This Physical Geology textbook uses cutting edge research to guide the creation of carefully structured pages that cover topics commonly taught in introductory physical geology courses. The book is focused around images and emphasizes the key concepts Research (e.g. Mayer, 2003) indicates that students learn more deeply: - when extraneous material is excluded rather than included, - from words and pictures than from words alone, - when printed words are placed near rather than far from corresponding pictures, and - when words are presented in conversational rather than formal style. Most traditional geoscience textbooks do not address this research. Although geoscience textbooks are image-rich, the text is often separate from figures, generally with a note in the text referring the student to look at the image. Research indicates that many students just glance at the images or ignore them altogether, resulting in a less productive learning experience than intended by the authors. Also, most textbooks, even "essentials" versions, tend to have more information than an introductory student can learn in a semester, and the students, therefore, have a difficult time distilling the key concepts from the details. Images play an integral role in the textbook. There are no long blocks of text to read, but, instead, most information is presented incorporated in or around figures. Students therefore examine the images, integrating text and figures, which results in a deeper learning experience. Concepts are represented in multiple ways (photographs, written descriptions, detailed drawings, sketches, graphs, analogies, etc.) to maximize student learning. Because research indicates that students have a difficult time pulling out the key points from images, many of the images in this book are simple, without too many realistic-but-distracting details. Many of the photographs are accompanied by a simplified sketch of the same area illustrating the important geological features shown. The process of comparing two images presenting the same information in different ways (e.g. a photograph and a sketch) directs students to observe the important features and requires students to integrate those two images, strengthening their learning. Simple language is used when writing, and non-essential vocabulary words are omitted, so students will not focus on memorizing definitions without understanding the concepts. The book has a more conversational style than many current textbooks. This textbook presents the key concepts in geoscience without additional distracting details. As a result, this book is shorter than other books currently on the market. The concise nature of the book encourages students to read it. Because it emphasizes the key concepts, students have a better understanding of the fundamentals and will come to class more prepared. Therefore, instructors will be able to cover additional information in class, because the fundamentals are already understood by the students. The themes in the book are plate tectonics, water cycle, rock cycle and how geology and people affect each other. These are concepts that are key in understanding geoology and learning why it is relevant in today's society. These three themes are emphasized, and individual topics are related back to the overarching themes.

Innovative college level physical geology textbook based on cutting edge education research.

This book provides a case study on how to design and build an introductory geology course for non-science majors. The book presents a foundation with the status of geoscience education and research in geoscience conceptual development as a backdrop for the design process. It then describes the instructional goal-setting process and development of the structural components of the course based on the determined goals. The book presents the three historical narratives (the earth is a historical entity, the earth is very old, and the earth is dynamic) that form the foundation of instruction. It also describes examples of the implicit, explicit, and reflective treatments of the nature of science to help student develop a better sense of the process of geology. Finally, the book gives preliminary results from some innovative approaches to research on student learning within the domains of geological content knowledge and NOS content knowledge within the course.

Exploring Geology by Reynolds/Johnson/Kelly/Morin/Carter is an innovative textbook intended for an introductory college geology course, such as Physical Geology. This ground-breaking, visually spectacular book was designed from cognitive and educational research on how students think, learn, and study. Nearly all information in the book is built around 2,600 photographs and stunning illustrations, rather than being in long blocks of text that are not articulated with figures. These annotated illustrations help students visualize geologic processes and concepts, and are suited to the way most instructors already teach. To alleviate cognitive load and help students focus on one important geologic process or concept at a time, the book consists entirely of two-page spreads organized into 19 chapters. Each two-page spread is a self-contained block of information about a specific topic, emphasizing geologic concepts, processes, features, and approaches. These spreads help students learn and organize geologic knowledge in a new and exciting way. Inquiry is embedded throughout the book, modeling how geologists investigate problems. The title of each two-page spread and topic heading is a question intended to get readers to think about the topic and become interested and motivated to explore the two-page spread for answers. Each chapter is a learning cycle, which begins with a visually engaging two-page spread about a compelling geologic issue. Each chapter ends with an Investigation that challenges students with a problem associated with a virtual place. The world-class media, spectacular presentations, and assessments are all tightly articulated with the textbook. This book is designed to encourage students to observe, interpret, think critically, and engage in authentic inquiry, and is highly acclaimed by reviewers, instructors, and students.

