Instrumental Record Research Articles

Development of an online gamma radiation measurement system

Raw coal is often interspersed with rocks as well as soil fragments, so natural γ-radiation measurement is used for online detection of coal quality in the coal mining and processing production process. To solve the problems of system development, data acquisition and transmission and online calibration in online γ radiation measurement, an online γ radiation measurement system was developed based on ATMEGA8L microcontroller. The upper computer software developed with Qt realizes the functions of RS485 serial communication between the upper computer and the lower computer, online configuration of the instrument working mode, real-time display and recording of the measurement results, and recording and query of the working log. After testing, the software of the upper computer is easy to operate, friendly human-computer interaction, and can realize the required functions to meet the current requirements for the intelligence of production instruments, and the RSD of the measurement results of the system is 1.1% for long time operation, with good stability.

The first tree-ring reconstrruction of streamflow variability over the last ∼250 years in the Lower Danube

Paleoclimate reconstructions are increasingly used to characterize climate variability and change prior to the instrumental record, in order to improve our estimates of climate extremes and to provide a baseline for climate change projections. Most of these reconstructions are focused on temperature, precipitation, and/or drought indices and, to a lesser extent, reconstruct streamflow variability. In this study, the first regional tree-ring width chronology (i.e. Quercus sp.), from the Caraorman forest (Danube Delta, Romania), was used to reconstruct the last ∼250 years of annual (from November previous year to July of the current year) streamflow of the Lower Danube River. The obtained results indicate a stable and significant correlation between the tree-ring width index from the Caraorman forest and the Danube streamflow at the Ceatal Izmail hydrologic station situated in the southeastern part of Europe. Interannual streamflow variation for the analyzed period indicates 14 extremely high flow years, with streamflow greater than 8780 m3/s (1770, 1771, 1799, 1836, 1838, 1839, 1871, 1876, 1877, 1879, 1940, 1941, 1997 and 2010) and 14 extremely low flow years, with streamflow lower than 5300 m3/s (1741, 1745, 1750, 1753, 1773, 1794, 1812, 1832, 1843, 1882, 1899, 1921, 1964 and 1994). Periods characterized by pluvials in the lower Danube Delta are associated with a low-pressure system centered over Europe, positive sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the Atlantic Ocean, and negative SST anomalies over the Baltic, North, and Mediterranean Seas. These large-scale conditions favor the advection of moist air from the Mediterranean and the Black Sea towards the southeastern part of Romania, which in turn leads to high precipitation rates over this region. Opposite to this, low streamflow years are associated with a high-pressure system centered over Europe, characterized by a northward shift of the storm tracks and negative SST anomalies over the Atlantic Ocean, and positive SST anomalies over the Baltic, North, and Mediterranean Seas. Based on our results, we argue that the reconstruction of river streamflow data based on the tree-ring width has important scientific and practical implications for a better understanding of the streamflow variation of the past, necessary for water resource management and environmental-hydrological protection.

Stress accumulation and earthquake activity on the Great Sumatran Fault, Indonesia

The seismically active Sumatra subduction zone has generated some of the largest earthquakes in the instrumental record, and both historical accounts and paleogeodetic coral studies suggest these were large enough to transfer stress to the surrounding region, including the Great Sumatran Fault (GSF). Therefore, evaluating the stress transfer from these large subduction earthquakes could delineate segments of elevated stress along the GSF where large earthquakes may potentially occur. In this study, we investigated eight megathrust earthquakes from 1797 to 2010 and resolved the accumulated Coulomb stress changes onto 18 segments along the GSF. Additionally, we also estimated the rate of tectonic stress on the GSF segments which experienced large earthquakes. We considered two cases, with: (1) no forearc sliver movement, and (2) the forearc sliver movement suggested by recent studies. Based on the historical stress changes of large earthquakes and the increase in tectonic stress rate, we analyzed the time evolution of stress changes on the GSF. The Coulomb stress changes on the GSF due to megathrust earthquakes between 1797 and 1907 increased the Coulomb stress mainly on the southern part of GSF, which was followed by four major GSF events during 1890–1943. The estimation of tectonic stress rates using case (1) produces a low rate of stress accumulation and long recurrence intervals, which would imply that megathrust earthquakes play an important role in promoting the occurrence of GSF earthquakes. When implementing the arc-parallel sliver movement of case (2), the tectonic stress rates are much higher than case (1), with an observed slip rate of 15–16 mm/yr at the GSF consistent with a recurrence interval for full-segment rupture of 100–200 years. The case (2) result suggests that the occurrence of GSF earthquakes is dominantly controlled by the rapid arc-parallel forearc sliver motion. Furthermore, the analysis of the evolution of stress changes with time shows that some segments such as Tripa (North and South), Angkola, Musi and Manna, which have experienced full-segment rupture and are therefore likely locked, appear to have returned to stress levels similar to those prior to previous historical events, suggesting elevated earthquake hazard along these GSF segments.

