Where have all the soils students gone? Several articles have been published recently discussing the decline in undergraduate student enrollment in soil science. Those who work directly with these students have known that this trend has existed for many years. At first we thought this trend was temporary. Now we realize that this declining trend…

Describes the research of Boussingault on soil chemistry that led to the later identification of microbial nitrogen fixation. (AL)

This is the first scientific report on the examination of the lunar samples returned from the Apollo 12 mission. Analyses of 34 kilograms of lunar rocks and fines reveal significant differences from the samples from Tranquillity Base, most notably in age, texture, amount of solar wind material, and in mineral and chemical composition. (LC)

Reports findings from the Viking experiment, such as soil and atmosphere composition. (MLH)

Enumerates some of the research findings in geochemistry during the last year, including X-ray analysis of the Mars surface, trace analysis of fresh and esterarine waters, and analysis of marine sedements. (MLH)

Presents activities that involve geological sleuthing to solve mysteries. Uses sand for teaching the scientific method, involving parents and community members, and helping students see connections between science and other disciplines. (JRH)

The problem of environmental pollution has assumed an unprecedented proportion in many parts of the world especially in Nigeria and its Niger-Delta region in particular. This region is bedeviled with this problem perhaps owing to interplay of demographic and socio-economic forces coupled with the various activities that revolve round the…

The merit of exploring an intertidal jetty sound is described in terms of the marine organisms living in the jetty's algal zones: calothrix, enteromorpha, and fucus zones. (JC)

Two task cards which are the basis for primary and intermediate science lessons are included in this article on soil, how it is formed, and what it is made of. (MT)

One way in which archaeologists locate a site to dig is to use a resistive survey. This can be modelled simply and instructively for students in the school laboratory.

To help eighth-grade students experience the excitement of Earth science research, the authors developed an inquiry-based project in which students evaluated and cataloged their campus geology and soils. Following class discussions of rock-weathering and soil-forming processes, students worked in groups to excavate multiple soil pits in the school…

Have you ever played in the dirt? Repotted a plant? Planted a garden? In each and every one of these activities, you touched something that is a valuable resource in our lives--dirt! This month's column has students investigating different aspects of something that is right beneath our feet but plays an important role in the daily lives of many…