Reports on a study of position descriptions in the field of hydrogeology appearing in want ads, published studies describing the working professional, and published descriptions of hydrogeology programs. Results indicate an increase in positions of ten times that of five years ago. Suggests basic training requirements for beginning…

Reports on an investigation of 31 introductory geology textbooks indicating that the concept of contact between bodies of rock is only rarely discussed. Data collected pertaining to 15 related terms demonstrated that many are either omitted or inadequately covered. (TW)

Reports on an analysis of student evaluations of an introductory college-level physical geology course over a five year period. Indicates that instructional and pedagogical traits were assessed as being of importance in contributing to the satisfaction of the students with the course. (TW)

Describes a six-week, six-credit, field-based physical and historical geology course offered by Lehigh University (Pennsylvania) in conjunction with its standard summer field studies program. Stresses the advantages of integrating physical and historical geology concepts in a field setting. (TW)

Discusses how rock-cycle diagrams can graphically illustrate the interrelationship between materials and processes in physical geology courses. Reviews nine contemporary physical geology textbooks with regard to their use of such diagrams. (TW)

Provided is a flow chart for the separation and purification of major, minor, and accessory minerals from granitic rocks. With careful use of heavy liquids, and a Franz Isodynamic Magnetic Separator, it is possible to obtain mineral concentrates with a purity of 95 percent or better. (Author/RH)

Described is the use of a microcomputer and computer software to simulate the use of geological equipment. The technique uses pictures of the control panel (with switches and dials that can be activated) and a story board that can provide the simulation. A simple seismograph is used as an example of possible simulations. (RH)

Reviews a study which sought to assess the influence of field activities, as compared to classroom-contained activities, upon students in an earth science laboratory course. Test results indicated that both groups had identical levels of lower-order learning but the field-oriented group demonstrated higher levels of understanding and application.…

Discusses a classroom study that assessed the science achievement of a group of high school students after a full year of geologic instruction. Reports that test scores significantly improved and concludes that geology was an effective science achieving experience for the group tested. (ML)

This study found that students who experienced a field-oriented laboratory approach had higher affective scores (related to levels of importance, interest, and enjoyment associated with the learning experience) than students in a traditional laboratory setting. A description of the approaches used is included. (JN)

Determined relationships between college/secondary earth science teachers' confidence in ability to teach field-based earth science cognitive objectives and perceived sources of that confidence, discussing objectives teachers felt confident/unconfident in teaching. Indicates that inservice education ranked behind preservice education or teaching…

Analysis of interviews with elementary school students (N=40) suggests that their concepts about time offer no more of a barrier to learning about the geologic past than concepts about time held by members of other age groups who are ignorant of geological events and records. (Author/JN)

The authors investigated a science course which was divided into two sections, one "student-structured" and one "teacher-structured." Data indicate that the "student-structured" environment enhanced the students' desire to participate in scientific activities, and their belief that they were capable of doing so. (JT)

Self-paced and lecture versions of a general geology course were taught by the same instructor using identical exams and nearly identical instructional materials. No significant differences were found in apparent scholastic abilities, exam results, or levels of satisfaction with the course. Enrollment was notably higher in the lecture version.…

A voluntarily used resource room has been shown to be an effective and reasonably inexpensive mechanism whereby attitudinal levels of students in traditionally taught introductory geology courses can be maintained at the same level as in nontraditional courses, without requiring large-scale revision or restructuring of traditionally taught…