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Collection: NAGT Cutting Edge (SERC)
(Complete Item Description)
- Abstract: This web site contains a gallery of 3D geologic maps which were created by draping color geologic maps over digital topography. The site features QuickTime Virtual Reality movies that allow the user to spin the 3D geologic map to view it from different perspectives. 3D JPEG images of the maps are available for those users with slower Internet connections. Most 3D maps also have an accompanying topographic contour map so that instructors can develop exercises where students map contacts and faults onto the contour map, using the 3D geologic maps as a guide.
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- Abstract: This site consists of the lecture notes for an advanced mineralogy course at the University of Colorado taught by J. R. Smyth. The topics covered include symmetry, point groups, space groups, diffraction and structures, mineral spectroscopy, and descriptions of orthosilicates, sorosilicates, cyclosilicates, chain silicates, and layer silicates. Figures, photographs and tables are included with the text that makes up the individual lectures.
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- Abstract: Follow this lesson to review basic exponent manipulation. Worksheets, further lessons, and lists of resources are also available. This resource is part of the Teaching Quantitative Skills in the Geosciences collection. http://serc.carleton.edu/quantskills/
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- Abstract: In the learning module Allies and Aliens students assume the role of agents from planet Earth who must assess varying degrees of prejudice and misinformation as they visit Web sites from other planets. Because most kids don't think to look for bias or false information online and subtle forms of racism may be difficult to recognize, Allies and Aliens uses the pretense of an evaluation mission to keep players from guessing its true purpose right away. The mission is divided into two parts. On Day One, students encounter information with little direction. On Day Two, the module's purpose becomes apparent. Allies and Aliens aims to teach students the basics about bias, stereotyping, misinformation and propaganda techniques, on the Internet and in other media. It also helps students to understand the difference between fact and opinion, and the importance of authenticating online information. The challenges of this module will ultimately sharpen students' research skills as well as their critical thinking skills. The experience will teach them to recognize viewpoint, bias, and manipulation -- online and off.
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- Abstract: This site is an interface to a crystal structure database that includes every structure published in the American Mineralogist, the Canadian Mineralogist, and the European Journal of Mineralogy. The database is maintained under the care of the Mineralogical Society of America and the Mineralogical Association of Canada, and financed by the National Science Foundation. The site is searchable by mineral, author, chemistry, or cell parameters and symmetry.
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- Abstract: This site presents a collection of scientific learning resources for educators, parents, kids, after-school coordinators, informal learning center staff, and anyone else interested in teaching or learning about science. The site provides a searchable database of resource materials, including activities (computer based and otherwise), curriculum materials, articles, evidence and analytical tools and procedures, exhibition materials, reference lists, and special collections of resources organized around a particular theme. Users can browse resources by topic, sub-topic, grade level, or resource type. Each resource is displayed with a concise description that includes the title, resource type, grade level, and key concepts. Clicking the icon next to the title displays the full resource description. If available, other icons link to the resource in print format, Web format, or both.
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- Abstract: This Flash animation illustrates wave motion, or the movement of energy through water. Users can stop, play, fast forward and rewind the animation at any time. This visualization is one of several animations in a series developed as a component of Exploring Earth, a website that supports the textbook Earth Science.
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- Abstract: This Flash animation illustrates continental growth. It shows a convergent boundary where a terrane on a subducting plate is fused to the edge of a continent. Users can stop, play, fast forward and rewind the animation at any time. This visualization is one of several animations in a series developed as a component of Exploring Earth, a website that supports the textbook Earth Science.
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- Abstract: This Flash animation illustrates aeolian processes that form terrestrial arches. Erosion exploits tectonic fractures and results in thin sandstone walls that can be penetrated by near ground windblown sand grains. Over time, weathering and gravity causes arches to fall. Users can stop, play, fast forward and rewind the animation at any time. This visualization is one of several animations in a series developed as a component of Exploring Earth, a website that supports the textbook Earth Science.
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- Abstract: This site features a series of four Macromedia Flash animations. These simulations illustrate the formation of basic geologic structures, including normal faults, thrust faults, strike-slip faults and various styles of folds. The animations were designed to complement the chapter on geologic structures in "Physical Geology" by Plummer, McGeary and Carlson.
