High School Environmental Science: Understanding our Changing Earth

American Geological Institute, Alexandria VA

Investigators

Abstract

This project will create a textbook with integrated laboratory, field and classroom activities, teacher guide and a teacher professional development guide to support the teaching of an environmental science course for grade 10-12. The materials will be designed for a course that has a focus on the relationship between humans and their geological surroundings. A learning cycle pedagogical design will be used to help students develop concept understandings and skills through concept exploration, development and application phases. Concept application will feature student-driven inquiry into environmental issues that require application of geological, geographical and technological understandings and tools. Embedded and performance-based assessments will elicit students' conceptual understanding of core environmental and earth systems concepts, unifying concepts and processes, applications of technology to societal problems and the nature of science and technology. Print materials for each unit will integrate application of USGS global GIS data sets and tools to student research. Appropriate supplemental web content will be provided to enhance teachers' understanding of science content, facilitate data acquisition and support student inquiry.