GeoScape is a landscape design consisting of colored gravel, strategically placed flagstone and boulders, and two vertical features that simulate the geology of fictitious regions. Employs "hands-on", inquiry-based, and cooperative learning techniques to help students develop problem solving and critical thinking skills. Explains the construction,…

Proposes that content- or skill-based labs can be revised to explicitly involve the scientific method by asking students to propose hypotheses before making observations. Students' self-assessment showed they felt that they learned a great deal from this style of labs and found the labs to be fun; however, students felt that they learned little…

Suggests that instructors can foster the growth of thinking skills and promote science literacy by incorporating active learning strategies into the classroom. Describes situations in which a variety of learning strategies were incorporated into large earth science courses for non-majors. Improvements in student achievement, retention, and logical…

Explains a collaborative research project in which students study a phenomenon known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect which is a measure of the near-surface air temperature contrast between urbanized and adjoining rural areas. Includes background content and literature review, preliminary studies, development of research questions,…

Discusses the Master of Science in Teaching Earth Science graduate program. Describes some changes it has undergone in the past 30 years due to the development of standards and competency tests. Concludes that participation in this Master's-level professional development program has positively impacted enrollment figures, teacher understanding of…

Describes an activity in which students are asked to write an essay on the Crustal Displacement hypothesis, an hypothesis that is inconsistent with the accepted understanding of crustal and mantle processes. The assignment is useful because it forces students to solidify their understanding of plate tectonics by applying their knowledge in a new…

Discusses the Maury River Alliance (MRA), a cooperative program developed at the Washington and Lee University that involved local colleges, high schools, government agencies, and conservation groups. Addresses the connection between land use and water quality with a creative merging of technical, social, and educational aspects of local watershed…

Discusses how to address the issue of a course becoming too popular. Uses as an example the Age of Dinosaurs course at the University of Texas at Dallas. Describes some issues that can arise such as classroom overflow, overwhelmed labs, cheating, testing methods, and asynchronous instruction. Recommends looking to web-based course management…

Describes using the evolution-creation controversy to introduce students to the scientific method by having them write a paper that summarizes arguments used by those who took a viewpoint opposite their own. Results indicate that most students learned about the controversy, focused their views on where they stood, and valued the learning…

Suggests that modern science actually has roots in pre-Reformation biblical exegesis. Claims that scientists can use the Bible along with the geological record to demonstrate that creationist claims with regard to Earth history are false. (Contains 11 references.) (Author/NB)

Investigates the effectiveness of inquiry-based teaching modules for instructing high school physics students. All modules were in accordance with the South Carolina High School Science standards. Results indicate a significant increase in knowledge level as shown as the difference score between pre- and post-test results. (Author/NB)

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.…

Introduces GLOBE, a science and education program designed to use environmental research as a means to improve student achievement in basic science, mathematics, geography, and the use of technology. Indicates positive impact of GLOBE on students' ability to use scientific data in decision-making and their scientifically informed awareness of the…

Describes the Moonsnail Project, which engages middle school students in discovery learning and the process of science by making them collaborators with scientists in the investigation of genuine scientific hypotheses. Reports on the first workshop held in summer 2001 and a scientific conference held in summer 2002 that provided vehicles for the…

Presents the Nevada Science Teacher Enhancement Project (N-STEP) in which 50 high school teachers worked with research scientists, educational faculty, and high school students on authentic, field-based research projects in the geosciences, biological sciences, or social sciences. Indicates improved satisfaction of teachers and students with their…