Discusses Web-based science instruction for deaf students and the need to be aware of factors such as reading ability, motivation, and the need for visual reinforcement of science content. Summarizes three empirical research studies related to earth science, chemistry, and physical science instruction for deaf students. (Author/LRW)

Explains the design and implementation of a creative class activity that teaches students characteristics of the planets. Requires students to research and synthesize information about a specific planet and sell it through an oral presentation and visual aids. Includes a grading rubric. (SOE)

Details the use of online homework assignments designed to more actively engage students in a general education geoscience course. Concludes that students come to class better prepared and that both groups benefit from a problem-based learning approach. (Contains 17 references.) (DDR)

Explains how basic mapping skills are taught in a large lab space using various arrangements of books to portray structural information. Reports an increase in student confidence and ability to synthesize data during field work. (DDR)

Contains instructions and two patterns for making a terrestrial globe and a tectonic globe. The pattern is designed to be glued onto a tennis ball. By constructing the globes, students obtain a greater understanding of the locations of the edges of continents and the earth's plates. (AIM)

Investigates the comparative efficiency of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and traditional teaching methods on 10th grade students' learning of earth science in Taiwan. Involves a total of 151 students enrolled in four earth science classes and conducts a pretest/posttest control group experiment. (Contains 26 references.) (Author/YDS)

Characterizes students' understanding of the rock cycle system. Examines effects of a knowledge integration activity on their system thinking. Interprets answers to an open-ended test using a systems thinking continuum ranging from a completely static view of the system to an understanding of the system's cyclic nature. Reports meaningful…

Explains the design and development of an educational virtual environment to support the teaching of planetary phenomena, particularly the movements of Earth and the sun, day and night cycle, and change of seasons. Uses an interactive, three-dimensional (3D) virtual environment. Initial results show that the majority of students enthused about…

Introduces a website, MarsQuest Online (www.Marsquestonline.org), designed to help students explore Mars and space science. (KHR)

Discusses the benefits of research partnerships between scientists and K-16 students. Regards the partnerships as effective vehicles for teaching scientific logic, processes, and content by integrating inquiry-based educational approaches with innovative research questions. Reviews integrated research and education through geoscience partnerships.…

Describes the pilot of a field-based research experience in earth science teacher education designed to produce well-prepared, scientifically and technologically literate earth science teachers through a teaching- and research-oriented partnership between in-service teachers and a university scientist-educator. Indicates that the pilot program was…

Examined is the historical role of museums in Brazil and their relationship to formal and informal precollege education. A transition to a more active role in education for museums is discussed. (CW)

Discussed are some of the reasons for earthquakes which occur in stable crust away from familiar zones at the ends of tectonic plates. Crust stability and the reactivation of old faults are described using examples from India and Australia. (CW)

Introduced is a sandstone classification scheme intended for use with thin-sections and hand specimens. Detailed is a step-by-step classification scheme. A graphic presentation of the scheme is presented. This method is compared with other existing schemes. (CW)

Described is the sequence of topics, learning activities, materials and demonstrations for the course. It is stressed that students can learn these skills in less than 30 hours of instruction. (CW)