Earth Science InterActivities enable the student to develop an understanding of an astronomical or geological process, both qualitatively and quantitatively (where appropriate), while fostering development of the abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry. Students work through exercises that address four to five content objectives. Students are then able to answer the central focus question for the InterActivity. Online exercises focus on the following skills:

	Planning and implementing investigations
	Collecting data and making measurements
	Organizing and analyzing data
	Communicating valid conclusions
	Applying findings to new situations or problems

Our earth science materials map to the National Science Education Standards as set by the National Research Council.

At the heart of each Earth Science topic is the Simulation. Tailored to the needs of each topic, it lets students view processes and manipulate their components, alter variables to see their roles in processes, or alter reality to discover cause-and-effect relationships. In completing the online exercises, students describe specific observations, answer questions, and record data, graphs, and images in the Journal. The Analysis section requires students to interpret recorded observations and collected data, to draw specific conclusions, and to answer follow-up questions. Once students have completed the entire InterActivity, they can view or revise their entries and then print, save, or e-mail the completed Journal.