CLIMBING TO NEW HEIGHTS IN THE AALPS: ARKANSAS ACTIVE LEARNING PRACTICES IN SCIENCE INFUSES CONTENT WITH FIELD AND TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCES FOR K-16 FACULTY

New licensing requirements effective 2002 in Arkansas mandate that teachers must demonstrate competency in state-of-the-art pedagogical methods, including demonstrable capabilities in the use of cutting-edge technologies in the classroom. The Arkansas Active Learning Practices for Science Project (AALPS Project) brings together practicing P-16 science teacher teams and aspiring P-16 science teachers in an environment fostering mentorship between AALPS participants and a Facilitator Team. We are addressing three particular needs in Arkansas through: (1) promoting deeper learning of pedagogical content knowledge in the sciences through an applied Earth systems science approach, (2) infusion of technology into the acquisition of multidisciplinary science data as well as application to pedagogy and presentation, and (3) fostering awareness of developments in the professional community through establishing contacts with practicing professional staff and peers in Arkansas. This is being accomplished by synthesis of three programs: GLOBE (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment; www.globe.gov), EAST Project (Environmental and Spatial Technology Project; www.eastproject.org), and Project GOES (Geological Orientation for Educators in Science). AALPS addresses benchmark and framework criteria required by Arkansas state curriculum, as well as national science standards. Activities related to the national GLOBE and EAST Project programs work synergistically with the new and unique state-level Project GOES, which brings together traditional academic participants with state employees from both the Arkansas Geologic Commission and the Earth Science department at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in classroom, laboratory and outdoor settings. Many of the participants teach secondary-level special needs populations in our state. For example, several participants work at the Arkansas School for the Deaf and alternative schools (employing experiential learning techniques). The eleven-day workshop held last summer is now being followed by supportive pedagogical activities in science and technology during the 2002-2003 academic year; the Facilitator Team provides participants with over 100 hours of professional development.