William “Willie” Hung Kang Lee (1940–2022)

Obituary| January 12, 2023 William “Willie” Hung Kang Lee (1940–2022) Bill Ellsworth; Bill Ellsworth 1U.S. Geological Survey (retired), Stanford University, Stanford, California, U.S.A. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8378-4979 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Steve Kirby Steve Kirby * 2U.S. Geological Survey, California, U.S.A. *Corresponding author: stevenlyle@icloud.com Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Seismological Research Letters (2023) https://doi.org/10.1785/0220220389 Article history first online: 12 Jan 2023 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Bill Ellsworth, Steve Kirby; William “Willie” Hung Kang Lee (1940–2022). Seismological Research Letters 2023; doi: https://doi.org/10.1785/0220220389 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietySeismological Research Letters Search Advanced Search The seismological community has lost one of its leaders and pioneers who led the creation of modern seismic networks while maintaining a sharp focus on the importance and value of the early instrumental and historical record. William “Willie” Hung Kang Lee was also a pioneer in such global seismology fields as seismic tomography. The Earth science literature abounds with his papers on diverse subjects under his frequently used moniker, W. H. K. Lee. Willie was born in wartime Guangxie, southern China on October 6, 1940, the sixth of seven children. His family fled to Macao in 1950 and then to... You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

Validation of earthquake ground-motion models in southern California, USA, using precariously balanced rocks

Accurate estimates of earthquake ground shaking rely on uncertain ground-motion models derived from limited instrumental recordings of historical earthquakes. A critical issue is that there is currently no method to empirically validate the resultant ground-motion estimates of these models at the timescale of rare, large earthquakes; this lack of validation causes great uncertainty in ground-motion estimates. Here, we address this issue and validate ground-motion estimates for southern California utilizing the unexceeded ground motions recorded by 20 precariously balanced rocks. We used cosmogenic 10Be exposure dating to model the age of the precariously balanced rocks, which ranged from ca. 1 ka to ca. 50 ka, and calculated their probability of toppling at different ground-motion levels. With this rock data, we then validated the earthquake ground motions estimated by the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, Version 3 (UCERF3) seismic-source characterization and the Next Generation Attenuation (NGA)-West2 ground-motion models. We found that no ground-motion model estimated levels of earthquake ground shaking consistent with the observed continued existence of all 20 precariously balanced rocks. The ground-motion model I14 estimated ground-motion levels that were inconsistent with the most rocks; therefore, I14 was invalidated and removed. At a 2475 year mean return period, the removal of this invalid ground-motion model resulted in a 2−7% reduction in the mean and a 10−36% reduction in the 5th−95th fractile uncertainty of the ground-motion estimates. Our findings demonstrate the value of empirical data from precariously balanced rocks as a validation tool for removing invalid ground-motion models and, in turn, reducing the uncertainty in earthquake ground-motion estimates.

TEACHING NATURAL SCIENCES: SIMPLIFYING SOME PHYSICS CONCEPTS AS ACTIVITIES AND LABORATORY TOOLS FOR KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN

There is a severe shortcoming in science programs in kindergartens in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this paper presents a conceptual framework for teaching physics concepts to kindergartens to contribute to the consolidation of scientific knowledge by stimulating the skills of inquiry, problem-solving and scientific thinking among children. The research aimed to study the effect of a program based on simplifying some physics concepts on kindergarten children's knowledge. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observation, video recordings of simple lab instruments for physics concepts, and children's in-app interactions and children's photographs. The sample consisted of (8) children of the age groups (5: 6 years) at the third level in kindergarten. The results indicated that children can be taught some scientific thinking skills. Children who practiced the planned activities developed their knowledge more orderly. Accordingly, it is concluded that the program can indicate the success of introducing natural sciences to the kindergarten stage. The current research recommends studies that show the quality and specifications of programs that suit the child's characteristics at this stage and the nature of education. Keywords: Natural sciences, teaching physics concepts, laboratory tools, the focus group method, kindergarten

