In the face of so many daunting near-term challenges, U.S. government and industry are letting the crucial strategic issues of U.S. competitiveness slip below the surface. Five years ago, the National Academies prepared Rising Above the Gathering Storm, a book that cautioned: "Without a renewed effort to bolster the foundations of our competitiveness, we can expect to lose our privileged position." Since that time we find ourselves in a country where much has changed--and a great deal has not changed.
ISBN-10: 0-309-10614-1
Size: 220 pages, 8 1/4 x 10
Publication Year:2007
Authors: Sarah Michaels, Andrew W. Shouse, and Heidi A. Schweingruber; National Research Council
Winner of the Association of Educational Publishers 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award
What types of instructional experiences help K-8 students learn science with understanding? What do science educators teachers, teacher leaders, science specialists, professional development staff, curriculum designers, school administrators need to know to create and support such experiences?
Plate Tectonics and How the Earth Works is designed to aid advanced students in the geological sciences in visualizing and learning about processes within Earth and how these processes are related to plate tectonics. This interactive program includes a chapter entitled "Crustal and Mantle Evolution" which delves into the origin and evolution of continents and the early history of the Earth. Using animations, interactive diagrams, and color photos, new and exciting developments are reviewed relating to plate reconstructions in the past, hotspots, mantle plumes, seismic discontinuities in the mantle, and supercontinent cycles. Also included is a graphic portrayal of the crust (both oceanic and continental), mantle, and core, as well as recent ideas as to how Earth systems interact with each other. In addition, the student can examine each of the major tectonic settings on Earth as well as track these settings into the past, some as far back as 4 Ga. College level.
Written by Kent C. Condie, Ph.D., New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Illustrated by Dennis Tasa.
With Introduction to Topographic Maps you will learn how to use these maps to determine elevations, landform types, principles of scale, location, and much more. You will read and draw contour lines based on points of known elevations, construct topographic profiles, and determine slope and relief. Includes full color photos, animations, related topics on Map Projections, U.S. Geological Survey, Using a Compass and Map, and more. Intended for grades 7 through 12 and college.
Written by Kenneth Pinzke, Belleville Area College. Illustrated by Dennis Tasa.
This multimedia "field guide" helps you to identify over 14,500 mineral names and synonyms for both beginners and serious collectors. Hands-On Mineral Identification Version 1.1 provides detailed identification information on 500 of the most common mineral species, full color animations, background information, and photographs on physical characteristics of minerals. (Grades 7-12 and college)
Written by M. Darby Dyar, Ph.D., Reviewed by Carl A Francis, Curator, Harvard University Mineralogical Museum. Images by Dennis Tasa.
Explore the Planets Version 2.1 helps students investigate the planets and their satellites and understand the processes that shape them: volcanism, impact cratering, tectonics, landslides, flowing water, and wind. They will study the planets the way planetary scientists do, by comparing, for example, why some volcanoes on Mars are so much larger than their counterparts on Earth. They’ll discover why impact craters are so widespread and much more. (Grades 5 through 12)
Earth's Dynamic Surface Version 1.1 is a useful tool for developing an understanding of the processes that shape Earth's surface. (Grades 7-12 and college)
Written by Frank J. Pazzaglia, Ph.D., Lehigh University
