An informative review which summarizes information about chemical reactions in the thermosphere and ionosphere. Topics include thermal structure, ultraviolet radiation, ionospheric photochemistry, thermospheric photochemistry, chemical heating, thermospheric circulation, auroral processes and ionospheric interactions. Provides suggested followup…

Background information and ready-to-copy student materials are provided for activities that examine the history of the earth and focus on what life was like during the age of dinosaurs. Each activity includes an objective, list of materials needed, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), and instructional strategies. (JN)

Surveyed currently available software in the physical sciences, biological sciences, and earth/space sciences. Also examined interdisciplnary and remedial programs. One finding is that the emphasis in science education software is for high school and college students with little software for junior high school teachers or students. (JN)

State geological surveys offer a wealth of information and aid for teachers. Suggestions for contacting state agents, using their materials, finding other resources, developing class activities, and conducting field trips are included along with a plan for a geological jaunt from Mississippi to Minnesota. (DH)

Stereology is the study of three-dimensional objects through the interpretation of two-dimensional images. Stereological techniques used in introductory botany to quantitatively examine changes in leaf anatomy in response to different environments are discussed. (JN)

Discusses the lack of earth science education in the elementary school curriculum; includes reasons why the earth sciences have been neglected, why they should not be neglected, and what can be done to prevent the neglect. (SL)

This book expands on the argument for a new type of science curriculum for secondary schools. Instead of being based on each of the major disciplines as are almost all current science curricula, it is suggested that curricula should be conceptually organized around the Earth system, including the science methodology of the system sciences, and…

NASA CONNECT is a research and standards-based annual series of integrated mathematics, science, and technology instructional distance learning programs for students in grades 6-8. This program has three components: (1) a 30-minute television broadcast which can be viewed live or taped for later use; (2) a companion educator's guide including a…

Part of the Delaware Department of Education's ongoing efforts to provide assistance and support to local school districts in their development of a standards-based curriculum, this document presents the eight science standards for middle school. The standards for grades 6-8 are: (1) nature and application of science and technology; (2) materials…

This publication is a collection of 13 hands-on activities that focus on earth science-related activities and involve students in learning about growing crystals, tectonics, fossils, rock and minerals, modeling Ohio geology, geologic time, determining true north, and constructing scale-models of the Earth-moon system. Each activity contains…

These documents contain instructional materials for the Earth/Space Science curriculum designed by the Florida Department of Education. The student guide is adapted for students with disabilities or diverse learning needs. The content of Parallel Alternative Strategies for Students (PASS) differs from standard textbooks with its simplified text,…

This activity is designed to teach about hydrothermal vent ecology. Students are expected to describe how hydrothermal vents are formed and characterize the physical conditions at these sites, explain chemosynthesis and contrast this process with photosynthesis, identify autotrophic bacteria as the basis for food webs in hydrothermal vent…

This document, concerning the 4-H horticulture project, includes a leader's guide and three youth activity guides. The leader's guide can be used to plan group project meetings that are both fun and educational. Activities can be adapted to various age groups. The leader's guide includes basic information for growing plants indoors and outdoors,…

This videotape recording shows students the many ways scientists look at the stars and how they can use what they see to answer questions such as What are stars made of?, How far away are they?, and How old are the stars? Students learn about the life span of stars and the various stages they pass through from protostar to main sequence star to…

This cooperative learning activity, for grades 7-12, promotes critical thinking skills within the context of learning about the causes and effects of climate change. Objectives include: (1) understanding factors that reduce greenhouse gases; (2) understanding the role of trees in reducing greenhouse gases; (3) identifying foods that produce…