Within-region replication of late Holocene relative sea-level change: An example from southern New England, United States

Tide-gauge measurements in the western North Atlantic Ocean show coherent, multi-decadal relative sea-level (RSL) trends across multiple spatial scales. Proxy reconstructions developed from salt-marsh sediment can extend this instrumental record. However, the degree of coherence in proxy reconstructions is underexamined through within-region replication. To explore within-region replication, we developed a new RSL reconstruction from Fox Hill Marsh, Rhode Island to complement similar records at nearby sites. We established the elevation of former sea level from assemblages of foraminifera and bulk-sediment δ13C values using a Bayesian transfer function. We employed radiocarbon dating and recognition of pollution horizons to construct a core chronology. Since ∼1200 BCE, RSL rose by ∼3.7 m at Fox Hill Marsh. After correction for glacial isostatic adjustment, application of a statistical model intended to quantify (multi-) century-scale trends showed that the fastest rate of rise in at least the past 3000 years was 1.71 ± 0.84 mm/yr (95% credible interval) in 2020 CE. This result replicates regional tide-gauge measurements and other proxy reconstructions. Using an alternative statistical model constructed to identify sub-centennial sea-level changes, we examined if there was a hotspot of 18th century rise in the northeastern United States and found no spatially-coherent trend (i.e., occurring at all or most sites). This lack of replication indicates that accelerated rise during the 18th century is likely local (site-specific) in scale, or an artifact of individual reconstructions. Continued efforts to replicate RSL reconstructions will increase confidence in the accuracy of records and their subsequent interpretation.

Meridional response of Western North Pacific paleocyclone activity to tropical atmospheric circulation variability over the past millennium

Sedimentary records of past tropical cyclone (TC) activity indicate large variability and spatial heterogeneity on the interannual-century scales. However, the meridional variation patterns and climatic forcing mechanisms for regional TC activity are not well understood because of the short and incomplete observational record. Here, we present a near-annually resolved record of intense TC activity derived from a back-reef lagoon at Anle Atoll in the southern South China Sea since the Little Ice Age (LIA). Our reconstruction indicates that TC activity was higher during the early LIA than what has been observed throughout the instrumental record. Basin-wide compiled records of the western North Pacific (WNP) cyclogenesis revealed strong evidence of a meridional seesaw pattern for storm activity between relatively low and high latitudes over the past millennium. This pattern suggests a centennial-scale link with Pacific hydroclimate atmospheric circulation shifts. A combination of southward displacement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and westward migration of the Pacific Walker Circulation, as well as damped El Niño Southern Oscillation variability, likely contributed to enhanced TC activity during the LIA in the low latitudes of the WNP. External forcing of solar irradiance budgets profoundly affects the hydroclimate and TC climatology in the WNP.

Forest fire threatens global carbon sinks and population centres under rising atmospheric water demand

Levels of fire activity and severity that are unprecedented in the instrumental record have recently been observed in forested regions around the world. Using a large sample of daily fire events and hourly climate data, here we show that fire activity in all global forest biomes responds strongly and predictably to exceedance of thresholds in atmospheric water demand, as measured by maximum daily vapour pressure deficit. The climatology of vapour pressure deficit can therefore be reliably used to predict forest fire risk under projected future climates. We find that climate change is projected to lead to widespread increases in risk, with at least 30 additional days above critical thresholds for fire activity in forest biomes on every continent by 2100 under rising emissions scenarios. Escalating forest fire risk threatens catastrophic carbon losses in the Amazon and major population health impacts from wildfire smoke in south Asia and east Africa.

