PROMOTING EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE LITERACY THROUGH PRE- AND IN-SERVICE TEACHER EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

Providing teachers a conceptual framework in earth systems science as well as pedagogical tools to use in their classrooms represents a powerful mechanism to disseminate knowledge about earth science – each teacher reaches hundreds, if not thousands, of children in their teaching careers. Here we describe 3 different avenues we are pursuing that have a focus on application of earth systems science in pre- and in-service teacher education. A 4^th avenue integrates teachers into development of a global climate change display at the NM Museum of Natural History and Science (NMMNHS) in Albuquerque, NM. Avenue 1: The Natural Science Program at the University of New Mexico provides science-content classes for K-8 pre-service teachers. In two of the classes, Physical and Environmental Science, the Earth Systems concept is used extensively to investigate standards-based content and systems in general. Avenue 2: UNM is one of the partnering institutions in an on-line earth systems science class funded through the Earth Systems Science Education Alliance. The content framework for the on-line class is the earth systems concept and how systems respond to perturbations in one of the earth spheres. Over 2 years total enrollment in the class is 15 pre- and in-service teachers from across NM. As a result, at least two teachers are currently teaching earth systems in their own classrooms using a problems-based learning strategy. Avenue 3: We developed Earth Science as a Pathway to Inquiry, a teacher professional development program for 18 K-5 teachers in a rural, minority/majority school district in New Mexico. The focus of the professional development program is to work with teachers in developing deeper conceptual knowledge of fundamental earth science content and using inquiry-based instructional strategies. Avenue 4: An NSF grant has provided financial support to develop an extensive global climate change display at the NMMNHS. With a projected opening date in 2010 this project has the potential to reach thousands of people with engaging and interactive displays about global climate change. As part of the planning process we will organize a 1-day retreat with teachers and other science educators from around NM to help inform the development of the displays, especially guiding how it might be structured for younger students and classroom use.