STEM Education References

(STEM = Science + Technology + Engineering + Mathematics)

In recent decades, research on the process of learning, and particularly on the process of learning science, has blossomed. We can use the results of this research to improve both the quality and the quantity of learning that occurs in our classrooms, producing better-educated geoscientists and citizens. See the references below for specific recommendations.

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Carleton College geology students measure discharge in the Cannon River, near campus.

On Geoscience Education

• AGU, 1995 , Scrutiny of Undergraduate Geoscience Education: Is the Viability of the Geosciences in Jeopardy?
  This is the report of the AGU Chapman Conference on "Scrutiny of Undergraduate Geoscience Education" which yielded a series of observations and recommendations to help improve the education of the geological professionals and the general public.
• Barstow and Geary, (more info) Revolution in Earth and Space Science Education
  The National Science Foundation funded a National Conference on the Revolution in Earth and Space Science Education to explore the nature and scope of this revolution, and to develop an action plan for long-term change in Earth and space science education throughout the nation.
• Ireton, Manduca and Mogk, 1997 , Shaping the Future of Undergraduate Earth Science Education: Innovation and Change Using an Earth System Approach
  This report,from a workshop convened by the American Geophysical Union, puts forward a coherent educational plan for undergraduate Earth and space science education.
• USRA: Design Guide for Undergraduate Earth System Science Education (more info)
  A resource for faculty from multiple disciplines who wish to develop Earth system science courses or programs: this website includes an extensive collection of exemplary Earth System Science modules, sections on the scientific framework for Earth System Science and on data, tools, and models, and much more.

On the Cognate Sciences and Math

• NRC, 2005 , America's Lab Report: Investigations in High School Science
  This report addresses both the current state and future potential of laboratory experiences in US at the high school curriculum. It provides clear design principles for the development of laboratory experiences.
• NRC, 2003 , BIO2010: Transforming Undergraduate Education for Future Research Biologists
  This new volume provides a blueprint for bringing undergraduate biology education up to the speed of today s research fast track. It includes recommendations for teaching the next generation of life science investigators.
• NSF, 1996 , Shaping the Future: New Expectations for Undergraduate Education in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology (NSF 96-139)
  This report provides guidelines for more effective use of the investments made by individuals, organizations, and agencies seeking to improve undergraduate education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
• NSTA Teacher Resources: National Science Education Standards
  This PDF document from the National Science Teachers Association outlines NSTA's resources for educators at several levels who want to implement the National Science Education Standards in their classes. This is the 2003 version of standards.
• Seymour and Hewitt, 1997 , Talking About Leaving: Why Undergraduates Leave the Sciences
  This books examines the reasons why undergraduate students switch from science, mathematics, and engineering majors to nonscience majors.
• Strategic Programs for Innovations in Undergraduate Physics (SPIN-UP): Full Report PDF
  
• Strategic Programs for Innovations in Undergraduate Physics at Two-Year Colleges (SPIN-UP/TYC (more info) ) (1.88 Mb)
• Tobias, 1992 , Revitalizing Undergraduate Science: Why Some Things Work and Most Don't
  Every wave of mathematics and science education reform obliterates the one before and leaves little lasting change in its wake. Sheila Tobias' research suggests that the emphasis on curriculum and pedagogy and the seeking after some "magic bullet" are doomed to fail; that innovators, working alone without adequate "buy-in" from their colleagues do not improve the quality of instruction overall; and that funders misconstrue the true nature of the problem and of the solution.
• Tomorrow's Professor #222: The Urgency of Reinventing Undergraduate Education at Research Universities
  This is an excerpt from a speech given by Nancy Cantor at the dedication of The Reinvention Center at SUNY - Stony Brook.
• US Dept of Ed, 2000 , Before It's Too Late, A Report to the Nation from the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century
  The primary message of this report holds that America's students must improve their performance in mathematics and science if they are to succeed in today's world and if the United States is to stay competitive in an integrated global economy.