This high school life science unit introduces students to the intersection of science, economics, geography, and culture through the current practices of palm oil cultivation in the tropics. For this article, the authors travelled to Sabah Province, Malaysia, to visit palm oil plantations, conduct interviews, and collect resources to help students…

This article describes activities in which students sample, investigate, classify, and compare characteristics (i.e., texture, color, density, porosity) of local soils, evaluating whether the soils are healthy or at risk. Students investigate correlations between geology and geography, predict which soil types may go extinct in their state, and…

Google Earth is an exciting way to engage students in scientific inquiry--the foundation of science education standards and reforms. The National Science Education Standards identify inquiry as an active process that incorporates questioning, gathering and analyzing data, and thinking critically about the interplay of evidence and explanations.…

The study of polar exploration is fascinating and offers students insights into the history, culture, and politics that affect the developing sciences at the farthest ends of Earth. Therefore, the authors think there is value in incorporating polar exploration accounts within modern science classrooms, and so they conducted research to test their…

Describes how to construct models of contour lines from flexible, colored bell wire. These models are used to illustrate three-dimensional terrain characteristics represented by contour lines printed on a flat map. (MLH)

Describes a teaching procedure designed to show that there is a logical, predictable arrangement (of climates) that results from the actions and effects of a few global climatic controls." An hypothetical continent is used to develop these principles which are then applied to real situations. (AL)

Describes a project where students download seismological data from the Internet and use the data to plot earthquakes on a world map. Combines elements of geography, mathematics, and science. (JRH)

Discusses the educational implications of Geographic Information Systems, a technology that provides ready access to an array of geographical data. (PR)

Describes how students in a geoscience course are introduced to geographic information systems (GIS), a computer-assisted system for the acquisition, storage, analysis, and display of geographic data, through a practical experience involving collecting data and inputting it into a GIS program called IDRISI. (MKR)

Presents topography activities. Includes a chart of topographic mapping symbols. (MKR)

Presents activities from an interdisciplinary project studying local watersheds that incorporate a broad spectrum of disciplines including science, math, geography, English, computer science, and political science. Enables students to understand how precipitation changes chemically as it interacts with the soils and human-altered landscape as it…

Introduces a Storm Trackers unit that uses actual hurricane data to track hurricane movements. Uses an inquiry-based teaching approach in a cooperative learning environment. (YDS)

An activity in which students describe the worldwide geographic distribution of petroleum, identify and locate the countries that make up the Middle East, and name the countries that import oil to meet their domestic needs is presented. Discussion questions and answers are included. (KR)