This reference resource describes both the scientific background and the economic and social issues that resulted from environmental disasters resulting primarily from human activity. Categorized by the type of tragedy--including coal mine tragedies, dam failures, industrial explosions, and oil spills--this one-stop guide provides students with descriptions of some of the world's most tragic environmental disasters. Entries clearly describe each disaster by defining the cause, the consequences, and the clean-up efforts. Readers will learn who the responsible parties were, the effect on the environment and people living in the immediate area, and the economic impact of each disaster. In addition, the long-term consequences, the likelihood of a repeat disaster in the same area, and the measures that have been taken to prevent a repeat incident are discussed. Entries include the Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion, the Exxon-Valdez oil spill, the atomic bomb at Hiroshima, and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

The rise of political Christian fundamentalism has brought with it an increasingly well-organized attack on evolution. Recently, proponents of Intelligent Design (ID) have, with successes and failures, pushed the debate over evolution into a more public arena - ID is a contentious issue for local and state school boards, and the necessity of including ID in school science curricula is a key political issue in the United States and other predominantly Christian nations. This book analyzes fundamentalists' scientific and political attempts to advance creationism over evolution through the new medium of Intelligent Design. The first chapter discusses the development of evolution from Darwin's original work to its standing as a supported tenet of modern science. Subsequent chapters trace the history of fundamentalism, the twin threats fundamentalists perceive from evolution and criticism of the Bible, and the ways that fundamentalists historically argued the case for creationism. The final chapters examine conflicting biblical interpretations and the Bible's historical accuracy, and offer case studies that show evolution's benefits to human welfare. Appendices include tables of contents for all 12 volumes of ""The Fundamentals"", a list of medical breakthroughs over the past 100 years, extracts from the December 2005 U.S. District Court ruling over ID in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and a glossary of terms.

In United States public schools, the content being taught in all subjects is determined by specialists who have the expertise necessary for the task. Parents don't insist on their opinions being part of curricular decisions. History, mathematics and literature classes, for example, generally enjoy full acceptance by parents and others. The science curriculum, however, is unique in that it has faced long-time opposition that shows little sign of lessening. Most notably, a controversy has arisen around biological evolution. Part history and part handbook, this carefully neutral work examines the origins of the opposition to biological evolution, its long and deep-seated history, and the reasons why it hasn't been resolved. Key terms - including creationism, evolution, intelligent design, and theory, among others - are defined at length, and erroneous understandings are addressed. Solutions are suggested so that the energies of school administrators and teachers may focus on their main task, the improvement of learning. State-by-state science standards are covered, and several models for biological science curricula are offered. Presented in a highly readable style, this study is intended for use by students, parents, teachers, school administrators, and community leaders alike, as well as others interested in the controversy.

Everything we see in our landscapes today was created by geological actions, all of them accompanied by earthquakes and volcanism. This thorough examination of the geology of the United States and its impact on people's lives explores the processes that shape the land surfaces of the United States. These processes act over long periods of time and are affected by such factors as wind, rain, and temperature. Readers will discover how they frequently catch us by surprise when unexpected events occur, as well as how we often ignore signals that indicate repeat disasters. The hazards associated with geological processes are a continuing concern, but readers will also discover the benefits of many of these so-called natural disasters.

Geologic regions define the framework for the book. Gunn provides readers with an accessible overview of geology, defining such concepts as erosion and deposition and discussing such factors as the different kinds of rocks found in the earth's crust. He also explores the concept of plate tectonics in detail. Representative states have been selected to illustrate hazards and geologic features found over large areas, and students can discover those areas that are the most dangerous in which to live. Students are encouraged to draw on the resources provided for further in-depth study of the fascinating topics introduced and discussed.

Disasters can strike at any time. From the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius to Hurricane Katrina, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters have caused tremendous loss of life, human suffering, and environmental catastrophe. The complex technological and social changes of the last few centuries have not only intensified the impact of such natural disasters, but have added new introduced new reasons to be concerned - plane crashes, bombings, industrial accidents, genocides. Calling some disasters "natural" and others "man-made" downplays the important interrelationship between the event and human actions. Human actions - or inactions - can catapult a natural phenomenon into a deadly catastrophe. Likewise, nature can be terribly disrupted by events that are created by humans. The Encyclopedia of Disasters covers over 180 of the most important disasters in history. Arranged chronologically, the encyclopedia includes entries on those disasters that have had the greatest historical, environmental, and cultural impact: BLThe eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, which destroyed the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum The London Fire of 1666, which flattened much of London and allowed the rebuilding of the city BLThe influenza epidemic of 1918, which killed millions BLThe 1964 Prince William Sound earthquake in Alaska, which caused death and destruction as far away as Hawaii BLThe worst nuclear power plant accident in Chernobyl, Ukraine, in 1964, that has rendered the surrounding landscape uninhabitable BLThe 2004 earthquake that created a tsunami that killed thousands in Sumatra Each entry includes a list of readings for additional research, and the encyclopedia is illustrated withnumerous photos and line illustrations that show the destruction and despair caused by these disasters.

''Handle With Care' should be on the front cover so that the eager teacher uses the book as an inspirational resource' Roy Bentley, Professor Emeritus, University of British Columbia 'A wonderful guidebook for people moving toward constructivism and for many who are already there' Geoffrey Caine, Director, Caine Learning 'Fosters a refreshing educational discourse of possibility and offers some very useful classroom strategies that work with today's youth' Peter P. Grimmett, Director, Institute for Studies in Teacher Education, Simon Fraser University Kindle students' excitement for learning with transformative, field-tested strategies and lessons! Students are natural thinkers and pattern-seekers who are born to learn. Tapping into their innate abilities is the key to engaging students in their own learning. This innovative guide helps teachers maximize student engagement and achievement by combining brain research, classroom applications, and teaching skills based on the Natural Human Learning Process (NHLP). Ideal for preservice and inservice teacher training and professional development, this superb resource covers: - Working with diverse learners from PreK through high school and beyond - Curriculum applications and sample lessons across content areas, teaching methods, and learning styles - Research and theory, instructional planning and strategies, assessment, teaching for transfer, and more.