Abstract This paper discusses the experience of a secondary school teacher presenting EarthScience coursework, covering the various teaching related tools and skills necessary for teaching science in the secondary school setting.
Contents:
Objective
Introduction
Inquiry-Based Instruction Defined
Development and Demonstration of Inquiry Based
Learning Activities in Science Instruction
National Science Education Standards and Grade Appropriateness
Classroom Dynamics for Secondary School Instruction
Assessment in EarthScience Teaching
Design of Curriculum
Example: High-School Earth-Science Activity
Original Middle-School Earth-Science Activity
Teacher Presentation
Lesson and Activity Objectives
Grading for Science National Norm Referenced Testing for Science
From the Paper "Earth Science is particularly complicated in relation to instruction in the contemporary classroom. This is because of the many political and social issues involved in this area of study which, in the eyes of many, is an area of religious import as well. Furthermore, the initiative to teach in an inquiry-based manner further expands the research and examination in relation to providing instruction in Earth Science. When considering a method of instruction it is critical to take into account the grade-level appropriateness in relation to the curriculum and inclusive classroom activities when planning the instructional lessons and accompanying activities."
Tags: classroom, students, education, curricular, field, trip, chemical
Abstract This paper describes the format and content of the Praxis science test, which most states in the US require for teacher certification. The paper further suggests strategies for students to prepare for the exam, such as how to anticipate correct answers and using the study manual. The paper is divided according to each section of the test and examines each section's specific content.
Outline:
Introduction
Test-Taking Strategies
Physical Science Life Sciences EarthSciences Conclusion
From the Paper "The content area of the Praxis II Science test consists of multiple choice and constructed-response questions. Every time a student takes a Praxis test, the questions will be will be multiple choice and constructed-response questions, but every time, the questions will be different., Nevertheless, the questions will always test the same areas and domains within the subject content area. There are several strategies that can be applied to improve the chance of answering the multiple choice questions correctly. As the teacher candidate is preparing to take the Science content area test of the Praxis II, the following strategies can help improve the student's chance of correctly answering the questions. "
Abstract This research paper analyzes the problem of high employee turnover within a specific division of the Global Science and Technology (GST) company. In addition to reviewing research that addressed job satisfaction, job insecurity, motivation, social identity, and organizational commitment (loyalty) and how these factors might relate to employee turnover rates, the author of the study also examines possible problems at the organizational level that might be contributing to the high turnover rate. Appended to the paper are the author's own reflections about the company and his experience as an employee there. Table of Contents Introduction Problem Statement Literature Review Causes Solutions and Implementation Plan Developing Human Resources Program Establish Avenues for Promotion
From the Paper "NASA Peer Review Services (NPRS) is a consolidated contract made up of three companies: Global Science & Technology (GST), Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), and Indyne, Inc. Each company supports different research or education divisions within NASA. My employer, GST, supports the Offices of Education (Code N), Aerospace Technology (Code R), and Exploration Systems (Code T). SAIC supports the Offices of Earth Science (Code Y) and Space Science (Code S). Indyne supports the Office of Biological and Physical Research (Code U). Together, these three companies provide support for all of NASA's grant/contract review and selection processes. My division, supporting Codes N, R, and T (hereafter referred to as "NRT"), is somewhat unique. Although we provide peer review support like the other divisions at NPRS, we also coordinate large outreach initiatives, design programmatic websites and databases, research and write educational policy, evaluate program effectiveness, and report program outcomes. This type of support is highly knowledge-driven, and most of our staff are career oriented, possess advanced degrees, and take pride in collaborating with NASA to contribute documents of significant programmatic impact, such as strategic plans and evaluation methodologies."
Abstract This paper discusses how ecological footprints, effective ecological tools used to help maintain our world, impose many questions in sustaining the earth's life. Charts are included with the paper.
