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Hands-On Approaches to Place-Based Learning of Earth Sciences Through the NSF-BSI GK-12 Program

Hands-On Approaches to Place-Based Learning of Earth Sciences Through the NSF-BSI GK-12 Program . Monica Z. Bruckner Montana State University, Bozeman. MONTANA. IDAHO. WYOMING. http://bsi.montana.edu /. NSF-BSI GK-12 Partnering with Rural Schools in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

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Hands-On Approaches to Place-Based Learning of Earth Sciences Through the NSF-BSI GK-12 Program

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  1. Hands-On Approaches to Place-Based Learning of Earth Sciences Through the NSF-BSI GK-12 Program Monica Z. Bruckner Montana State University, Bozeman

  2. MONTANA IDAHO WYOMING http://bsi.montana.edu/ NSF-BSI GK-12Partnering with Rural Schools in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem • 9 Fellow-Teacher Pairs (7 last year) • Rural schools in 5 MT towns and Wind River Reservation, WY • Part of GYE • MSU grad students share grad research with kids  Improves fellow’s communication skills  Provides local schools with “expert” scientist

  3. A Bit About My MSc. Research • Biogeochemistry and hydrology of meltwater from a Yukon glacier

  4. Welcome to Ophir School Big Sky, MT • ~180 kids, and growing each year • K-8 • 4th grade: 14 – 20 kids (19 this year) • Teacher: Jeremy Harder – 4th year with GK12 www.skimba.com/images/directions_map.jpg

  5. Learning Goals Teaching students how to: • use scientific tools to measure discharge, electrical conductivity, pH, and air and water temperature • collect, process, and interpret data • synthesize and present their results Ancillary learning goal: to instill a sense of environmental stewardship and to pique student interest in the Earth sciences by tying together water quality issues with the student’s daily life and experiences.

  6. Seasonal StudySampling Sites Gallatin Down Ophir School Gallatin Up Beaver Creek Porcupine Creek

  7. Parameters Measured pH Air temperature Electrical Conductivity & Water temperature Discharge (Fall only)

  8. Classroom Work Learning about rocks & minerals Lesson explaining pH and EC Data entry, graphing, & analysis

  9. Data Collection and Analyses

  10. Presenting to the Community December 2007 Community meeting hosted by Blue Water Task Force May 2008 Poster presentation at Ophir School summarizing study results

  11. Students’ Poster – (Spring 2008 Presentation)

  12. Learning Outcomes & Assessment • Pre- and post-test science interest survey and observation of stimulated interest in Earth Sciences and inquiry-based science: • More students reported that they thought science would be an interesting way to earn a living (p =.059) • More students said they wonder about the plants, animals, earth and universe where I live because of my science lessons (p =.059) • More students said that they believe what is known about science changes as scientists come up with new ideas and solutions (p =.058) • Student ability to collect and analyze data, • Demonstration of mastery of basic water quality concepts by student presentations

  13. Sustainability of the Project • Teacher participates in lessons and receives lesson plans • GK-12 provided $ for sampling equipment so water monitoring project can continue • Lasting Products:  2007-2008: Poster and book of lesson plans  2008-2009: Poster and 4th grade class contribute to trailhead sign re: local geology http://fwp.mt.gov/content/6395,250,175.jpg

  14. Acknowledgments • Thank you to the Big Sky Institute at Montana State University and NSF-BSI GK-12 Grant # DGE 0440594 for funding this project. • Jeremy Harder, Katie Coleman, (Ophir School) and Kristin Gardner (Blue Water Task Force, Big Sky, MT) for their aid in teaching, community involvement, and equipment loan. • Dr. Dave Mogk (MSU), SERC@ Carleton College, Vince Pacific and other MSU Fellows for guidance, support and lesson plan ideas. Thank you for your time…Any Questions?

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