NOTE: This edition features the same content as the traditional text in a convenient, three-hole-punched, loose-leaf version. Books a la Carte also offer a great value; this format costs significantly less than a new textbook. Before purchasing, check with your instructor or review your course syllabus to ensure that you select the correct ISBN. Several versions of MyLab(TM) and Mastering(TM) platforms exist for each title, including customized versions for individual schools, and registrations are not transferable. In addition, you may need a Course ID, provided by your instructor, to register for and use MyLab and Mastering products. For introductory physical geology courses. Using dynamic media to bring geology to life From the renowned Lutgens/Tarbuck/Tasa team, the 13th Edition of Essentials of Geology continues to elevate the text's readability, illustrations, and focus on basic principles. This revision incorporates a structured learning path and reliable, consistent framework for mastering the chapter concepts. With a fully integrated mobile media program that includes new Mobile Field Trip and Project Condor quadcopter videos as well as new animations and videos, this edition provides a unique, interactive, and engaging learning experience for readers. Also available with Mastering Geology Mastering(TM) Geology is an online homework, tutorial, and assessment program designed to work with this text to engage students and improve results. Interactive, self-paced tutorials provide individualized coaching to help students stay on track. With a wide range of activities available, students can actively learn, understand, and retain even the most difficult concepts. If you would like to purchase both the loose-leaf version of the text and MyLab and Mastering, search for: 0134609964 / 9780134609966 Essentials of Geology, Books a la Carte Plus MasteringGeology with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package This package consists of: 0134609948 / 9780134609942 Essentials of Geology, Books a la Carte Edition 0134619625 / 9780134619620 MasteringGeology with Pearson eText -- ValuePack Access Card -- for Essentials of Geology

Exploring Geology by Reynolds/Johnson/ Morin/Carter is an innovative textbook intended for an introductory college geology course, such as Physical Geology. This ground-breaking, visually spectacular book was designed from cognitive and educational research on how students think, learn, and study. Nearly all information in the book is built around 2,600 photographs and stunning illustrations, rather than being in long blocks of text that are not articulated with figures. These annotated illustrations help students visualize geologic processes and concepts, and are suited to the way most instructors already teach. To alleviate cognitive load and help students focus on one important geologic process or concept at a time, the book consists entirely of two-page spreads organized into 19 chapters. Each two-page spread is a self-contained block of information about a specific topic, emphasizing geologic concepts, processes, features, and approaches. These spreads help students learn and organize geologic knowledge in a new and exciting way. Inquiry is embedded throughout the book, modeling how geologists investigate problems. The title of each two-page spread and topic heading is a question intended to get readers to think about the topic and become interested and motivated to explore the two-page spread for answers. Each chapter is a learning cycle, which begins with a visually engaging two-page spread about a compelling geologic issue. Each chapter ends with an Investigation that challenges students with a problem associated with a virtual place. The world-class media, spectacular presentations, and assessments are all tightly articulated with the textbook. This book is designed to encourage students to observe, interpret, think critically, and engage in authentic inquiry, and is highly acclaimed by reviewers, instructors, and students.

This edition features the exact same content as the traditional text in a convenient, three-hole-punched, loose-leaf version. Books a la Carte also offer a great value for your students-this format costs 35% less than a new textbook. With its strong focus on readability and engaging, instructive illustrations, this trusted bestseller returns in a new edition with a bold new look, new contributor Callan Bentley, interactive "SmartFigures(tm)," and a highly anticipated learning path that facilitates active learning. Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology , 11/e maintains its highly visual, non-technical survey and up-to-date coverage of foundational physical geology principles. The authors' emphasis on currency and relevance includes the latest thinking in the field, particularly in the dynamic area of plate tectonics. Package consists of: Books a la Carte for Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology