Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS28 Innovative Approaches for Linking Science and Society Through Education (Science and Society Connections)

Date: Friday, February 16, 2001, Time: 8:30:00 AM

Location: La Cienega

Smith, L, K, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA, smithlk@terra.colorado.edu

Buhr, S, , University of Colorado, Boulder, USA, sbuhr@al.noaa.gov

Weaver, A, , University of Colorado, Boulder, USA, alex.weaver@colorado.edu

Boehm, A, L, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA, anitab@terra.colorado.edu

EARTHWORKS: AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH FOR TRAINING TEACHERS IN INQUIRY-BASED EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE CURRICULUM

Earthworks is a field-based professional development program for new science teachers, in which participants collaborate with scientists and experienced teachers to develop the skills required to lead students in Earth systems science investigations. Earthworks provides a variety of avenues for scientists to become involved in education outreach. For example, scientific mentors guide teachers in hypothesis development and testing; experimental design; peer teaching; development of action plans to transfer teaching activities to the classroom; and feedback throughout the school year via a group listserv. Aquatic science curriculum has traditionally been a strong point of Earthworks. Inquiry-based projects developed at Earthworks have been translated into teachers' curricula in a variety of ways, such as water chemistry and invertebrate studies geared at local stream or pond sites; development of a River Curriculum for the NYC School District; and initiation of a local watershed monitoring program. Earthworks is an exemplary model for training new teachers, and a scientist can leverage a greater impact on education reform by mentoring teachers, who will touch the lives of thousands of students during their teaching careers.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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