BUILDING SCIENTIFIC LITERACY IN URBAN SCHOOLS THROUGH THE GEOSCIENCES

Science literacy is a major goal in our public schools. Geology/Earth Science has the least prepared teachers and the lowest performing student scores on the standardized tests. Teachers are mostly converted Biology teachers or teaching under provisional licenses and are generally lacking in significant Geology coursework and need their own discovery based learning in the Geosciences. The Earth science student population is diverse with significant numbers learning Earth science at the same time they are learning English and/or having high numbers of low achieving or at risk students.. These are substantial hurdles to overcome in our efforts to improve science literacy especially for minorities and students who have English as a second language. The first step is to somehow make science and the science teacher a valuable part of the student culture. Students need a class that will teach them Earth science in an exciting a meaningful way at the same time as they are being taught reading and writing literacy. Project SHARE (Science History And Reading Education) developed a method for using Earth science to develop science literacy while teaching English vocabulary and reading skills. Students learn geologic concepts through inquiry, discovery, and experience gained through using the scientific method. In their reading and history class geologic concepts are reinforced with a curriculum that includes stories and events related to the Earth science concepts. Results of this project include; improved scores on standardized tests, better attitude towards science, and revitalization of academic performance of low achieving and at risk students. The tools we used for ESL students turned out to be excellent for all of the students. Who is going to come back to these schools and teach Earth science? Hopefully some of these students will consider careers in Earth science or become Earth science teachers.