Exploring Montana through Project-Based Leaning includes 50 well-thought-out projects designed for grades 3-5. In assigning your students projects that dig into MontanaÕs geography, history, government, economy, current events, and famous people, you will deepen their appreciation and understanding of Montana while simultaneously improving their analytical skills and ability to recognize patterns and big-picture themes. Project-based learning today is much different than the craft-heavy classroom activities popular in the past. Inquiry, planning, research, collaboration, and analysis are key components of project-based learning activities today. However, that doesnÕt mean creativity, individual expression, and fun are out. They definitely arenÕt! Each project is designed to help students gain important knowledge and skills that are derived from standards and key concepts at the heart of academic subject areas. Students are asked to analyze and solve problems, to gather and interpret data, to develop and evaluate solutions, to support their answers with evidence, to think critically in a sustained way, and to use their newfound knowledge to formulate new questions worthy of exploring. While some projects are more complex and take longer than others, they all are set up in the same structure. Each begins with the central project-driving questions, proceeds through research and supportive questions, has the student choose a presentation option, and ends with a broader-view inquiry. Rubrics for reflection and assessments are included, too. This consistent framework will make it easier for you assign projects and for your students to follow along and consistently meet expectations. Encourage your students to take charge of their projects as much as possible. As a teacher, you can act as a facilitator and guide. The projects are structured such that students can often work through the process on their own or through cooperation with their classmates.

New opportunities for solving the challenges of contemporary architecture occur as a result of advances in the design and new building technologies, as well as the development of new materials. Many of the changes are motivated by a drive towards eco-architecture, trying to harmonise architectural products with nature. Another important issue is the adaptation of the architectural design to the natural environment, learning from nature and traditional construction techniques. Contemporary architecture is at the threshold of a new stage of evolution, deeply influenced by the advances in information and computer systems and the development of new materials and products, as well as construction processes that will drastically change the industry. Never before in history have architects and engineers had such a range of new processes and products open to them. In spite of that, the construction industry lags behind all others in taking advantage of a wide variety of new technologies. This is understandable, due to the inherent complexity and uniqueness of each architectural project. Advances in computer and information systems, including robotics, offers the possibility of developing new architectural forms, construction products and building technologies which are just now starting to emerge. Changes have also taken place in the way modern society works and lives, due to the impact of modern technologies. Patterns of work have been disrupted and changed, affecting transportation and the home environment. The demand is for a new type of habitat that can respond to the changes and the consequent requirements in terms of the urban environment. This volume originates from the 8th International Conference on Harmonisation between Architecture and Nature and deals with topics such as building technologies, design by passive systems, design with nature, cultural sensitivity, life cycle assessment, resources and rehabilitation and many others including case studies from around the world.

Translate standards-based content into enriched learning projects that build 21st century skills. A valuable tool for teachers, this book uses an enriched learning projects model to develop student skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and global and cross-cultural awareness. It highlights e-tools that enhance projects and presents research-based instructional strategies that engage students.

GSA Special Paper 492 consists of 35 papers that collectively synthesize the development and current uses of Google Earth and associated visualization media in geoscience education and research. Chapters focus on Google Earth and related tools, such as SketchUp, Google Fusion Tables, GigaPan, and LiDAR. Many of these papers include digital media that illustrate and highlight important themes of the texts. This volume is intended to document the state of the art for geoscience applications of geobrowsers, such as Google Earth, along with providing provocative examples of where this technology is headed in the future.

“Atlas of Yellowstone shows that good things happen when top-notch cartography, tasteful design, solid research, and compelling geography come together. The atlas will delight professional and armchair readers alike. Its treasure trove of maps explore wide-ranging topics—from geology to wildlife to people and the land. Better still, these well-orchestrated elements reveal a bigger idea: the place we call the Greater Yellowstone.” —Tom Patterson, former president, North American Cartographic Information Society “An extremely attractive, first-rate volume that is sure to become a fundamental resource for scholars and anyone who loves Yellowstone.”—Richard Marston, Kansas State University "While much has been written on the Yellowstone region, nothing compares to this volume in scope or presentation. This will become the standard reference and starting point for anyone interested in the history of Yellowstone."—Anthony Barnosky, author of Heatstroke: Nature in an Age of Global Warming