Using the Paleobiology Database to explore tectonic events
Callan Bentley, Piedmont Virginia Community College; Katherine Ryker, University of South Carolina-Columbia; Ander Sundell, College of Western Idaho
In this teaching demonstration, we will model a student activity we developed utilizing the Paleobiology Database's (PBDB's) user-friendly "Navigator" interface. The activity has students to ...

Genomics of microbial communities in Thermopolis Hot Springs
Suki Smaglik, Laramie County Community College
The hot springs (52°C) in Thermopolis, WY contain abundant microbial mats, including mineral-rich filamentous bacteria. While cooler than nearby Yellowstone, Thermopolis contains a number or rare or unique ...

Acid Mine Drainage Field-Lab Experience Round 1
Greg Druschel, University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
This contribution outlines a trip with my Geochemistry class to the Ely Mine, a massive sulfide mine (Besshi-type) in east-central Vermont and the field work they did there. We spent a full day discussing the site, ...

Using ArcGIS to Investigate the Connection between Bedrock Geology and the Development of Ancient Egyptian Civilization
Barb Tewksbury, Hamilton College
In this assignment, students use ArcGIS (DEMs plus georeferenced geologic maps) to analyze the influence of bedrock geology on the development and extent of Ancient Egypt.

Investigative Case - Los Angeles and the Future of Mono Lake
Developed by Monica Bruckner, Montana State University, based on the Los Angeles and the Future of Mono Lake WebQuest by Sarah Bordenstein, Marine Biological Laboratory.
The Los Angeles and the Future of Mono Lake WebQuest leads students in a guided exploration of Mono Lake's extreme environment and asks them to consider the preservation of this environment in relation to the needs of humans.

Landform Interpretation: Table Mountain
Gene Pearson, University of the Pacific
Using topographic maps, geological maps,aerial photos,and Google Earth, groups of students develop hypotheses about a Miocene [9 Ma]river channel [Table Mountain] and post-flow processes that have resulted in the ...

Comparison of a Highly Polymorphic Olfactory Receptor Gene Subfamily in Genetically Diverse Dog Breeds
Lois Banta, Williams College
Students design primers specific for a particular subfamily of polymorphic canine olfactory genes, use PCR to amplify the genes, and compare the sequences of the products obtained for a diverse population of dogs.

Modeling Fractures in Thermal Systems: Thermal-Mechanical Feedback and Vein Formation
Barb Dutrow, Department of Geology & Geophysics, Louisiana State University Topic: Mineralogy, Petrology, fracture formation Course type: Upper level undergraduate course Description In many geologic systems, ...

Atlantic City Mapping Project
Peter Knoop, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
The Atlantic City project combines magnetic and gravimetric surveys with standard geological field mapping techniques. Lack of outcrops and Banded Iron Formations (BIFs) are a key features of the mapping area, and ...

Using Data to Teach Earth ProcessesAn Illustrated Community Discussion at the 2003 Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America
Karl Wirth, Macalester College
Karl Wirth Macalester College - The Petrology course at Macalester College is designed around a semester-long project. All laboratory and classroom activities within the course are directed toward understanding and ...