River Deltas and Sea-Level Rise

Future sea-level rise poses an existential threat for many river deltas, yet quantifying the effect of sea-level changes on these coastal landforms remains a challenge. Sea-level changes have been slow compared to other coastal processes during the instrumental record, such that our knowledge comes primarily from models, experiments, and the geologic record. Here we review the current state of science on river delta response to sea-level change, including models and observations from the Holocene until 2300 CE. We report on improvements in the detection and modeling of past and future regional sea-level change, including a better understanding of the underlying processes and sources of uncertainty. We also see significant improvements in morphodynamic delta models. Still, substantial uncertainties remain, notably on present and future subsidence rates in and near deltas. Observations of delta submergence and land loss due to modern sea-level rise also remain elusive, posing major challenges to model validation. ▪ There are large differences in the initiation time and subsequent delta progradation during the Holocene, likely from different sea-level and sediment supply histories. ▪ Modern deltas are larger and will face faster sea-level rise than during their Holocene growth, making them susceptible to forced transgression. ▪ Regional sea-level projections have been much improved in the past decade and now also isolate dominant sources of uncertainty, such as the Antarctic ice sheet. ▪ Vertical land motion in deltas can be the dominant source of relative sea-level change and the dominant source of uncertainty; limited observations complicate projections. ▪ River deltas globally might lose 5% (∼35,000 km2) of their surface area by 2100 and 50% by 2300 due to relative sea-level rise under a high-emission scenario.

End‐Member Mixing Analysis as a Tool for the Detection of Major Storms in Lake Sediment Records

AbstractMajor Tropical Cyclone (TC) events cause extensive damage in coastal regions of the western North Atlantic Basin. The short instrumental record leaves significant gaps in understanding long‐term trends in TC recurrence and intensity, creating uncertainty about future storm trends. Analysis of an ∼520‐year core record from Harvey Lake, located >80 km from the Atlantic coast in southwestern New Brunswick, Canada was carried out using: (a) end‐member mixing analysis (EMMA) of lake sediment grain size data to identify storm‐linked sedimentological processes; and (2) ITRAX X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) derived element/ratios (Fe, Ti, Ca/Sr, Zr/Rb, K/Rb, and Br + Cl/Al) associated with precipitation, weathering, catchment runoff, and air masses. Three derived end members were correlated to heavy rainfall events (EM01), spring freshet (EM02), and TCs (EM03). CONISS analysis of the EMMA and XRF core data resulted in recognition of four unique climatic zones distinguished by distinct distributions of TC and rainfall/weathering/runoff/and air masses. Numerous, major (EM01) rainfall events and (EM03) TC events characterized the basal core record during the early Little Ice Age (LIAa; Zone 1) phase, terminating at ∼1645. A near cessation of heavy rainfall and TC events differentiated the subsequent colder LIAb (∼1645–1825; Zone 2) and subsequent Little Ice Age Transition (∼1825–1895; Zone 3). A resurgence of major rainfall and TC events occurred during recovery from the LIA starting in ∼1895 (Zone 4). EMMA provides a robust tool for recognition of TC and major rainfall events, and greatly expands the potential for paleo‐storm activity research well inland from coastal regions.

Geographic object‐based image analysis (GEOBIA) of the distribution and characteristics of aeolian sand dunes in Arctic Sweden

AbstractCurrent climate change in the Arctic is unprecedented in the instrumental record, with profound consequences for the environment and landscape. In Arctic Sweden, aeolian sand dunes have been impacted by climatic changes since their initial formation after the retreat of the last glacial ice sheet. Dune type, location and orientation can therefore be used to explore past wind patterns and landscape destabilisation in this sensitive area. However, knowledge of the full spatial extent and characteristics of these dunes is limited by their inaccessibility and dense vegetation cover. Geographic object‐based image analysis (GEOBIA) permits the semi‐automatic creation of reproducible parameter‐based objects and can be an appropriate means to systematically and spatially map these dunes remotely. Here, a digital elevation model (DEM) and its derivatives, such as slope and curvature, were segmented in a GEOBIA context, enabling the identification and mapping of aeolian sand dunes in Arctic Sweden. Analysis of the GEOBIA‐derived and expert‐accepted polygons affirms the prevalence of parabolic dune type and reveals the coexistence of simple dunes with large coalesced systems. Furthermore, mapped dune orientations and relationships to other geomorphological features were used to explore past wind directions and to identify sediment sources as well as the reasons for sand availability. The results indicate that most dune systems in Arctic Sweden were initially supplied by glaciofluvial and fluvial disturbances of sandy esker systems. Topographic control of wind direction is the dominant influence on dune orientation. Further, our approach shows that analysing the GEOBIA‐derived dune objects in their geomorphological context paves the way for successfully investigating aeolian sand dune location, type and orientation in Arctic Sweden, thereby facilitating the understanding of post‐glacial landscape (in)stability and evolution in the area.

