Reviews development of NSF (National Science Foundation) earth science summer, inservice, and academic year institutes. Includes statistics from 1957 to 1971 for number of participants, topic areas, number of institutes, number in each state, and other related information. Institutes are an important source of advanced degrees for secondary…

Discusses ATP synthesis in mitochondria/chloroplasts and cause of an antipodal high tide. Also discusses a simple field experiment on regulation of osmotic potential by Salicornia (pioneer plant of estuarine sale marshes) and use of a key to identify British mosquito larvae. The latter includes procedures for collecting, recognizing, and finding…

Sedimentary patterns and hydraulic effects can be studies in model streams which are not to scale. The "Western River" is such a model which is being used effectively at Western Carolina College. Construction of the model, student exercises, and observations made when using the model are discussed. (Author/JN)

To test the literal biblical account of Noah's flood, four sources of possible flood waters were evaluated to determine if a natural (as opposed to supernatural) explanation is possible. Sources include rain, hydrothermal springs, and two types of cometary impact. Thermodynamic constraints preclude a natural means of accounting for the flood.…

Reports using a closed-circuit television system for presenting the concept of homogeneous strain so the complete straining sequence can be followed from the initial state through progressively increasing strain ratios. Suggests photographing the screen for materials for student exercises. (DS)

Reported is a method of producing artificial lightning in an ordinary clear lightbulb. The appearance of sparks produced is that of a miniature stroke of forked lightning seen in natural thunderstorms. The sparks also show the intricate branching patterns often seen in natural lightning. (JT)

Describes a self-paced undergraduate environmental science course focusing on a theme that earth is similar to a spaceship inasmuch as: (1) both possess finite room and resources, and (2) living things are dependent upon life-support systems for continued survival. Includes a list of laboratory and learning activities. (DS)

Described is a computer program which accepts face data, performs all necessary symmetry operations, and produces a drawing of the resulting crystal. The program shortens computing time to make it suitable for online teaching use or for use in small computers. (Author/DC)

Describes a teaching method which forces students to gather data and draw influences in order to synthesize a description of the geological events responsible for current topography. (Author/MA)

Presents activities to be used by a class of fifth graders on a field trip to a stream. Photographs illustrate the techniques and the setting described. (HM)

Discusses changes in the methods of earth science fieldwork brought about by the introduction of the National Curriculum to UK schools. Teachers have traditionally described and interpreted geology for pupils. Teachers now need accessible, safe sites close to schools. The sites must allow pupils to identify problems for themselves and solve them…

Describes an educational program that asks students to attempt to prove that the earth is spherical and that it rotates. Presents tips to pique student interest and charts related to sensing the spin, nonrotation notions, flat earth fallacies, evidence that the earth is spherical and rotates, and the role of watersheds in proving that the earth…

Describes an activity that helps students see how a paper map can represent a three dimensional object by having students build a realistic model that clearly shows what a contour line is and why it behaves the way it does. (DDR)

Synthesizes the results of three case studies of middle school classrooms in which computer and video materials were used to teach topics in earth and space sciences through interactive simulations. Describes specific instances in which common current practice is problematic. Makes suggestions regarding improved design principles for such…

Describes the Slanting Leaf Beds Project in Oregon in which fifth and sixth graders participated in hands-on, long-term research projects designed to provide students with an understanding of scientific processes and concepts. Students first worked in pairs obtaining samples and making tentative identifications. Group data was pooled and compared…