EarthLabs: Supporting the Revolution in Earth and Space Science Education

Nothing less than an educational revolution will promote Earth and Environmental Science Education to the top tier of science courses in America. The practical and descriptive methods with which these courses have traditionally been taught has left them as secondary sciences, not even certified as laboratory sciences that qualify students for college admission in some states.

The National Science Foundation has provided support for planning a Revolution in Earth and Space Science Education (more info) . In support of this revolution, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funded this pilot project to create a new model of Earth and environmental science courses as true "lab sciences." EarthLabs' labs feature a global view of our planet as a dynamic, interconnected system, and involve students in extended investigations. The labs comply with state and national guidelines for science content and for certification as a laboratory science course.

The EarthLabs project supports the goals of the Revolution in three ways. First, this new model for labs will increase the rigor and quantitative content of Earth Science courses. Second, new teaching materials and methods will be used to document that Earth and environmental science are being taught as laboratory science courses. Finally, state alliances will promote the use of the new model and lobby to have the courses recognized as lab sciences.

Pages linked below present background information and justification for why this work is so important—for our students, our nation, and the future of our home planet, Earth.

• Why is Earth Science Important?
• A Call from Scientists and Educators
• Current Practice in Earth Science Courses
• Creating a Compelling Lab Course
• This Project's Vision

For more information, contact:

Tamara Shapiro Ledley
Co-Director, Center for Earth and Space Science Education
TERC
2067 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: 617-873-9600