This article examines the role of gesture in the shared meaning-making processes of 6th-grade students studying plate tectonics using a data visualization tool; specifically, a geographic information system. Students' verbal and gestural characterizations of key concepts of plate motions (i.e., "subduction", "rift", and "buckling") were…

The Gaia hypothesis, which promulgates the idea that the Earth as a whole is alive, is discussed. The microworld and the idea that symbiosis is a major force behind evolution are emphasized. (KR)

Learning science includes learning to argue with "inscriptions": images used to symbolize information persuasively. This study examined sixth-graders learning to invest inscriptions with representational status, in a geographic information system (GIS)-based science investigation. Learning to reason with inscriptions was studied in emergent…

This essay examines the geology of an earthquake and the physical and psychological effects the Northridge, California, earthquake had on that area. (MDH)

Discusses the dynamic forces shaping our world as well as ideas for better student understanding of scientific theories. (YDS)

Giant exploding volcanoes...asteroids crashing into Earth...continents floating across the oceans...massive pools of lava...violent earthquakes splitting continents--middle school students hold a variety of ideas about Earth, how it has changed over time, and what has caused these changes. Listening to students talk about how the world works is…

Hot spots are isolated areas of geologic activity where volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and upwelling currents occur far from plate boundaries. These mantle plumes are relatively stable and crustal plates drift over them. The nature and location of hot spots (with particular attention to the Hawaiian Islands and Iceland) are discussed. (DH)

Explores introductory geology students' (n=186) understanding of earthquakes. Results indicate that the mass media seem to provide students greater details about the cause and impact than the actual experience itself, students lack a broad understanding about the theory of plate tectonics, and introductory geology students have extensive…

Provides written tour of Colorado Rockies along San Juan Skyway in which the geological features and formation of the mountain range is explored. Discusses evidence of geologic forces and products such as plate tectonic movement and the Ancestral Rockies; subduction and the Laramide Orogeny; volcanism and calderas; erosion, faulting, land…

A novel theory about Earth's ancient history is presented. It is proposed that North America and Antarctica once lay side by side for perhaps as long as a billion years. The importance of these continental connections to geology and other disciplines is discussed. (KR)

Summarizes the developments in geophysics that have led to the concept of the new global tectonics, which attempts to explain such worldwide features as oceanic ridges and trenches, island arcs and young mountain chains, while it develops processes that cause earthquakes, volcanoes and major faulting. Evidence for the hypotheses of continental…

Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park is described using pictures and words. Information on the formation and movement of the Hawaiian Islands is provided. A travel guide to the volcanic sites is included. (KR)

Discusses the way in which physics can be used to determine the structure of the Earth and observe the processes indicative of the structures dynamic nature. (MDH)

Discusses the challenges confronting plate tectonics. Presents evidence that contradicts continental drift, seafloor spreading, and subduction. Reviews problems posed by vertical tectonic movements. (Contains 242 references.) (DDR)