Burrud, John

Examines the characteristics of invertebrate animals, looking at jellyfish, sponges, and crabs, as well as Earth-dwellers such as worms and snails.

Describes the characteristics of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; visits the unique rock formation Obsidian Dome at Mammoth Mountain in California; and presents a hands-on demonstration of the rates at which different-sized sediment particles settle out of water.

Describes the properties of minerals, such as hardness, luster, and color; presents a hands-on demonstration of minerals' crystalline structure; visits an old silver mine, showing how silver ore was mined a century ago; and explains how minerals are used in jewelry, medicine, and other areas.

Describes volcano formation and eruption, lava and magma, the differences between volcano classifications, and significant eruptions in history; demonstrates how a tilt meter can predict eruptions; and visits Mammoth Mountain, California, explaining how carbon dioxide fumes can be a sign of volcanic activity.

Examines the characteristics of invertebrate animals, looking at jellyfish, sponges, and crabs, as well as Earth-dwellers such as worms and snails.

Examines the relationships between living things, focusing on the interdependency of animals, with specific examples.

Discusses the process by which water is recycled throughout the Earth, centering on the 3 stages of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Includes hands-on activities.

Traces the evolution of both the Earth and the organisms that populate it. Includes hands-on activities.

Examines various kinds of land formations including canyons, deserts, and mountains and the forces that helped to create them. Includes hands-on activities.

Teaches the ins and outs of volcanoes, the three major types and their characteristics. Includes hands-on activities.