Defining Our Ecological Footprint
Dependency on Nature
Carrying Capacity of Cities and Earth Comparison between Countries
Natural Capita: Effects on the Earth Impact of the World Economies
Solutions
From the Paper "The world economy has a great impact on the ecological footprints of the world. Every country wants to obtain economic growth to produce more money. But in doing this, they have to deplete their natural capital, which in turn, is not helping in sustaining this world. As William Rees states, "there is simply not enough on the planet to sustain present international development trends using prevailing technologies" (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). So something drastic has to be done. As the ecological footprints of humans are already too large for the earth to handle, how can we accommodate the rising materials and rising in population, while trying to sustain the earth. Most analysts agree that it can happen in two ways: through a reduction in the standard of living or through the increase in material and energy efficiency (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). These two issues also apply problems, through cultural, economic, and social values. Especially in the more developed countries. To lower the standard of living would be outright rejected in the more developed countries such as Canada and the U. S. So indeed, most people agree that "global sustainability is achievable only through large increases in the consumption of goods and services in both poorer and richer countries" (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). But still a problem arises. There will still be inequity in the growth of the more and less developed countries. It seems the richer get richer and the poorer get poorer. A consensus seems to be emerging though. They say that the needed consumption will work if there is a reduction in the material energy costs of goods and services. "
Abstract This paper takes a critical look at the book "Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe", by Peter Ward and Donald Brownlee. It discusses their theories of the beginning of life on Earth and additional theories to life on other planets. It challenges their research and data and offers other explanations and theories.
From the Paper "Was the occurrence of complex life on the planet Earth an isolated event or simply the next logical step in evolution? Ward and Brownlee seem to believe complex life is unique to our home world or at least extremely scarce in the Universe.1 In addition to the factors in their Rare Earth equation, mentioned in their book are some specific factors peculiar to Earth that may have affected the development of complex life. Beginning with the planet Mars, W&B argue that the fossil record shows that the cooling Earth developed bacterial life as soon as conditions permitted. They suggest that this may be because the bacteria first developed on Mars, which cooled earlier, and that perhaps Earth was then seeded with these bacteria carried by meteorites reaching our planet after having been ejected from Mars by asteroid impacts. The low gravity of Mars makes this more likely, and it is estimated that ten percent of meteors ejected from Mars may impact Earth. A system lacking a Mars-like planetary companion might have been slower to develop bacterial life."
Abstract This essay details several ways to make our life on Earth better from an environmental point of view. It analyzes Thomas Berry's 'The Great Work', a standard work in the eyes of the ecological community discussing the progress of commerce and its relationship with the Earth. Berry encourages the work of changing the world's perspective from within by changing individuals to recognize a "new" reality actually as old as time itself. It also discusses the progress being done towards 'The Great Work' as well as other progress.
From the Paper "Thomas Berry's The Great Work is a standard in the ecological community, albeit from what may have been at first considered an unusual source: the author, after all, is an ordained Catholic monk. Long before Berry was a religious thinker, however, he was a boy gifted with a unique insight into the world, specifically the American world around him. He has followed that vision to illuminate"with a poet's lyricism"the contrast between what is needed, an interdependence on the earth, versus the "dam, plow and pave" mentality he found so prevalent in this culture growing up."
Abstract This paper is an examination of life on Earth from its humble beginnings on through the remarkably fecund Cambrian period. Among other things, this paper looks at the Earth's own unlikely beginning, the slow development of life on its surface and the perils it faces. Of special interest, the paper devotes a great deal of time to possible explanations for the recrudescence that took place during the Cambrain period.
From the Paper "The origins of life on earth have fascinated and engrossed scientists for generations. This fascination, of course, should not be surprising: as human beings, we have an instinctive need to know our past - perhaps because knowing our past gives our lives meaning and context and informs our present and future. Whatever the case may be, the study of life's origins has long been one of the chief pursuits of the scientific community. With this in mind, the following chapter will examine the history of life on planet Earth from the earliest days of our planet, on through the period in which the first simple, multi-cellular organisms emerged, to the "Cambrian Explosion" and the marvelous profusion of life that it created. "
Abstract An essay that describes market liberalism (otherwise known as libertarian economics) from the point of view of Al Gore. It is supposed to be part of an imaginary "new edition" of his extensive treatise on ecology and government, Earth in the Balance. It can also stand on its own as an opinion paper about environmental abuses by modern industry, and the worth of government regulation.
Abstract This paper illustrates the many flaws that were involved in the 1992 Earth Summit in Brazil. The paper argues that, although the summit started with good intentions, it only stood to perpetuate globalization and allow transnational corporations to run roughshod over indigenous peoples.
From the Paper "The Earth Summit of 1992 appeared to be a new beginning for the environmental movement. Many world leaders gathered in Rio de Janeiro to discuss the various effects of the human race on this planet and to offer solutions to pressing problems such as global warming, biodiversity, and poverty. The world has come a long way from that point; many blocks of sustainable development have come into being and various ideologies have developed, but few have become relevant to creating sustainability everywhere."
Abstract This paper discusses the link between science and technology, as advances in science make technology and advances in technology possible. It further discusses Marx's idea that science and technology are always closely linked with progress and development, especially over the last 200 years. Science has made many things possible. Science has been able to identify, recognize, understand and explain many things and processes in our world and the universe. Medical science and technology are now able to treat and cure many diseases that were fatal in the past. Technology has been able to revolutionize communications, transport and manufacturing.
