How Does Earth Work? Physical Geology and the Process of Science

For introductory courses in physical geology.

Encouraging students to observe, discover, and visualize, How Does Earth Work? Second Edition engages students with an inquiry-based learning method that develops a solid interpretation of introductory geology. Like geology detectives, students learn to think through the scientific process and uncover evidence that explains earth’s mysteries.

Gary A. Smith is a Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of New Mexico and Fellow of the Geological Society of America. He has an undergraduate geology degree with a specialty in geophysics from Bowling Green State University and a Ph.D. in geology from Oregon State University. Gary has strong interests in science education through his membership in the National Association of Geoscience Teachers and the National Science Teachers Association, and as Director of the Office of Support for Effective Teaching, the faculty development center at the University of New Mexico.

Aurora Pun is a Lecturer in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of New Mexico. She holds an undergraduate degree in paleontology from the University of California, Berkeley and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Geology from the University of New Mexico, Institute of Meteoritics. Aurora has taught physical geology for over 14 years. Also a member of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, Aurora has taught a course for teachers on developing inquiry-based K-12 curricula in the earth and space sciences.