Luke Howard, namer of clouds

Luke Howard (1772–1864), who was born 250 years ago this November, was an amateur meteorologist, whose lifelong fascination with skies and weather led him to devise the classification and nomenclature of clouds that remains in international use today. He was also a pioneer in the study of urban climate, his 40-year instrumental record of London's weather forming the heart of his landmark publication, The Climate of London (2 vols, 1818–1820), for which he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1821. This article offers an overview of his meteorological life and achievements.

Two-Way Teleconnections between the Southern Ocean and the Tropical Pacific via a Dynamic Feedback

Abstract Despite substantial global mean warming, surface cooling has occurred in both the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean and the Southern Ocean over the past 40 years, influencing both regional climates and estimates of Earth’s climate sensitivity to rising greenhouse gases. While a tropical influence on the extratropics has been extensively studied in the literature, here we demonstrate that the teleconnection works in the other direction as well, with the southeast Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean exerting a strong influence on the tropical eastern Pacific. Using a slab ocean model, we find that the tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) response to an imposed Southern Ocean surface heat flux forcing is sensitive to the longitudinal location of that forcing, suggesting an atmospheric pathway associated with regional dynamics rather than reflecting a zonal-mean energetic constraint. The transient response shows that an imposed Southern Ocean cooling in the southeast Pacific sector first propagates into the tropics by mean-wind advection. Once tropical Pacific SSTs are perturbed, they then drive remote changes to atmospheric circulation in the extratropics that further enhance both Southern Ocean and tropical cooling. These results suggest a mutually interactive two-way teleconnection between the Southern Ocean and tropical Pacific through atmospheric circulations, and highlight potential impacts on the tropics from the extratropical climate changes over the instrumental record and in the future.

Buganda Royal Music Revival

Buganda Royal Music Revival

Recharge variability in Australia's southeast alpine region derived from cave monitoring and modern stalagmite δ18O records

Oxygen isotopic (δ18O) variations in stalagmite records have the potential to provide new insights about past climates beyond the instrumental record. This paper presents the first high-resolution oxygen isotope time series of three coeval stalagmite records from the alpine region of south-eastern Australia covering the period 1922–2006 CE. We use extended surface and cave monitoring datasets, petrographic investigation, modelled recharge time series and farmed calcite precipitates to assess the controls on speleothem δ18O and investigate the coherence between three records from Harrie Wood Cave. The drip water response to recent interannual rainfall variability shows that cave drip water Cl−, δ18O and drip rate display a clear response to an increase in rainfall recharge. It is demonstrated that stalagmites from the same drip sites also record variability in interannual recharge, where an increase in δ18O values is observed with lower recharge, while a decrease in δ18O values correspond to higher recharge amounts. The three stalagmite δ18O records are in broad agreement, showing common responses to relatively higher recharge between 1945 and 1995 CE and the low recharge periods between 1937 and 1945 CE (World War II drought) and late 1996 to 2006 CE (beginning of the Millennium Drought). However, differences in the magnitude of the relative response of each stalagmite δ18O record varies. Based on evidence from our cave monitoring study and farmed calcites, we conclude that the differences between the three stalagmite records is attributed to variability in the contribution of preferential flows during recharge events and the store reservoir volume supplying the drip site. When the δ18O decreases in response to enhanced recharge, the speleothem δ13C also decreases, and this is interpreted to reflect a soil respiration response to changes in soil moisture availability due to recharge. Hence, stalagmite δ18O from the Australian alpine region can be applied to reconstruct periods of relatively higher and lower rainfall recharge and thus extend our knowledge of the timing and relative magnitude of droughts as well as past periods of higher recharge in this region.

