STUDIES IN UTAH'S NATURAL HISTORY: A K-12 - NATIONAL PARK COOPERATING ASSOCIATION - UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP

A positive field experience is essential to gaining basic skills and knowledge of the biological and geological sciences. These skills, and this body of knowledge, are essential to understanding and teaching biology/ecology and geology. To help ensure that in-service science teachers in Garfield, Kane, and Washington counties receive this integral part of their continuing education, the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association, in partnership with Southern Utah University scientists, conducts summer field experiences for K-12 educators during which they observe the rich, and diverse, natural history of Utah. It has long been known that field trips and field conferences are important parts of scientific meetings, and are an integral aspect of the scientific method. Unfortunately, many K-12 educators with limited training in lab-oriented sciences are unfamiliar with the applied aspects of the various natural sciences. The basic purpose of these field trips is to teach subject matter that provides baseline background and field techniques. Field trips demonstrate the scope and intellectual stimulation of natural history by clarifying concepts and examples described in textbooks. The field experience occurs in a less formal situation and it is a forum where spontaneity and discussion are crucial factors. Teachers also benefit from the opportunity to collect samples, take photographs, and to develop classroom exercises. One of the requirements of these trips is the preparation and submission of science units in geology, ecology, and natural history.