Recounts the adventures of a journey taken through France and Italy. Makes an analogy of this trip to that of the one Charles Dickens took in 1844. Describes silicified horizons of the southern Paris Basin, moraines, outcrops, and "Hoodoos." (RT)

Discusses the computational problems of automating paper-based spatial information. A new relational structure for soil science information based on the main conceptual concepts used during conventional cartographic work is proposed. This model is a computerized framework for coherent description of the geographical variability of soils, combined…

Presents an overview of microorganisms contained in soil. Describes an activity where students use hand lenses or microscopes to find fungi in soil. (PR)

Describes an investigative laboratory activity that involves quantifying the decomposition rate of terrestrial leaf litter in soil microcosms using a 2-liter soda bottle. (WRM)

As part of a systematic review of the undergraduate curricula and courses, the perceptions of Purdue agronomy alumni who graduated between 1960 and 2003 were obtained. A survey was administered to assess outcomes, identify gaps in the curriculum, measure how well the program addresses current and future needs, and provide a direction for change.…

The living component of soil is difficult for students to learn about and understand because students have difficulty relating to things they cannot see (beyond sight, beyond mind). Line drawings from textbooks help explain conceptual relationships but do little to stimulate an active interest in the living component of soil. Alternatively,…

The USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil Survey is a valuable teaching tool for soil science education. By incorporating the Web Soil Survey into an undergraduate-level course, students are able to use the most detailed digital soil survey information without the steep learning curve associated with geographic information…

Advocates wildflower collecting as a class project, citing instances of interest in studies of soil composition, growing wildflowers, and increased student motivation toward the subject of botany as basis for the activity. (CP)

Research analyzed adoption of erosion control practices by farm operators in two counties in each of four states: Alabama, Missouri, Tennessee, and Washington. Analysis was based on farm survey data and technical and financial assistance information from county Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service…

The ability of various treatment processes, such as oxidation ponds, chemical coagulation and filtration, and the soil mantle, to remove the agents of infectious disease found in waste water is discussed. The literature concerning the efficiency of removal of these organisms by various treatment processes is reviewed. (BT)

This science unit is designed primarily for newcomer Chinese students and for those who are continuing in the Chinese Bilingual Pilot Program, sponsored through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title VII. It is designed for limited and non English speaking students. The unit is on kinds of soils and how poor soil is made better.…

This module sketches out the impact of sewage organic matter on soils. For convenience, that organic matter is separated into the readily decomposable compounds and the more resistant material (volatile suspended solids, refractory organics, and sludges). The fates of those organics are reviewed along with loading rates and recommended soil…

Five of these eleven units describe methods elementary school students can use when studying soil characteristics. Soil nitrogen and water holding capacity tests are included with two techniques for measuring soil pH. Survey methods for soil organisms are suggested. The remaining pamphlets describe diverse activities associated with field…

GRADES OR AGES: Inservice course for secondary teachers. SUBJECT MATTER: Earth science. ORGANIZATION AND PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: The guide is intended for use with a 32-program television course for teachers, with material intended to be used in the classroom. The introductory material explains the rationale of the course and includes the…