Instructions for constructing contour models from topographic maps are presented. Includes materials needed, sources of topographic maps, tips for drawing lines, and preparing the model using cardboard. Indicates that the model is a valuable instructional tool for turning topographic maps into "real" contours of land. (Author/JN)

In August, 1981, National Aeronautics and Space Administration launched Dynamics Explorer 1 into polar orbit equipped with three cameras built to view the Northern Lights. The cameras can photograph aurora borealis' faint light without being blinded by the earth's bright dayside. Photographs taken by the satellite are provided. (JN)

Three major breakthroughs in Antarctic earth sciences which occurred during 1982 are discussed (finding of land fossils, meteorite, and subsurface microorganisms). Highlights of conferences, research activities, and significant publications are also discussed. (JN)

In a previous article in this journal (Vol. 17, p358, 1979), a wet-bulb depression table was recommended for two simple experiments to determine relative humidity. However, the use of a graph is suggested because it gives the relative humidity directly from the wet and dry bulb readings. (JN)

Describes activities in the "Earth Science Activities" book (available from the author). Activities range from simple to complex, with detailed instructions/information for the teacher to conduct the activity as is or with modification to meet individual class/student needs. Includes sample activity: "Ashfall in Washington-Courtesy of Mount St.…

Described is a rock encyclopedia combining rock sample sets and encyclopedic word and picture entries which can be used as a realistic information resource for independent study or as a part of a course. (JT)

Describes the stages and outcomes of a junior high school science lesson on erosion and deposition utilizing a "kids as researchers" theme. Stages include awareness, discussion, investigation, experimentation, generalization, and extension. (SK)

Summarized are five activities involving collection of postage stamps picturing volcanoes or related scenes for use as part of or at the conclusion of the study of volcanoes. Activity topics include volcanic features, location of volcanoes, related land features where volcanoes are not located, and making one's own volcano stamps. (DS)

Briefly surveys recent trends and developments in sedimentology. Includes Clastic sedimentary petrology, petrology of argillaceous rocks, terrigenous depositional environments, and chemical sedimentology. (MA)

Lists the titles and addresses of approximately 450 domestic and foreign organizations which deal with earth science fields, including geology, paleontology, mining, and geophysics. Also listed are U.S. state geological surveys. (WB)

Investigates several variables within the psychomotor domain, their dependence on science enrollment, and their relationship to mental ability and performance in the previous year's science course. Concludes that no differences exist in science students (N=147) and nonscience students (N=52) in psychomotor ability, but significant differences…

Compares group differences in strategy learning, use, and transfer to a more complex task for two groups of elementary students (N=48). Asked to perform three tasks in classifying igneous rocks, the groups differed in whether they received advice on the use of a specific strategy for performing each task. (CS)

To prevent increasing personal injuries and property loss, teachers need to educate themselves and their students about geological hazards. The author discusses earthquakes, downslope movement, dam failures, shoreline erosion, and other geologic hazards. Information on suggested teacher resources is provided. (DS)