Forming a Hypothesis

Provides pedagogical insight concerning the skill of hypothesizing The resource being annotated is: http://www.dlese.org/dds/catalog_DLESE-000-000-007-442.htm

Calculating Relative Air Mass

The purpose of this activity is to introduce students to the concept of relative air mass and demonstrate how solar elevation angle affects the intensity of sunlight that reaches an observer on the ground. Students work in teams to calculate air mass using simple geometry. Teacher background materials are included. Educational levels: Middle school, High school

Relative and Absolute Directions

The purpose of this resource is to learn about latitude and longitude while developing math skills. Students begin by asking the simple question: 'Where Am I?' Then they learn about the magnetic Earth and the use of compasses and angles. Students also learn about the difference between relative and absolute locations. Throughout this activity, students practice using a variety of math skills. Educational levels: Primary elementary, Intermediate elementary, Middle school, High school

Arctic Bird Migration Monitoring Protocol

The purpose of this resource is to observe when selected bird species first arrive at your study site, and to count the numbers until few or none of these birds are seen. Students select a common and easily identifiable bird species in their region and observe when the bird species first arrives. Students use binoculars or telescopes to scan a study site and count how many they see. They continue to observe every other day until few or none of the selected species can be seen. Educational levels: Primary elementary, Intermediate elementary, Middle school, High school

Water Vapor Protocol

The purpose of this activity is to measure the total precipitable water vapor (column water vapor) in the atmosphere above an observer's site. Students point a GLOBE/GIFTS water vapor instrument at the sun and record the voltage readings from a digital voltmeter. They observe sky conditions near the Sun and perform the Cloud Protocols. Intended outcomes are that students understand the concept that the atmosphere prevents some of the sun's light from reaching Earth's surface, how water vapor measurements relate to the hydrologic cycle, and how greenhouse gases, such as water vapor, play an important role in weather and climate. Supporting background materials for both student and teacher are included. Educational levels: Middle school, High school

Connecting the Parts of the Study Site

The purpose of this resource is to help students articulate and integrate their existing knowledge about the air, water, soil, and living things by viewing them as interacting parts of a system. Students visit a study site, where they observe and recall their existing knowledge of air, water, soil, and living things to make a list of interconnections among the four Earth system components. They make predictions about the effects of a change in a system, inferring ways these changes affect the characteristics of other related components. Educational levels: Middle school, High school

How Astronomers Use Spectra to Learn About the Sun and Other Stars

This booklet allows students to learn how astronomers get information about the Sun and other stars. Educational levels: High school, Undergraduate lower division

Heliosphere Lithograph

This lithograph introduces users to the fact that the Solar System has an interstellar boundary called the heliosphere. It includes an interactive activity. Users can look at the diagram of the heliosphere on the front, read information about the heliosphere on the back, and then use the lithograph as part of a model of the heliosphere that uses water to represent solar wind. The lithograph also includes information about NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission, which will make the first map of the Solar System's boundary. Educational levels: Informal education,

Overcoming Challenges of Teaching Earth History Classes for Teachers in a Rock-free, Urban Environment

Instructing university-level Earth history to future teachers is made all the more difficult when it is being done in an urban environment devoid of any local rock outcroppings. At the University of South Alabama, which is located along the rock-free central Gulf Coast, researchers have attempted to improve Earth history instruction to education majors. This paper describes their approach. The authors outline how they encouraged science composite education majors to think locally in order to better relate the world of geology to their students in the Alabama school system. They conclude with a brief discussion about the importance of providing field exposure to the teachers. Though this paper focuses on a local solution suitable for southwestern Alabama, the approach is easily exportable to institutions in other urbanized or rock-free parts of the world where similar problems doubtless occur. Educational levels: Graduate or professional

Infrared Universe Poster

This educational poster contains images and information about what the universe looks like in the infrared. The back contains nine 8.5 in. x 11 in. panels that explain what infrared light is and why infrared astronomy is important. It also talks about light and the different colors and wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. It explains atmospheric transmission and how infrared observations help in the search for planets. The back panels also contain details on the Herschel experiment. In a very simple way it teaches the students how Herschel discovered infrared light. Educational levels: Middle school, High school