NeoKinema Deformation Model for the 2023 Update to the U.S. National Seismic Hazard Model

Abstract We develop a crustal deformation model of the western conterminous United States for the 2023 update of the National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM). The kinematic finite-element code NeoKinema is used to describe crustal deformation, including long-term slip on faults and off-fault strains (both elastic and permanent). Three different data sets—Global Positioning System (GPS) velocities, geological fault offset rates, and crustal stress orientations—are used to constrain the model, and the plate tectonic rotation of Pacific relative to North America is also imposed on some boundaries. Compared to the last NSHM model update in 2014, the GPS and geological fault data are substantially updated, and new corrections are implemented in both the data and modeling approach, including the correction of the “ghost transient” effect due to postseismic deformation following large historic earthquakes, and correction for shallow creep on faults estimated from independent data. Based on these modeling results and a plate tectonic model of the Cascadia subduction zone, a long-term seismicity rate map is also computed for the western United States; this map is independent of the local seismic catalog and can, therefore, be tested retrospectively as well as prospectively. We find good success in most of the region, except in Cascadia, where the 45 yr instrumental seismicity record is much quieter than the forecast of our long-term model.

Effect of Carnatic raga-Bilahari based music therapy on anxiety, sleep disturbances and somatic symptoms among caregivers of cancer patients

Carnatic raga-Bilahari based intervention is a music therapy technique that enhances relaxation and positivity by reducing anxiety. With extensive empirical evidence pointing out the detrimental challenges faced by the caregivers of cancer patients, the present study intends to find out the effectiveness of a Carnatic raga based music therapy on reducing anxiety, sleep disturbances, somatic symptoms and distress level among this population A single group pre-post research design was was used to conduct the study. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used as a screening tool to select participants, and 30 participants were chosen using the purposive sampling. These individuals received instruction in listening to Carnatic music (raga-Bilahari), 5 days a week. The vocal and instrumental recordings were given on alternative days with each session lasting 15–30 min over a month of standard care. From the findings it is observed that there is significant decrease in the anxiety (p < 0.001), sleep disturbances (p < 0.001), somatic symptoms (p < 0.001) and distress level (p < 0.001) after the intervention.The study result thus indicates that Carnatic raga-Bilahari-based music intervention is effective among caregivers of cancer patients to reduce anxiety, sleep disturbances, somatic symptoms presentation, and their distress level.

Project-based learning through sensor characterization in a musical acoustics course.

Project-based learning engages students in practical activities related to course content and has been demonstrated to improve academic performance. Due to its reported benefits, this form of active learning was incorporated with an ongoing research project into an introductory, graduate-level Musical Acoustics course at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. Students applied concepts from the course to characterize a contact sensor with a polymer diaphragm for musical instrument recording. Assignments throughout the semester introduced students to completing a literature review, planning an experiment, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting results. While students were given broad goals to understand the performance of the contact sensor compared to traditional microphones, they were allowed independence in determining the specific methods used. The efficacy of the course framework and research project was assessed with student feedback provided through open-ended prompts and Likert-type survey questions. Overall, the students responded positively to the project-based learning and demonstrated mastery of the course learning objectives. The work provides a possible framework for instructors considering using project-based learning through research in their own course designs.

TEACHING STRATEGIES OF HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY TEACHERS

The methodology used by the Chemistry teacher, in general, is still very focused on a trend of exclusively expository class, with the cult of memorization predominating. Despite this traditionalism still lingering in most of our schools, new methodological concepts are bringing other perspectives on the Teaching of Chemistry. The objective of this research was to analyze the concepts and practices of Chemistry teachers and their relationship with the learning of concepts in the area. This research is of a qualitative nature, and the research field covers two State schools in the Municipality of Vitória de Santo Antão, EREM Antônio Dias Cardoso and EREM João Cleofas de Oliveira. The research subjects were two Chemistry teachers, one from each institution. As instruments for data construction, observation and recording of teachers' practices and semi-structured interviews were used. As a methodological basis, the research was based on George Kelly's Personal Construct Theory (1963), more specifically the Kellyana Experience Cycle (CEK), which is described in five stages, namely: Anticipation, Investment, Encounter, Confirmation or Disconfirmation and Constructive Review. From the results, it can be inferred that the teachers carry out their classes in traditional ways and the schools do not offer many devices for conducting practical classes, as schools do not have science laboratories. On the other hand, there is also the relationship between teaching methodology and student learning, and as teaching directly affects learning, it is clear that there is a need for practices that promote context in the classroom, with accessible language and that seek to encourage students to be protagonists of their history.