This slide show provides an introduction to soil and soil science. Topics include the functions of soil and its role in the ecosystem, soil management, important properties of soil, and factors that influence the location and types of soils that form. There is also information on soil surveys, possible negative impacts to soil, the soils taxonomy system, and how soil science meshes with other disciplines. ... Full description.

This demonstration is designed to demonstrate the procedures that municipal water plants use to purify water for drinking. Students will discover that water treatment plants typically clean water by taking it through the processes of aeration, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. They also learn that water in lakes, rivers, and swamps often contains impurities that make it look ... Full description.

The Curie temperature for iron is reached at about 20 km depth in the Earth, and the temperature is much higher at the outer boundary of the Earth's core so that the iron there is no longer ferromagnetic (the electron spins in the iron can no longer align). This demonstration will help students understand the magnetic field of the Earth, and can help explain the variation of the direction of the field ... Full description.

This brief demonstration can serve as an introduction to other environmental activities related to water resources. It shows how little fresh water is available for our use and introduces the concept of a limited water supply and the need to protect water resources. It works well in an informal outdoor setting or in a classroom. Full description.

This presentation gives students information about all aspects of satellite oceanography. It explains how the satellites are launched into orbit and how the orbit is maintained, the difference between polar orbiting and geostationary satellites, and the difference between active and passive observation. Other topics include how satellites gather data on sea surface temperature, air-sea interactions, ... Full description.

This handout lists major events in Earth history with approximate ages (in millions of years before present). The calendar date is determined by setting midnight, January 1, to correspond with the formation of the Earth, and setting the following midnight, December 31, to correspond to the present. Thus, the entire history of the Earth is displayed as a single calendar year. Full description.

This is a demonstration of the Core Shadow Zone of the Earth. Using a clear or translucent half-sphere held in front of a light source, the refracting properties of the core and how it generates the shadow zone on the surface are illustrated. Full description.

This demonstration reinforces the concept that minerals can form even at low temperatures, meaning that these processes can occur at or near Earth's surface. Using 'water glass' (sodium silicate nanahydrate) and any of a variety of metal salts, the teacher can grow crystals of silicate at room temperature in a container as the students watch and record their observations. A student worksheet and discussion ... Full description.

This demonstration illustrates the properties of the mantle of the Earth, using potty putty mixed with a solution of borax and simple glue. When left on the desk the potty putty will sink and spread. However it will also bounce like a ball if enough borax is used and it can be stretched far more than plasticine if pulled gently, but can also be fractured if pulled suddenly. Students will discover ... Full description.

This PowerPoint presentation introduces more advanced ideas on topographic map interpretation. Topics include the processes of stream erosion, the stages of stream development, and drainage patterns. There is also a tutorial on how to create a topographic profile and a selection of examples of various landforms accompanied by map views for interpretation. Full description.