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 analysis of a river as an excellent way to teach geochemical techniques because of the relative ease of sample collection and speed of sample analysis. Focuses on the potential sources of sample contamination during sampling, filtering, and bottle cleaning processes, and reviews methods to reduce and detect contamination. Includes…

Describes summer institutes for urban teachers in Milwaukee that centered on several Lake Michigan beaches within the bounds of their school district. Compares the sand from four different beaches for grain size, magnetite content, as well as fossil and modern Zebra Mussel Shells. Encourages good field trip teaching practices. Includes 19…

Introduces an entry level mineralogy/igneous petrology course designed for undergraduate students and presents a series of learning activities based on individual and cooperative learning. Includes 18 references. (Author/YDS)

Discusses the issues related to students' alternative conceptions, how these conceptions affect student learning, identification of these conceptions, and teaching methods able to transform students' conceptions into scientific understanding. Includes 20 references. (YDS)

Discusses students' misconceptions on evaporation of water considering the errors in geoscience textbooks. (YDS)

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…