Discusses the origin of the catastrophic event as to whether it was an episodic process or of extraterrestrial or endogenous origin. Develops a model of a volcanic mechanism to produce shocked quartz like those found in the Deccan basalts. (MVL)

Described are efforts to organize the research efforts concerning global change. Objectives include the development of long-term monitoring programs, global process research campaigns, and predictive computer models. (CW)

Discusses the development of a global program designed to provide a worldwide study of the earth, oceans, and atmosphere as a system; and to document changes that are occurring in this system. Explains the objectives and three core projects around which the experimental program has been organized. (RT)

Reviews discoveries and reports of dinosaurs to help put them into paleontological perspective. Proposes that discoveries not be announced from the field, but submitted to professional evaluation and peer review before release to the public. (Author/RT)

Describes a demonstration to show the character and behavior of mixing clouds. Discusses laminar and turbulent flow, and the formation of contrails and other cloud phenomena. (CW)

Described are one-atmosphere and compressed-gas technologies used for investigating the environment beneath the surface of the ocean. Suggestions for teaching this information to high school students are provided. (CW)

This article describes a teaching aid made from four colored foam balls mounted on a stiff wire circle used to teach about the changing seasons and earth temperature fluctuations. The spheres represent the Earth at the solstice and equinox positions. (MVL)

Examines what can be done to reintroduce content and process instruction from the earth sciences into the world's science curricula, especially at the secondary level. The earth system provides a conceptual theme as opposed to a disciplinary theme for organizing such integrated curricula, absent from prior efforts. (LZ)

Reports a study of the relationship between learning science content in an elementary science methods course with videodisk-based instruction and attitudes toward science teaching. The experimental group (n=42) learned science concepts through interactive videodisk lessons. Results showed the experimental group had greater gains in science…

Map making is described in the context of extraterrestrial areas. An analogy to terrestrial map making is used to provide some background. The status of projects designed to map extraterrestrial areas are discussed including problems unique to this science. (CW)

Reviewed is the history of the naming of the constellations which appear in the sky. The roles of many ancient peoples through the astronomers of the eighteenth century up to the adoption of the official list of 88 constellations produced in 1922 by the International Astronomical Union are discussed. (CW)

Students at the Lexington School for the Deaf (New York) were immersed in a print environment devoted to the study of earth science, using computers linked into a local area network. Students used databases, a text editor, and electronic mail to receive and submit assignments and messages and to keep logs of daily activities. (JDD)

An introduction to Earth systems education describes a need and framework for an earth-systems focus in precollege curriculum. Challenges teachers to include this focus in science curriculum by following the guidelines presented in the Earth systems approach to science education. (five references) (MCO)

State geological surveys have a significant role in geologic education. They are the principal gatherers, evaluators, and distributors of geologic information within their states; and they are in daily contact with the public through state, government, industry, and educator contacts. Many surveys are attempting to disseminate information through…

Two programs are described for teaching earth science and introductory chemistry to secondary students with learning disabilities. Development of the two models involved curriculum revision to engage students in higher order thinking, teaching fewer topics in more depth, and design of materials to provide an integrated, problem-solving basis for…