Interdisciplinary field study courses at 2-year colleges can provide an opportunity to enhance student learning. The authors present here an 11-day interdisciplinary field-study course designed for nonscience majors at a 2-year college. Using a theoretical learning framework that emphasizes cognitive and metacognitive gains, the field study…

According to Carl Sagan (1987), "Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge." Field studies and undergraduate research provide students with the best opportunities for "thinking" about science, while at the same time acquiring a body of knowledge. Natural History of Tropical Carbonate Ecosystems is a…

This article describes an approach to minimizing the "fear factor" in a chemistry course for the nonscience major, and also addresses relevant applications to other science courses, including biology, geology, and physics. The approach emphasizes forensic science and affords students the opportunity to hone their analytical skills in an…

Describes an introductory course in geology for nonscience majors that involves students in laboratory exercises related to rock classification. (GS)

Describes an introductory earth science course concerned with catastrophic events and processes in geology. Includes a section on lecture topics, readings, and visual materials. (MA)

Describes a field-based course for science teachers which focuses on Appalachian geology. Provides an overview of the course's objectives, organization, itinerary, and requirements and describes an evaluative study of the program. Also includes a rationale for field instruction. (ML)

Provides a course description of a geology/ecology program for nonscience students based in the Canadian Rockies. Reviews on-campus preparations and includes samples of discussion topics and essay questions used during the trip. Student evaluation responses are also presented. (ML)

Highlights the value and need for instruction in logic in the sciences. Describes a geology course for nonmajors which incorporates elements of logic. Explains how principles were identified and how materials and activities were developed for the course. (ML)

Describes a course for nonscience students which aims to teach quantitative modes for investigating natural phenomena by specific oceanographic applications to Long Island Sound. Highlights aspects of the course's lecture series and field study program. Identifies resources needed for the course and discusses problem areas and student evaluation.…

Describes an introductory geology laboratory course designed to keep the content and rigor of a traditional course while improving student self-esteem, attitude and achievement. (GS)

Compared attitudes, interests, and values of students in physical geology and environmental earth science courses. Significant differences were not found as indicated by comparisons of precourse/postcourse scores. Interpretation of the results and descriptions of the two courses are provided. (JN)

Briefly describes a module on the origin of life formulated for inclusion in introductory biology, geology, and astronomy courses. The authors are preparing a concise monograph on the topic to complement the three-week module. (Author/SK)

Explores the use of extra credit in an introductory geology course. Covers the organization and rational behind the program. (PR)