Laboratory Studies in Earth History [Spiral-bound]

James Brice (Author), James Brice (Author), Harold Levin (Author), Michael Smith (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0072528060 | ISBN-13: 978-0072528060 | Publication Date: April 8, 2003 | Edition: 8

Utilizing actual case studies and field photographs, this successful lab manual covers the full spectrum of historical geology sediments, plate tectonics, paleontology, and petrology in flexible, self-contained units. This manual has been developed for use in both nonmajors and combined courses in historical geology. The exercises emphasize the principles and methods by which geologists discover the origins and changing nature of our planet.

These exercises or "studies" will help students understand how ancient conditions can be read from rocks and fossils, how geologic forces at the surface and within the planet can alter the environment, and how events of the past can be placed within an integrated chronological sequence. The exercises are designed for students who may not intend to specialize in geology. This does not mean, however, that the treatment is superficial, nor that it cannot give adequate preparation for students pursuing an academic major in the earth sciences..

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 312 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math; 8 edition (April 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072528060
• ISBN-13: 978-0072528060
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #960,647 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Historical Geology Lab Manual, February 15, 2002

By 

Ronald R. Mcdowell (Morgantown, WV USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Laboratory Studies in Earth History (Spiral-bound)

I've taught Historical Geology labs from this manual starting with the third edition. I believe that this is one of the better lab texts on the subject but I hear the same complaints from students using the seventh edition that I heard from those using the third - "How are we supposed to interpret the information contained in these poor quality black-and-white photographs that typically lack a scale and a complete verbal description?" and "Why do the questions in the manual seem so 'obtuse'? We can't understand what is being asked for." I've seen only a slight improvement in photographic illustrations over the years (very, very few new illustrations) and minimal improvement in the "clarity" of questions. The colour geologic map plates are typically so poorly printed that I long ago stopped having students do geologic cross sections because we couldn't see elevation contour lines, differentiate colour patterns for formations, or read the strike and dip symbols. There are still (after 20 years) no exercises dealing with evolution theory. Examples of "applied" geology (petroleum, mining, hydrology) are still few in number and simplistic.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Lab Instructor considers this full of inconsistencies, February 28, 2006

By 

karelaorange "karelaorange" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Laboratory Studies in Earth History (Spiral-bound)

I teach a college geology lab that uses this lab book; I didn't chose it. It is filled with inconsistencies, no wonder the students are confused! It will give the students a picture and in one question tell them something about it, then in the next question completely contradict what they said previously. This makes grading just wretched; I often don't catch all these incosistencies before lab, and when reading through the students answers I have to go back and see if their answer makes sense in the context of what they were told.

Additionally, there is often not enough detail given to answer the question. For example, they are given a sequence of strata and asked whether the strata make up different time-rock units; but they don't know the age of anything in the picture! So how are they supposed to know?

I would never use this book. It's better to use something more elementary that doesn't confuse the students. I understand this lab book is trying to be more indepth than other lab books out there, but if the students are getting confused by it they're not learning more.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Simply the worst., January 6, 2011

By 

John Phelan (Carmel, IN) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Laboratory Studies in Earth History (Spiral-bound)

I'll keep this short, as going back to my lab class brings back traumatic memories. Quite simply, this is one of the worst pieces of college material I have ever come in contact with. An STD information pamphlet is more informative, better illustrated, and more fun to read. My lab instructor informed my colleague and I that this was the "best" lab manual out of the several others she has seen. May God have mercy on anyone who must use those other issues. To the authors and editors of this work, I suggest you find another profession - as neither writing nor editing is your calling in life, (and I'm being kind). I noted numerous factual errors that were confirmed by a quick Google search and a raised hand to my professor. The illustrations were something I would expect from a Cold War military satellite photo showing bunker locations. And those at least had some explanations that made sense. If it helps anyone to better understand, the words "lab manual" were usually preceded by a favored expletive.

Do not get me wrong, I have a definite interest in geology. So my argument against this "book" is not biased. But quite simply, this book goes up there in the list of all-time worsts. I can only recommend this book the same way I would recommend open-heart surgery - Only if you must. This book was a requirement for my ONE credit lab, and I was very happy to sell the proverbial "cursed monkey paw" to some other poor unknowing student who has no idea what they are getting themselves into.