T66 Sense of Place, Geoparks and National Parks: Strategies for Improved Earth Science Education

Sunday, 9 October 2011
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Room 211AB

IMPROVING EARTH SCIENCE EDUCATION THROUGH LEARNER CENTERED ACTIVITIES (CAMPING) WITH STUDENTS

Paper number: T66-6
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM

Authors

Abstract

CLOUGH, Kathleen L., VYE, Erika C., KLAWITER, Mark F., Michigan Teaching Excellence Program, (MITEP), Grand Rapids Public Schools, MI 49501

Earth science content in the middle schools incorporates many themes. Uniting them within a program developed around learner centered activities involves cooperation between administration, teachers, parents, and students. Place-based earth science education involves neighborhoods, city parks, rivers, streams, and if you are fortunate National Parks. Each setting allows the students first hand experiences with the processes that influence geologic, cultural, ecosystem, and emotional development.

Through field activities in a learner centered earth science program students are provided with a richer experience. Students have the opportunity to develop a better understanding of their environment and the role they play within it. Outdoor scientific inquiry leads to accountability, responsibility, stewardship, and a greater appreciation for the environment.