This chapter describes the technique of preparing latitude-longitude based data so that it can be imported into a geographic information system (GIS). It describes the steps to create a map to display data and guides users through some basic geographic analyses. The focus of the chapter?s case study is earthquake prediction. Users download and format near real-time and historical earthquake data from ... Full description.

In this lesson students learn that degrees of biological relationship can be inferred from comparisons of selected molecules. Students are guided through a process in which three questions are addressed by retrieving beta hemoglobin sequences from online databases. They then use online tools to compare those sequences in student-selected animals. The questions addressed are: whether bats are birds ... Full description.

This evolution lesson teaches students that many features of modern organisms reflect the structure of their ancestors in ways that are not adaptive. Students use Biology Workbench (a web-based tool for biologists that allows biologists to search many popular protein and nucleic acid sequence databases) to explore the DNA sequence data for the GULOP gene in humans, chimpanzees, orangutans, and crab-eating ... Full description.

In this activity students design and execute an experiment through which they will learn the distinctions between density, buoyancy, and volume. Students are asked to imagine a staysail schooner loaded with mid-ocean ridge basalt as it floats in a swimming pool in Woods Hole. They must determine what will happen to the water level if all the basalt is dumped over the side into the pool. Posing an ... Full description.

In this lesson, students will learn that geological time can be measured in several different ways, providing independent lines of evidence for measuring deep time and sequencing geological and biological events of the past. Students explore different methods of measuring geological time, comparing the time dimensions, mechanisms, and materials used for each. Full description.

This National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) site provides classroom resources about the Moon. A teacher's guide contains basic detailed information about the Moon, such as the lunar landscape, craters, and Moon rocks. The lesson plan and activities sections cover phases of the Moon, lunar landforms, a Lunar Prospector model, and orbits. Full description.