Extended Abstract (28K)2.6
Earth system science education for teachers in western Washington
Michael R. Witiw, Seattle Pacific Univ., Seattle, WA; and E. Close
Earth system science takes a holistic approach to the study of the Earth system. It studies interactions between Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere and takes advantage of remotely sensed data generated by satellite based sensors deployed during NASA's Earth Science Enterprise and other satellite sensors. The effects of events originating outside the Earth system are also considered. These may include the effects of asteroids and fluctuations in solar intensity. This is sometimes referred to as the cosmosphere. The effects of human activity on the Earth system are also included. Examples are deforestation and ozone depletion. In the past, through sponsorship from NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF), Earth system science course material has been developed for all educational levels including an emphasis on teacher preparation and continuing education. Some of the topics that have been included in the past include El Niņo, ozone depletion and volcanic eruptions. The importance of each of these to different parts of the Earth system is explored in educational modules. Recently, the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies was awarded a grant by the National Science Foundation to provide Earth system science education for in-service and pre-service teachers. Twenty four universities and other educational institutions were subsequently awarded grants to participate in the Earth System Science Education Alliance (ESSEA). In cooperation with the Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Pacific University is developing Earth system science courses for both pre-service and in-service teachers using modules developed by ESSEA. In-service teacher participants are expected from school districts throughout western Washington state
Session 2, K-12 EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
Monday, 21 January 2008, 4:00 PM-5:30 PM, 209
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