The Potential of Earth Science for the Development of Primary School Science

The Potential of Earth Science for the Development of Primary School Science PDF Author: Denise Joan Balmer
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Earth sciences
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
This thesis considers that teaching and learning of parts of the science curriculum in English primary schools may be successfully developed through using aspects of earth science. Earth science is identified as a subject that could enhance knowledge, understanding and enthusiasm that would be ongoing through primary school, using local examples and leading to increased interest in science at secondary level and beyond. The author, an experienced earth scientist and teacher, reviews the literature pertaining to teaching and learning, especially in primary schools and in science curriuculae. A mixed methods approach was adopted for data collection. A questionnaire to trainee primary teachers revealed a lack of memorable childhood science. A second questionnaire administered with primary science leaders showed whilst most of them preferred to teach in a constructivist manner, classroom sizes and class numbers along with an overloaded curriculum lessens the feasibility of this. The analyses of these questionnaires also identified some shortfalls in primary teachers' thinking about the nature of science. Intervention earth science lessons in two primary schools where the teachers were provided with after school CPD sessions, identified ways that earth science could increase children's knowledge and understanding, along with enjoyment in the classroom. Classroom observations identified the motivating influence of using a well-known local resource: soil. Teacher self-efficacy also increased. Finally, an analysis of trainee teacher and children's earth science workshops showed that, when properly taught, short, up to two hour, sessions of earth science CPD improved knowledge, understanding and confidence as well as proving motivational. It is argued that earth science examples can be used to exemplify chemistry and physics concepts through using everyday events to the benefit of understanding more about how our planet works. Over time, it is proposed, this could increase general interest in science and scientific literacy.

The Potential of Earth Science for the Development of Primary School Science

The Potential of Earth Science for the Development of Primary School Science PDF Author: Denise Joan Balmer
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Earth sciences
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
This thesis considers that teaching and learning of parts of the science curriculum in English primary schools may be successfully developed through using aspects of earth science. Earth science is identified as a subject that could enhance knowledge, understanding and enthusiasm that would be ongoing through primary school, using local examples and leading to increased interest in science at secondary level and beyond. The author, an experienced earth scientist and teacher, reviews the literature pertaining to teaching and learning, especially in primary schools and in science curriuculae. A mixed methods approach was adopted for data collection. A questionnaire to trainee primary teachers revealed a lack of memorable childhood science. A second questionnaire administered with primary science leaders showed whilst most of them preferred to teach in a constructivist manner, classroom sizes and class numbers along with an overloaded curriculum lessens the feasibility of this. The analyses of these questionnaires also identified some shortfalls in primary teachers' thinking about the nature of science. Intervention earth science lessons in two primary schools where the teachers were provided with after school CPD sessions, identified ways that earth science could increase children's knowledge and understanding, along with enjoyment in the classroom. Classroom observations identified the motivating influence of using a well-known local resource: soil. Teacher self-efficacy also increased. Finally, an analysis of trainee teacher and children's earth science workshops showed that, when properly taught, short, up to two hour, sessions of earth science CPD improved knowledge, understanding and confidence as well as proving motivational. It is argued that earth science examples can be used to exemplify chemistry and physics concepts through using everyday events to the benefit of understanding more about how our planet works. Over time, it is proposed, this could increase general interest in science and scientific literacy.

Development, Status, and Potential Future of Earth Science Education

Development, Status, and Potential Future of Earth Science Education PDF Author: Merion Frank Watt Ireton
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Earth sciences
Languages : en
Pages : 384

Get Book Here

Book Description


Preparing the Next Generation of Earth Scientists

Preparing the Next Generation of Earth Scientists PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309287472
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 95

Get Book Here

Book Description
Earth science, which in this context does not include oceanic, atmospheric, and space sciences, is vital to the wellbeing of the United States and many of its issues, such as water resources, are expected to grow in importance. An earth science workforce will be needed to deal with this issues and it\'s important that this workforce draw on the talents of all citizens. Thus, federal education programs can be implemented to help attract and retain students on an earth science pathway; however, tight funding means agencies need to invest in programs that actually work. As a result, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Office of Science Quality and Integrity asked the National Research Council (NRC) to establish a committee to carry out a study, organized around a workshop, to address several tasks including: examining recent earth science education programs with a research or training component, both formal and informal, in these federal agencies; indentifying criteria and the results of previous federal program evaluations, and summarizing the knowledge and skills identified in recent NRC workforce reports that are needed by earth scientists in their careers. Preparing the Next Generation of Earth Scientists: An Examination of Federal Education and Training Programs presents the committee\'s finding. The investigation was completed through information provided by federal agency managers and published articles and reports. A 2-day workshop was also held to examine federal earth science education programs and efforts to leverage resources. The report includes the workshop agenda, a glossary of abbreviated terms, and more.

Earth Science Education for the 21st Century

Earth Science Education for the 21st Century PDF Author:
Publisher: Amer Geological Institute
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 48

Get Book Here

Book Description
In response to the growing national concern about precollege science education, this guide was developed to assist school administrators, curriculum planners, teachers, and scientists in incorporating earth science in K-12 science curricula. The guide is divided into four main sections that provide a framework for planning and implementing earth science education programs. The sections are as follows: (1) goals to guide the development of K-12 earth science curricula (in the areas of stewardship, appreciation, scientific thought, and knowledge); (2) concepts that are basic to understanding the earth and its interacting systems (with discussions of the earth in space, earth systems, geologic time, change, evolution, cycles, scales, and resources); (3) recommendations for teaching earth science subject matter in grades K-12 (discussed in terms of curriculum objectives, how students learn, teaching strategies, and assessment); and (4) recommendations for implementing new earth science curricula in the schools (discussed in the context of four essential tasks, namely, developing materials, developing support, preservice and inservice teacher education, and partnerships). The goals, concepts, and recommendations were developed by scientists, science educators, school administrators, and teachers who attended one or more of six regional conferences conducted by the American Geological Institute. (KR)

