The first part of this book focuses on strategies for implementing an experimental approach to teaching geology and makes suggestions for engaging students. The first chapter reviews how to approach science teaching and geology in such a way as to build the confidence of middle school students, to create active and successful science learners. The Curious Geologist - deals with the discovery of fossil footprints in stone and how geologists can use inquiry to put together a story. Quake, Rattle, and Roll - reviews earthquake safety tips and seismic waves.
Students use a personal computer to study earthquakes.
Students read a passage from a book to produce an illustration of what the environment of Colorado was like 100 million years ago. Students then use this drawing to identify food chains in this environment and also to consider the scale of different organisms. Students prepare a science fair project on an environmental topic. Billions and Billions and Billions - reveiws the concept of geologic time, including the geologic time scale and techniques used to date rocks. Students are asked to create their own geologic time line to understand the vastness of geologic time.