GETTING PAST "I DON'T DO SCIENCE": EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE FOR PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS

Earth System Science (GEOS 57) is an introductory course designed to meet the needs of pre-service teachers. Through this approach a breadth of topics, required for a CA credential, are addressed that would not normally be covered in a traditional physical geology course (such as: oceanography, weather, and climate change). The course format includes both lecture and collaborative-learning activities. In addition many models, analogies, and manipulatives are used to accommodate a variety of learning styles. The objectives of the course are: to introduce students to the methods of science; to provide content in the geosciences; develop skills in the acquisition, analysis, graphical presentation and interpretation of data; enhance written and oral presentation skills; and ideally, get future teachers excited about the geosciences. The course begins with an overview of the solar system, investigates the geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, and ends with global climate change as a way of demonstrating the interconnectedness of earth systems. The laboratory portion uses a variety of approaches, which students can adapt to any grade level. Lab assignments, designed to facilitate the understanding of course concepts, include field studies, web-based research projects, and hands-on in-lab investigations. Students are required to keep a course journal. While some of the entries are based on assigned topics, the majority are independent and encourage students to: reflect on course material; consider how they will adapt course material to their future lesson plans; investigate web, media, and other resource material; and reflect on their own learning process. The goal is for the student to create a resource book for their future classroom use. Periodically, students make in-class presentations based on their journal entries. A course web site provides abundant resource material: topic outlines with links to relevant CA science content standards; reading study questions; lab and exam keys; and extensive links to web-based resources related to course topics. In addition, students provide content for the web site as part of team and individual research assignments.