Abstract This essay examines and discusses the impact of World War II on the development of science and technology. The discussion includes several examples, mainly pertaining to the development of nuclear science, weapons, medical research and genetics. The writer points out that since the end of World War II there has been an almost complete merger of science and technology, and governments and the industry now support most pure science research. Further, the writer notes that according to McClellan and Dorn, the example of the atomic bomb development in the US during World War II marks a watershed in the history of modern science and technology.
Abstract This paper examines the responsibility of educators to provide gifted students with special attention. However, the author also states that all students should be provided the opportunity to be educated in a community where their talents and potential can be recognized and nurtured. The paper provides research-based considerations which support an educational philosophy that fosters the innate curiosity of not only gifted middle-school science students but all students. The author contends that these considerations on the part of the teacher will help enable and inspire students to organize content knowledge, make observations, evaluate evidence, think critically, solve problems, apply knowledge within multiple contexts, work as team members and clearly communicate ideas.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
What Is Science?
How Scientists Do Science No Child Left Behind And Gifted Students
Preparing Students For A World Of Change
Case Studies
Case #1 - Albert Einstein
The Pestalozzi Method Of Instruction - Its Impact On Einstein
Case #2 - Charles Darwin
Darwin's Mentor
Findings From The Case Studies Of Einstein And Darwin
The Gifted Student: Reconsidered
Science And Learning
Science Learning And Teachers
Conclusions/Implications
Bibliography
From the Paper "As future doctors, geneticists, geologists, meteorologists, ecologists, and astronomers, young science students have the potential to improve their lives and gain personal satisfaction from a clear understanding of natural phenomena and its magnificence. Even those students who do not pursue scientific professions are in a position to make a great global difference by applying their scientific knowledge to voting practices and decisions as consumers. Therefore, science instructors should be responsible for ensuring that students gain a sufficient understanding of science necessary to make responsible decisions as voters and consumers and ultimately support innovative and analytical thought related to discovery. With this, it is the responsibility of teachers to recognize and address the talent that exists in their classrooms and to ensure that instruction fosters in students a desire to continue to learn and contribute to the world of science."
Abstract This paper explains that the discussion of creation science is inherently highly controversial because it seeks the mantle of scientific prestige for what many consider not to be science at all. The author demonstrates that such claims, or such questions, have a millennia-old tradition within the West, extending back at least to the writings on medicine by Hippocrates.
From the Paper "If people, who were interested in teaching the biblical version of God'secretion of Adam and Eve, referred to this story as the biblical version of the creation of Adam and Eve, very few people could object There is most certainly a book referred to as the ..."
Tags: Hippocrates, Creation Science, science, medicine
Abstract This paper suggests that the many advances seen in the science world are causing people to ignore the Church and that even the Church has begun to agree with scientific theories. The paper looks at how, in a world full of facts, people can still side with the stories of the Church and discusses where the world is going from here and why science is slowly taking over religion.
From the Paper ?The achievements of modern science seem to contradict religion and undermine faith.? (4) This sentence opens the article from Newsweek entitled ?Science Finds God.? However, doesn"t this opening statement clearly state that science and God are two completely different faiths" Despite this, there are still a growing number of scientists that believe that ?theology and science are entering into a new relationship.? (4) I personally believe that science and God are two completely different beliefs. In fact, I am an agnostic, just as the vast majority of scientists are either atheists or agnostics. If scientists base their lives and their beliefs around the fact that there is no supreme power, than why should anyone else believe otherwise?"
Tags:science, chemistry, people, society, social, world, religion, god
Abstract The paper explains the basic concepts behind Bertrand Russell's ideas of the conflicts between religion and science. The paper looks at some of the reasons Russell gave for his disagreement with much of Christian theology and the damages that he believed religion caused to the world. The paper also discusses Russell's problems with using science to justify religion.
From the Paper "British philosopher Bertrand Russell wrote on many topics concerning religion, ethics, morals and society, but remained an atheist despite some of his arguments that agreed with religious perspectives. Although Russell had a religious upbringing, he was completely against religion and had many issues with it that he expressed in many of his writings. Russell's primary objections to religion were that it impeded knowledge and learning, promoted fear and superstition, was responsible for much of the war and suffering in the world and the fuzzy illogic and mysticism of religious beliefs. Russell believed that religion's impediment to knowledge and learning was in direct conflict with the study of scientific and rational learning."