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- Abstract: This 11-slide PowerPoint presentation presents a short succession of schematic diagrams illustrating the structural evolution of anorthosites. The slides discuss the relative abundance of rare earth elements, describe six types of anorthosite occurrence, and contain pictures showing anorthositic texture. This resource is part of the Teaching Petrology collection. http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/petrology03/index.html
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- Abstract: Much of the more than 30 million tons of asbestos used in the United States since 1900 is still present as insulation in offices and schools, as vinyl-asbestos flooring in homes, and in other common products. This book presents a comprehensive evaluation of the relation of these fibers to specific diseases and the extent of non-occupational risks associated with them. It covers sources of asbestiform fibers, properties of the fibers, and carcinogenic and fibrogenic risks they pose. The book may be read online, printed, or purchased from the site.
(Complete Item Description)
- Abstract: This interactive site introduces students to concepts related to asbestos and how geologists analyze asbestos in building materials. The site is divided into three components: the geology of asbestos, identifying asbestos in the lab, and asbestos in our world. Each section of the site provides information, images and interactive quizzes. Of particular interest is the use of images to simulate use of a petrographic microscope. This section explains the theory and application of using polarized light to identify minerals including color and pleochroism, refractive index, extinction angle, birefringence, retardation and interference colors. Using what they have learned from the site, students are then asked to act as professional consultants and use petrographic data to assess the asbestos hazard of an urban high school and submit their findings in a report.
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- Abstract: This site provides an illustrated lecture from a geochemistry course offered by Dr. Scott Wood at the University of Idaho. Topics include a review of the structure and formation of the Earth's crust, atmosphere, and hydrological cycle, and the composition of the atmosphere. Additional topics covered are the concept of residence time, geological and biological sources of components in the atmosphere, acid-base theory, Henry's law and the solubility of gases in water, primary and secondary air pollution, acid rain and how to carry out calculations of the pH of solutions containing acids, among others. The lecture presentation may be downloaded as a PDF document or a PowerPoint presentation. Reading and homework assignments, with answers, are also provided.
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- Abstract: This site features Java Applet, QuickTime, and Flash animations that illustrate characteristics and functions of the atmosphere. They show how atmospheric temperature, pressure, and density change with respect to changing altitude, the way different kinds of radiation (x-ray, ultraviolet, visible, and infrared) act in various levels of the atmosphere (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere/ionosphere), how oxygen gas and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) interact with ultraviolet radiation to create and deplete ozone, and the manner in which radiation is trapped in the atmosphere, causing the greenhouse effect and global warming. The animations can be paused and rewound to stress important points. These resources are suitable for use in lectures, labs, or other teaching activities.
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- Abstract: This NASA site explains the three major types of atmospheric aerosols - volcanic emissions, desert dust, and anthropogenic aerosols - and how they affect global climate. The site discusses the generation and atmospheric distribution of these aerosols, as well as the chemical and physical processes by which they create global cooling.
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- Abstract: This site features a QuickTime animation with audio, a series of Java applets, and an MPEG that illustrate various aspects of atmospheric heating. They explain Earth's radiation balance, show the user how to draw temperature contours, and depict the basic idea of an urban heat island. These resources portray a variety of environments and are suitable for use in lectures, labs, or other teaching activities.
(Complete Item Description)
- Abstract: This site features Flash and QuickTime animations that illustrate diurnal changes in wind patterns along coasts due to unequal heating of the land and water, the Coriolis Effect on the Earth's surface and in the context of everyday weather patterns, and global circulation, temperature, and wind patterns. The animations can be paused and rewound to stress important points. These resources are suitable for use in lectures, labs, or other teaching activities.
(Complete Item Description)
- Abstract: The intended use of this web page is for collaborative development of lesson plans. Several atmospheric science lesson plans and visualizations are available from this site. Examples of some of the topics are a snowflake model, weather balloons, a radiation budget model, and drawing contour plots. Many of the visualizations are interactive, so the user may vary the conditions and observe the results. These applets serve as useful introductions to the concept of modeling. The lesson plans receive continuous input and editing by the instructors that use them, so the quality is always improving.
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