This slide show contains information about the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), a weather pattern which alternates between the polar and subtropic regions of the Nothern Hemisphere. Topics include the effect of the NAO on temperature, precipitation, and storms, economic effects, and effects associated with global warming. Full description.

This presentation describes the system of rock identification. It provides an overview of the rock cycle and the three major types of rocks. Each major type is then described in more detail. The descriptions are accompanied by photos and examples of each type. Full description.

This demonstration uses a gyroscope (a bicycle wheel works well), string, and a turntable (optional) to show how the equatorial bulge of Earth causes precession. By balancing the spinning bicycle wheel on one hand, and pulling a string attached to the top axle with the other, the axis of the wheel traces out a circle (precesses). The site also explains how the moment of inertia is related to torque ... Full description.

This presentation reviews both wind-driven ocean currents which occur within the uppermost 100 meters and the very slow flows in deeper waters produced by density differences caused by salinity and temperature. Students will learn about the Ekman spiral and gyres. They will also discover that surface currents are those parts of the ocean most directly involved with Earth system processes because they ... Full description.

This slide show provides students with basic information on mineralogy. It explains how the term "mineral" is defined, the properties that are used to identify minerals, their importance in daily life, and some general facts. For each identifying property, an example mineral and photograph are provided. Addresses to websites with additional information are also included. Full description.

This participatory demonstration of the influence of rigidity on the speed of seismic waves helps students understand the relationship between the speeds of seismic P and S waves and the rigidity (the resistance to shear deformation) and incompressibility (resistance to compression) of the medium. The demonstration requires only a watch or stopwatch. To create the waves, students stand side-to-side ... Full description.

This activity gives students a hands-on look at the effects of increased water pressure and shows them how submarines work. Using a balloon and plastic water bottle, students create a neutrally buoyant diver. Then they squeeze the bottle to see how increased pressure compresses the balloon, making it heavier and causing it to sink. The activity includes an extension that has students further explore ... Full description.

This presentation provides a detailed explanation of the physical properties of minerals. It covers the classic four-part definition of "mineral" and provides an overview of the physical properties by which minerals are identified. Each property is illustrated with one or more photographs. Full description.

This demonstration of the magnetic field lines of Earth uses a bar magnet, iron filings, and a compass. The site explains how to measure the magnetic field of the Earth by measuring the direction a compass points from various points on the surface. There is also an explanation of why the north magnetic pole on Earth is actually, by definition, the south pole of a magnet. Full description.

This demonstration shows how the Earth's magnetic field has flipped (the N pole becoming the S pole, and vice versa) many times through geological time. It also demonstrates that as tectonic plates move apart, new rock is formed and locks in the direction of the magnetic field at the time. Students should realize that the discovery of stripes of alternately normal and reversed-magnetized rocks forming ... Full description.