Using Excel to plot numerical and analytical forms of the diffusion equation part of Teaching Activities
This computer-based assignment forces students to compare and contrast integral and differential forms of the conservation of mass equation, as well as analytical and numerical approaches to solution. Students are ...

Geologic Mapping Exercise part of Teaching Activities
This exercise is designed to simulate some of the mapping aspects of a basic geological investigation. This mock geological investigation is a good wrap-up exercise because it incorporates a variety of geological ...

Observing Streams & Rivers in Google Earth part of Teaching Activities
Students are asked to observe fluvial features on both Earth and Mars in satellite images via Google Earth (as well as online panoramas) and explore processes of erosion and deposition and the relationship of ...

Illinois through time part of Teaching Activities
This assignment serves as an introduction to geologic time, using Illinois as an example. It uses the Paleo Portal website to illustrate each geologic period.

Rivers and Flooding Lab part of Teaching Activities
Understand flooding - why it occurs, how to measure the size and frequency of a flood, the relationship between size and flooding, and how human activity can increase the frequency of flooding events.

Abrupt climate change, greenhouse gases, and the bipolar see-saw part of Teaching Activities
In this activity, students work with paleoclimate proxy data (d18O, CH4, CO2)from the Byrd and GISP2 ice cores. Students prepare a graph of paleoclimate data and use the graph to answer several questions about the ...

Five Themes Group Homework Assignment part of Teaching Activities
Students are asked to work in groups of five. Each group chooses a country to write about, using the five themes of Geography.

Head and Pieziometric Surfaces #2 part of Teaching Activities
This activity steps students through the process of mapping and interpreting contours. It includes examples and follow up practice activities.

The Four-Winged Dinosaur part of Teaching Activities
This is assignment is completed in two parts: It begins in class with a showing of the Nova documentary "The Four-Winged Dinosaur." It continues as a homework assignment in which students write a short ...

Research Paper part of Teaching Activities
This writing assignment was a major part of a class entitled "Stable Isotopes in the Environment" at Iowa State University. The main goals of the assignment were to foster effective scientific writing and ...