Earth Science in Secondary Education: Role in the Program

Page Prepared for SERC by Sadredin C. Moosavi, Ph.D.

A discussion of the design and implementation of an earth science content course serving pre-service teachers at Grand Valley State University , created by Steve Mattox, Ph.D.

A description of this course and its goals is available.

What Role Does this Course Play in Teacher Preparation?

As part of the teacher preparation sequence, students:
  1. Increase content knowledge about Earth Science
  2. Improve skills in teaching science by inquiry
  3. Demonstrate and highlight connections between Earth Science and astronomy, biology, chemistry, and physics
  4. Engage in geologic research
  5. Provide teaching materials and resources
  6. Foster a professional work ethic
  7. Demonstrate proficiency at addressing the Michigan Curriculum Framework standards and understanding the format of the Michigan Education Assessment Program

How does the Course Address Each Role?

  1. Examination of content through problems, labs, discussion and development of age appropriate lessons, introducing students to an integration of Earth and space science concepts.
  2. Constructivist inquiry-based learning is modeled by the instructors and in classroom lessons students develop.
  3. Integration of geoscience concepts into the larger world: physics, chemistry and biology are used to explore the conditions needed to sustain life on Earth and possibly elsewhere in the solar system
  4. Students engage in a geologic research project based on the a significant local geologic event. Similar events available for research or as examples can be found in many areas in which students are likely to serve as teachers following graduation.
  5. Various models and activities designed to teach space science content are addressed through the development and demonstration of age appropriate lessons targeting K-8 populations.
  6. Observation of practicing master teachers and the subsequent development and presentation of age-appropriate lessons to peers and K-8 students affords students an opportunity to witness and demonstrate professional work standards and norms.
  7. Course and student lesson outcomes are tied directly to the MI science standards and education assessment program.

How do Students Integrate Learning & Teaching?

This capstone course builds understanding of the Earth sciences while developing lessons for Earth science student populations. Students learn in a collaborative contructivist educational model to develop their understanding of course content and methods for its delivery. Materials developed for this course become part of the portfolio students assemble as a requirement for graduation. This course is taken in parallel with other education courses.

How does the Course Transition Pre-service Teachers into the Classroom?

This course integrates learning and teaching through observation of a practicing classroom earth science teacher and development of applicable lessons for earth science students that are ready for submission to peer review and publication.

How is the Course Content Aligned with the National Science Education Standards?

This course and its counterparts are closely tied to the Michigan Curriculum Framework based upon the National Science Education Standards. Specific frameworks are identified in the syllabus.

How does the Course Meet Certification Requirements?

When combined with the other courses in the GVSU program, this course permits students to gain the integrated science endorsement required of Michigan science teachers.

What Challenges have been Encountered in Teaching this Course? How have they been Resolved?

The Grand Valley State Earth science courses function as a unit to cover the breadth of geoscience content. Despite its magnitude, it does face challenges in achieving its objectives.
  1. Content Coverage
  2. Timing of Field Trips
  3. Staffing