Points out that course planning for a student-learning course must address cooperative learning and other strategies as well as how to integrate the instructional strategies. (Contains 23 references.) (DDR)

Details the use of online homework assignments designed to more actively engage students in a general education geoscience course. Concludes that students come to class better prepared and that both groups benefit from a problem-based learning approach. (Contains 17 references.) (DDR)

Explains how basic mapping skills are taught in a large lab space using various arrangements of books to portray structural information. Reports an increase in student confidence and ability to synthesize data during field work. (DDR)

Analyzes how textbooks define and describe an earthquake focus or hypocenter. Provides examples from textbooks that reflect an absence of precision in words and diagrams that can foster misconceptions. Discusses the origin of the problems. (DDR)

Provides a list of web sites that pertain to rivers that are practical, well organized, and have authentic content. (DDR)

Uses a laser pointer to demonstrate the analogy between optical and X-ray diffraction and a laser printer with 600 or 1200 dot resolution to create and modify arrays, print them on transparencies, and illuminate them with laser pointers. Includes 14 references. (Author/YDS)

Introduces the "Where are We?" software and lessons that are designed to help children in grades 2-4 learn to translate between the visually-perceived world that they sense around them, and the schematic representation of that landscape on a map. Evaluates the skills practiced in the software. (Contains 26 references.) (Author/YDS)

Tests a multifaceted curriculum for use in introductory earth science classes from the secondary school to the introductory undergraduate level. Simulates the greenhouse effect with two fish tanks, heat lamps, and thermometers. Uses a hands-on science approach to develop a deeper understanding of the climate system among students. (Contains 28…

Points out that assessment of courses and curricula lags behind implementation and focuses on an evaluation project at the University of Arizona. Describes an effort to determine the effectiveness of science courses for non-majors. (DDR)

Identifies new skills that are required for geoscience students to prepare more effectively for careers in the oil industry and help geoscience departments upgrade their curricula. Presents data gathered from 29 oil companies based in Britain surveying 382,000 employees, and assesses more than 40 geological and geographical skills. (Author/YDS)

Points out the opportunities provided in teaching with information technologies. Explains instructional design by teaching the course entirely on the Internet. Describes characteristics of effective education and the role of the instructor in an on-line course. (Author/YDS)