Rock Cycle Pencast and Student Handout

Rock Cycle
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When it comes to teaching geology, I think that the two most important concepts are plate tectonics and the rock cycle. If students understand those two concepts AND develop an interest in geology, they are ready for a lifetime of learning more. This week's resource is a Pencast that demonstrates how I explain the rock cycle to my freshmen Earth Science students at Helena High. Here's how to view the Pencast:

1. Make sure your volume is on so you can listen.
2. Select the Full Screen option to see a larger view of the page.
3. In the lower right, select Hide Preview and then the play arrow. Pause the Pencast at any time.
4. To Print a copy of the Pencast (pdf file), go back to reduced screen and select Download as PDF from menu to left.

The Pencast is great for students who missed class, or simply want a review. Students fill in the handout as I explain the rock cycle, and then do the rest on their own. CLICK HERE to print a copy. The handout is designed for Montana students, but you can easily write a set of statements that features specific rocks in your state or region. CLICK HERE to view the Pencast on the actual Pencast site.

To view a convenient list of all the resources that have been posted on this "Earth Science Guy" blog site, CLICK HERE.

Let students crush some cans!

Meteorologists make a really big deal out of pressure . . . and rightfully so. But atmospheric pressure is a tough concept for students wrap their minds around. I like to use a couple really fun demonstrations/activities to introduce the topic. Near the end of a class period, I show them the can-crush as a demonstration, and then the next day I let each student crush 2 cans. Also on that second day (our classes are 50 minutes), after they are finished crushing cans (15 minutes), I set them down and show them the spoutin' fountain demonstration . . . and then we discuss the science behind both activities. CLICK HERE to print out a copy of the teacher guide, which includes suggestions as well as questions to guide your discussion. CLICK HERE to watch the YouTube video of the spoutin' fountain demonstration. NOTE: As I do the "Spoutin' Fountain Demo", instead of using a clamp to hold the flask, I recommend handling it with heat-resistant gloves.

Science Daily for the Latest Science News

ScienceDaily.com ScienceDaily is one of the Internet’s most popular science news web sites. Since starting in 1995, the award-winning site has earned the loyalty of students, researchers, healthcare professionals, government agencies, educators and the general public around the world. Now with more than 3 million monthly visitors, ScienceDaily generates nearly 15 million page views a month and is steadily growing in its global audience. Check the "Earth and Climate" option and be sure to try the "search" feature.

Now is a great time to see Jupiter!

Even if you're not currently teaching astronomy topics, this is something you need to tell your students about. . . On October 29, Jupiter will be at opposition to the Sun, providing earthlings (including your students) a great opportunity to see the gas giant over the next few weeks. With good eyes, a decent pair of binoculars, and a wall to steady yourself against, you should be able to see some of its large moons. CLICK HERE to learn more. The site provides links to other sites that help students understand why Jupiter is in a favorable position for us to see it. CLICK HERE to see the recent "Astronomy Picture of the Day", which also highlights this event.

Colorful Real-Time Weather Maps

Here is on of my favorite sources for real-time weather maps. The site is provided by the University of Illinois (WW2010). When a storm is moving through, I like to start class by showing some of the colorful maps. CLICK HERE to see what the site has to offer. The site allows you to animate the images to watch how different aspects of the weather have changed. Play with it to see how it works.

Impressive Collection of Aerial Images of the West

Dr. William Bowen has provided this collection of "photorealistic images". They can be used in presentations to show what the land looks like from above, providing a new perspective for looking at the geology of a region. The image to the right is of the Rocky Mountain Front west of Great Falls, MT. These mountains provide a dramatic look at the impact of thrust faulting on the landscape. To see what's available, CLICK HERE, select the state you want to view, and then the select the county. Enjoy!

What's the Recipe for a Cloud?

Here is my version of the "cloud in a bottle activity". To obtain a student handout and answer key for this activity, CLICK HERE.

Juice bottles are also suitable for this activity.