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Enhancing Nebraska 6-12 Teachers' Knowledge of Earth Science Content
Research Team
Principal Investigator: Mindi Searls
Co-Principal Investigators: Beth Lewis, Leilani Arthurs
Funding Information
Funding Agency: Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE)
Award Date: Feb 3, 2014
End Date: Dec 15, 2015
Abstract
Although Earth science is a major component of the Nebraska State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards, few K–12 educators have a background or certification in the Earth sciences. It is common for educators with strengths in other science disciplines to teach Earth science, especially in rural communities.
This study focuses on professional development in the field of Earth science in order to target these deficiencies. Two workshops will provided each year — one for the rural communities, one for the urban area. A systems approach will be used to frame discussions and activities.
In the first year, the study will focus on the hydrosphere; in the second year, the focus will be on the geosphere. As long-term professional development is more effective at inspiring change than short workshops, two follow-up sessions will be conducted for each cohort during which participants will report on how they have used the information and materials acquired from the summer, share ideas with their workshop cohort and receive feedback from the workshop facilitators.
Objectives for the workshop are to:
- Enhance teacher content knowledge in the Earth systems science.
- Increase teacher self-efficacy regarding teaching of Earth science.
- Develop a broader range of inquiry-based instruction in 6–12 grade science classrooms.
