THE EARTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN NORTH CAROLINA: AN EXPERIMENTAL AND EXPERIENTIAL APPROACH

With the freshman class of 2000-2001, North Carolina will require successful completion of an Earth/Environmental science course as a high school graduation requirement. This requirement has placed an additional burden on school systems to find qualified teachers in these subject areas. To provide in-service teachers with training in these areas, an Eisenhower Professional Development Grant was obtained by the Earth Sciences Department, Environmental Studies Program and the Science and Mathematics Education Center at UNCW. A workshop was designed that focused on content instruction aligned to the North Carolina Competencies and Goals for grades 9-12 Earth/Environmental Science. Teachers attended a two-day introductory and instructional field work session, five days of training in the international scientific and educational program GLOBE, and three and one-half days of instruction and field work, for a total of 60 contact hours. The workshop's goal was to provide content knowledge in an inquiry-based format. The objectives were to provide teachers with increased knowledge of earth/environmental content and concepts; to promote an understanding of their role as a steward of the earth’s limited resources; to gain confidence in using technology tools in their instructional practices; to gain competence in implementing inquiry-based learning in their classrooms; and to develop collaborative networks with colleagues. Materials and supplies to implement the investigations were provided. GLOBE certification and Environmental Education credit was obtained by the completion of this program through the North Carolina Department of the Environment and Natural Resources. Assessment was evaluated by a pre- and post-test of content knowledge, as well as completion of journals reviewed by instructors, course implementation plans that demonstrate incorporation of project information, and the Eisenhower Performance Indicator System examination. The results of this workshop will be improved teaching and performance in science by high school students and citizens who are better prepared to make wise environmental decisions.