Earth Science Programs.
There are many examples of outstanding Earth science programs. Recent thinking by earth science educators has suggested that there is a need to reformulate the traditional perceptions that teachers hold of the Earth sciences. Programs that are exemplary in Earth science will design curricula in which students:
1. have gained a knowledge of facts, concepts, and principles related to the major unifying themes in the Earth sciences;2. be able to use and understand both holistic and reductive scientific methods as ways to acquire new knowledge;
3. be able to process relevant information and make responsible decisions regarding science and technology issues;
4. be aware of careers in the Earth sciences and how the Earth sciences affect such non-Earth science careers as law, politics, and economics;
5. have developed an interest in, and critical attitudes toward, science and technology in society.
The exemplary curriculum in Earth science is organized around unifying themes, problem solving, and the relationship between Earth science and society. The American Geological Institute, one of the major organizations that advocates a new approach to teaching Earth science, suggests that the traditional divisions of rocks, air, ice and oceans need to be replaced with a holistic view of the Earth sciences. A holistic view would focus on the interaction of human beings and the Earth, and would lead to investigations of real problems and issues. Students would be involved, for instance in humanities role in exploiting and potentially destroying resources and the environment.
With these ideas in mind, here are brief descriptions of several exemplary Earth science programs.
Geology Is. This program provides geosciences learning activities based on an interdisciplinary approach. It includes a broad range of materials and media-delivery instruments that promotes variety in teaching and learning. The program emphasizes the content of geology, as well as the social implications in the wise use of earth resources. The content of the program is designed to help the students become more responsible consumers of earth resources and make more informed decisions for the future regarding energy, geologic hazards, and land use. The program is organized around five units:
Each unit contains multiple chapters, with the five units consisting a full year course. Each unit contains text material, laboratory exercises and activities, as well as objective and subjective tests. Slide-tapes, films and videotapes are provided as well. Instruction encourages small group and individual exploration. Because of the importance of outdoor applications, off and on campus field experiences are outlined.
The materials are available through the National Diffusion Network Awareness materials are available at no cost. Write: Geology Is, O'Fallon Township High School, 600 South Smiley, O'Fallon, IL 62269. Geology Is is published by Kendall-Hunt, Dubuque, Iowa.
Marine Science Project: For Sea. The developers of this program point out that by the year 2000, three out of four Americans will live within an hour's drive of the sea or Great Lakes. The developers at the Marine Science Center in Poulsbo, Washington have created curriculum materials for grades 6 - 8, as well as grades 2 and 4 in the elementary school, and grades 9-12 at the high school level. There are curriculum guides for each grade level containing teacher background material for each activity, student activity and text material, as well as a listing of vocabulary words, and a selected bibliography of children's literature of the sea and additional information books.
The curriculum materials can be infused into the existing science curriculum, or can be used to replace the existing science program. Awareness materials are available from the Marine Science Center, 17771 Fjord Drive, Poulsbo, WA 98370. The program has also been approved by the National Diffusion Network.
Interdisciplinary Earth Science. This Earth science program, developed in Upper Arlington, Ohio, and described by Carolyn Farnsworth, is part of a three year interdisciplinary middle school program. General science (emphasizing life, Earth, and physical science) is offered in grade 6, and life science is the curriculum for grade seven. The Earth science program, offered in grade eight consists of a series of units. The Earth science units are developed from the traditional disciplines of astronomy, geology, meteorology, and oceanography. The program focuses on the processes of science and a series of conceptual themes (Figure 4.14)
Each unit in the curriculum uses a variety of teaching methods, including lecture, demonstration, class discussions, individual and group projects, laboratory activities and investigations, library research, audiovisual presentations, guest speakers, and computer drill, practice exercises and simulations. Students are required to maintain a science notebook.
Special features of the curriculum include focusing on social issues and helping students become responsible decision-makers. The faculty has developed special units, such as Natural Disaster and the Law of the Sea in order to raise national and global issues. Social issues are introduced through special programs as Women in Science Day, Project Business, career education speakers, science fair projects, and the Big Ear Campaign.