Stromatolites are the rocklike structures produced by "microbial mats"--communities of microorganisms only a few millimeters thick--as they trap, bind, or precipitate minerals. This article provides activities and assessment ideas to help teachers incorporate stromatolites in their classrooms. It relates the study of stromatolites to the…

The "Next Generation Science Standards" ("NGSS"), due to be released this spring, represents a revolutionary step toward establishing modern, national K-12 science education standards. Based on the recommendations of the National Research Council's "A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting…

An instructional unit incorporating some of the Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) hydrology protocols provides an excellent way to connect academic learning, scientific inquiry, multiple subjects, and the values required for concerned citizenship in a democracy. This article describes the GLOBE hydrology protocols…

To prevent increasing personal injuries and property loss, teachers need to educate themselves and their students about geological hazards. The author discusses earthquakes, downslope movement, dam failures, shoreline erosion, and other geologic hazards. Information on suggested teacher resources is provided. (DS)

Described are five activities using crayons to demonstrate the rock cycle including weathering, erosion and sedimentation, and sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock formation. Discussed are materials, procedures, and probable results. (CW)

Describes some common misconceptions of children about the way the world works. Ways for teachers and curriculum developers to become aware of these misconceptions are also included. (HM)

Indicates that atmospheric science is not just forcasting the weather. Gives an overview of current topics in meteorology including ozone depletion, acid precipitation, winter cyclones, severe local storms, the greenhouse effect, wind shear and microbursts. Outlines the Atmospheric Sciences Education Program at Purdue University to produce…

Presented is a list of over 50 commonly held misconceptions based on a literature review found in students and adults. The list covers earth science topics such as space, the lithosphere, the biosphere, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and the cryosphere. (KR)

In this article, the author describes how her high school environmental science students led third graders on a dynamic learning adventure as part of their first annual Outdoor Ecology School. At the water-monitoring site in a nearby national forest, the elementary students conducted field research and scavenger hunts, discovered animal habitats,…