Critical Analysis of Science Textbooks

Critical Analysis of Science Textbooks PDF Author: Myint Swe Khine
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400741685
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 313

Get Book Here

Book Description
The critical analysis of science textbooks is vital in improving teaching and learning at all levels in the subject, and this volume sets out a range of academic perspectives on how that analysis should be done. Each chapter focuses on an aspect of science textbook appraisal, with coverage of everything from theoretical and philosophical underpinnings, methodological issues, and conceptual frameworks for critical analysis, to practical techniques for evaluation. Contributions from many of the most distinguished scholars in the field give this collection its sure-footed contemporary relevance, reflecting the international standards of UNESCO as well as leading research organizations such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science (whose Project 2061 is an influential waypoint in developing protocols for textbook analysis). Thus the book shows how to gauge aspects of textbooks such as their treatment of controversial issues, graphical depictions, scientific historiography, vocabulary usage, accuracy, and readability. The content also covers broader social themes such as the portrayal of women and minorities. "Despite newer, more active pedagogies, textbooks continue to have a strong presence in classrooms and to embody students’ socio-historical inheritance in science. Despite their ubiquitous presence, they have received relatively little on-going empirical study. It is imperative that we understand how textbooks influence science learning. This book presents a welcome and much needed analysis." Tina A. Grotzer Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA The present book provides a much needed survey of the current state of research into science textbooks, and offers a wide range of perspectives to inform the 'science' of writing better science textbooks. Keith S Taber University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Past, Present and Future of a Habitable Earth

Past, Present and Future of a Habitable Earth PDF Author: Res. Group Dev Strategy of Earth Science
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9811927839
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 108

Get Book Here

Book Description
This perspective of this book views Earth's various layers as a whole system, and tries to understand how to achieve harmony and sustainable development between human society and nature, with the theme of " habitability of the Earth." This book is one effort at providing an overview of some of the recent exciting advances Chinese geoscientists have made. It is the concerted team effort of a group of researchers from diverse backgrounds to generalize their vision for Earth science in the next 10 years. The book is intended for scholars, administrators of the Science and Technology policy department, and science research funding agencies. This is an open access book.

Evaluating Professional Development

Evaluating Professional Development PDF Author: Thomas R. Guskey
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 9780761975618
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 332

Get Book Here

Book Description
Explains how to better evaluate professional development in order to ensure that it increases student learning, providing questions for accurate measurement of professional development and showing how to demonstrate results and accountability.

Global Science Literacy

Global Science Literacy PDF Author: V. J. Mayer
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402058187
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 247

Get Book Here

Book Description
The authors propose the science curriculum concept of Global Science Literacy justifying its use internationally with reference to the nature of science, the probable direction of science in the new millennium, the capability for GSL to develop inter-cultural understanding, and its relevance to non-Western cultures and traditions. It is relevant to curriculum developers, researchers, teachers and graduate students.

A Framework for K-12 Science Education

A Framework for K-12 Science Education PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309214459
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 400

Get Book Here

Book Description
Science, engineering, and technology permeate nearly every facet of modern life and hold the key to solving many of humanity's most pressing current and future challenges. The United States' position in the global economy is declining, in part because U.S. workers lack fundamental knowledge in these fields. To address the critical issues of U.S. competitiveness and to better prepare the workforce, A Framework for K-12 Science Education proposes a new approach to K-12 science education that will capture students' interest and provide them with the necessary foundational knowledge in the field. A Framework for K-12 Science Education outlines a broad set of expectations for students in science and engineering in grades K-12. These expectations will inform the development of new standards for K-12 science education and, subsequently, revisions to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for educators. This book identifies three dimensions that convey the core ideas and practices around which science and engineering education in these grades should be built. These three dimensions are: crosscutting concepts that unify the study of science through their common application across science and engineering; scientific and engineering practices; and disciplinary core ideas in the physical sciences, life sciences, and earth and space sciences and for engineering, technology, and the applications of science. The overarching goal is for all high school graduates to have sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on science-related issues, be careful consumers of scientific and technical information, and enter the careers of their choice. A Framework for K-12 Science Education is the first step in a process that can inform state-level decisions and achieve a research-grounded basis for improving science instruction and learning across the country. The book will guide standards developers, teachers, curriculum designers, assessment developers, state and district science administrators, and educators who teach science in informal environments.

Learning to Read the Earth and Sky

Learning to Read the Earth and Sky PDF Author: Russ Colson
Publisher: NSTA Press
ISBN: 1941316689
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 450

Get Book Here

Book Description
Is it time to refresh the way you think about teaching Earth science? Learning to Read the Earth and Sky is the multifaceted resource you need to bring authentic science—and enthusiasm—into your classroom. It offers inspiration for reaching beyond prepared curricula, engaging in discovery along with your students, and using your lessons to support the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The book provides • examples of Earth science labs and activities you and your students can do as co-investigators; • insights into student expectations and misconceptions, plus ideas for inspiring true investigation; • stories of real scientific discovery translated for classroom consideration; • exploration of how you can mentor students as a teacher-scholar; and • guidance on how to translate the sweeping core ideas of the NGSS into specific examples students can touch, see, and experience. The authors of Learning to Read the Earth and Sky are husband-and-wife educators who promote science as something to figure out, not just something to know. They write, “It is our hope that readers will find our book short on ‘edu-speak,’ long on the joy of doing science, and full of stories of students, classrooms, scientists, and Earth and sky.”