Investigating slope failure and landscape evolution with red beans and rice!
Tom Hickson, University of St. Thomas (MN)
Students investigate the behavior of a slope profile over geological timescales using a very simple experimental apparatus. The lab allows students to understand concepts of equilibrium, controls on slope profile, ...

Life and Death of Hawaiian Volcanoes: A Jigsaw Activity on the Hawaiian Ridge
Andrew Greene, Hawaii Pacific University; Michael Garcia, University of Hawaii at Hilo
This activity immerses students in the discovery and appreciation of the Hawaiian hotspot, and the growth and evolution of Hawaiian volcanoes. This engaging, interactive group activity uses a beautiful 25 foot long ...

Reef Builders through Time
Peg Yacobucci, Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Students will use the Paleobiology Database (PBDB) to explore the history of reef-building animals through time. They will document diversity and extinction patterns through time for seven reef-building marine ...

Red Beans and Rice: Slope failure experimental modeling
Tom Hickson, University of St. Thomas (MN)
Students replicate a slope failure experiment published in Science (Densmore et al., 1997) using a simple, acrylic slope failure box in an effort to forge a link between autocyclic processes, long-term landscape ...

Seismology with smart phones and Raspberry Shake geophone systems
Robert Stewart, University of Houston-University Park
This activity introduces students to the concept of vibration recording and the monitoring of seismic shaking. The basic concept is to use motion-sensing devices to understand the character of vibrations and ...

Teaching Chaos and Complex Evolutionary Systems Theories at the Introductory Level
Lynn Fichter, James Madison University
This is a learning progression of 12 models leading to 19 learning outcomes designed to introduce chaos and complex systems theories concepts in 3 - 5 50 minute classes. Includes power points of class ...

Topographic Maps
Lisa Walsh, University of Maryland-College Park
This geology lab is designed to teach students the basic skills needed to read, construct, and interpret topographic maps. The goal of this lab is to help students build direct connections between the topography ...

Unit 2.1: Why are waves created and what is the point of them?
Sandra Penny, Russell Sage College
Waves are observable all over the place, so why do they exist? Students analyze properties such as wave speed, distance traveled, and time elapsed through their own explorations. They are introduced to new lab ...

The Pangea Puzzle
Katherine Ryker, University of South Carolina-Columbia; Callan Bentley, Piedmont Virginia Community College; Mark Uhen, George Mason University
Students learn how to use the Paleobiology Database (PBDB) to produce maps of fossils on the present day Earth's surface, as well as past continental configurations. They do this by mapping the occurrence of ...

Using line transects to determine interrelationships between vegetation type and small mammal activity.
John Olson, New Ulm High School, New Ulm, MN 56073
Using quadrats along line transects in two different habitats, students will gather data which will provide evidence that shows the interrelationships between vegetation types and small mammal populations