Brent A. Ford, Project Earth Science: Geology (National Science Teachers Association, Arlington, VA, 1996). 214 pp. $21.95. ISBN 0-87355-131-1.
Guides for quality activities in earth science are always welcome. This volume completes the series designed by the NSTA to provide middle-level teachers with background information and classroom-tested activities. Companion volumes include Meteorology, Physical Oceanography, and Astronomy. Created by Horizon Research, Inc., and funded by BP America, Inc., and the National Science Foundation, PES: Geology contains fifteen activities and four reading selections.
The activities were created over a multiyear teacher enhancement program conducted by Horizon Research, Inc., and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, then further tested and evaluated by classroom teachers and others throughout the country. Introductory sections explain some of the general geological concepts addressed in the activities, philosophical considerations in "creating scientific knowledge," points for teachers to consider in using the activities with students, and links between the activities and the National Science Education Standards.
Each activity includes a student-oriented section and a teacher's guide. The activities are grouped around four broad concept areas: "geological investigation through scientific modelling," "plate tectonics," "geological phenomena and plate tectonics," and "rocks and minerals." Each student section contains brief background information, procedure instructions, and questions/conclusions. Drawings help students understand steps in the procedure that may be new skills. The questions call for open-ended responses and allow for higher-order skills and extension projects.
The teacher's guide opens with an explanation of "What Is Happening?" and "Important Points for Students to Understand." Suggestions are also provided for time management, preparation, further study, interdisciplinary study, and answers to the questions for students. These sections would be especially helpful to teachers with limited background in teaching geology, drawing as they do on the many years of experience pooled by the cooperating teachers.
The layout is designed for teachers to take advantage of the advance permission granted to reproduce the activities for classroom or workshop instruction. As an additional aid to teachers, Appendix A provides suggestions for a "master materials list" that would facilitate carrying out the activities. Appendix B includes an "annotated bibliography" of other activities and curriculum projects, books and booklets, audiovisual materials, and (this being the 90s) Internet and other resources.
The four readings deal with basic conepts about "plate tectonics," "volcanoes," "earthquakes," and "rocks and minerals." Text explanations are supplemented by line drawings and charts. Written to augment the teacher's guide, they are also suitable re adings for students.
With the additonal emphasis on earth science developing from implementation of the National Science Education Standards, PES: Geology and the companion volumes provide useful and inexpensive contributions toward improving earth science education.
- Michael J. Passow
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