"Today the human race is a single twig on the tree of life, a single species on a single planet. Our condition can thus only be described as extremely fragile, endangered by forces of nature currently beyond our control, our own mistakes, and other branches of the wildly blossoming tree itself. Looked at this way, we can then pose the question of the future of humanity on Earth, in the solar system, and in the galaxy from the standpoint of both evolutionary biology and human nature. The conclusion is straightforward: Our choice is to grow, branch, spread and develop, or stagnate and die." Robert Zubrin, Entering Space, 1999
Hi Buffy,For the lecture part of the course, I suggest taking a look at The Good Earth: Introduction to Earth Science, by McConnell and others.For the lab, you may wish to check out my (free!) course packet designed for a college-level earth science course for future elementary school teachers. It is available at http://serc.carleton.edu/teacherprep/courses/CSUC-EarthSpace.html under Teaching Materials. It features a variety of constructivist hands-on lab activities.Ann Bykerk-KauffmanDepartment of Geological and Environmental SciencesCalifornia State University, ChicoChico, CA 95929-0205________________________________From: GEOEDUCATION RESEARCH INTEREST GROUP on behalf of Buffy Cushman-PatzSent: Thu 1/24/2008 6:20 PMSubject: Geology text or lab textHi there,I'm going to be teaching a geology class for 9-12 grade girls nextyear. Does anyone know of an age-appropriate text I could use? Hands-on, constructivist approach definitely preferred! (And quick! Textshave to be chosen by next week!)ThanksBuffy Cushman-PatzLa Pietra Hawaii School for Girls