the age of the universe. (MLH)

Describes classroom science demonstrations and experiments that simulate the process of fossil formation. Lists materials, procedures and suggestions for successful activities. Includes ten student activities (coral fossils, leaf fossils, leaf scars, carbonization, etc.). Describes a fossil game in which students work in pairs. (CS)

Lists materials and procedures for constructing a model that demonstrates certain aspects of the Coriolis effect. Materials include an electric drill motor, voltage control, toy dart gun and darts, wood blocks of varying dimensions. Includes description of an experiment illustrating relationship between speed of rotation and amount of apparent…

Describes research and technological development relating to navigation on the oceans via sound, particularly via underwater sound. (SL)

Describes the development of the Nebraska Earth Science Education Network and its current activities in providing support for experienced teachers by enhancing and expanding teaching resource materials and educational opportunities. Provides a framework that other state geological surveys could use to establish a similar communication network.…

Describes resources for information and activities involving volcanoes. Includes an activity that helps students become familiar with the principal types of volcanoes and explores how the viscosity of magma affects the way a volcano erupts. (MKR)

Explains attempts to calculate the ages of the earth and the sun from an historical perspective by reviewing the works of Newton, Count de Buffon, Helmholtz, Kelvin, and Hans Bethe. (YDS)

Designs and constructs a sundial for the purpose of observing the declination of the sun, thus marking solar seasonal variation. Discusses the design of a dial that emphasizes a working space for observations on solar declination and methods for determining the position of the nodus such that lines of declination can be observed every day of the…

Undergraduate science majors need practice in critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and judging whether their calculated answers are physically reasonable. Develops exercises using handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. Reinforces students' abilities to think quantitatively, make realistic "back of the envelope"…

Considers answers to questions relating to the differences between education, information, and indoctrination using a blend of knowledge about learning and knowledge in the field of earth science. (DDR)

Analyzes students' achievement in earth science on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study-Repeat (TIMSS-R) which was given in 1999 with 38 nations participating. Compares Korean 8th grade students' achievement in earth science with those of other countries and other content areas in science. Presents the results of item analysis and…