3 Review(s)

"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 f rom cognitive and educational research on how students think learn and study. Nearly all information in the book is built around 2600 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 instructorsalready teach. To alleviate cognitive load and help students focus on one important geologic process or concept at a time the book consists entirely oftwo-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 twopage 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 ishighly acclaimed by reviewers instructors and students.FEATURES• The design of the text consists of a series of two-page spreads. Each spread is designed to concisely convey the important aspects of a geological concept or system. The two-page spread design was greatly influenced by educational and cognitive research on how people learn.• This text uses figures and illustrations as the focus for understanding geologic processes. The 2-page spreads feature numerous photos and diagrams. Atypical text is written to explain geologic process through facts and theory. The Reynolds team developed their content based on ""what students need to know"" (learning objectives) and then created the necessary visuals and wrote the presentation around the visuals.• The text has been designed to encourage inquiry and provide readers with tools to think critically about geologic problems. Questions in the title, opening paragraph and topic headings are intended to get readers to think about the topic and become interested and motivated to explore the two-page spread for answers. The authors also use a learning-cycle approach in presenting topics. This approach includes three phases – exploration, introduction of terms and concepts, and connection.• Chapter Opening two page spreads are generally organized around one large, central figure, such as a map, satellite image, or conceptual diagram. Most involve a specific geographic locality to immediately convey that the information in the chapter applies to real world settings.• Topical two page spreads are the foundation of the book. They have one or more main illustration linked to text boxes. Each chapter concludes with a 2-page spread titled Connection that is similar to a case study and describes an actual geologic location with the goal of showing how the chapter topicsare connected (tied) together.• Each chapter ends with an ""Investigation"" two-page spread. In these exercises, readers must apply knowledge, skills, and approaches learned in the chapter. At the bottom of each two-page spread is a key element titled ""Before You Leave this Page..."" which serves several important purposes: a) to assign activities that reinforce the key concepts; b) to assure that students understand key concepts before reading the next module; and c) to answer thequestion ""What will be on the exam.""• The instructor supplements are superior to any competing text with high-resolution PowerPoint images and the supporting Notes to assist in using the images for course presentation. Many slides also include 3-D images that can be rotated vertically and horizontally. NO other text can match thesepresentation tools."