Annual Snapshot Reports: Tracking the Extent and Nature of K-12 Earth and Space Science Education to Monitor, Evaluate, and Motivate the Revolution
Abstract
Fueled by new technologies such as satellite perspectives and data visualizations, Earth and space science is transforming from a weak sister of physics, chemistry, and biology to a field that is revolutionizing our understanding of our planet and the universe. There are concerted efforts on federal, state, and local levels to extend this revolution to Earth and space science education in K-12 schools. To this end, the National Science Foundation sponsored the "National Conference on the Revolution in Earth and Space Science Education," with the goal of developing a vision for K-12 Earth and space science education reform for the next decade. The conference assembled a broad spectrum of stakeholders including K-12 teachers and administrators, scientists, university faculty, representatives of educational and scientific organizations, and policymakers. Participants developed a "Blueprint for Change," which recommended steps for large-scale implementation of Earth and space science education reform. Since successful change is both driven and monitored by structured evaluation of progress, a vital recommendation of the Report is an ongoing national assessment (or "snapshots") of K-12 Earth and space science education. These proposed snapshots, released annually over a ten-year time frame, will provide all stakeholders with a status report on the nature and extent of Earth and space science education. Most of the data for this project, which is in early planning stages, will be mined from existing reports and presented in a format that helps address specific questions of interest. When existing data are not available, some data gathering, such as surveys of state science supervisors and teacher-training institutions, will take place. Finally, since there will be important areas beyond the scope of the annual snapshots, the snapshots will help define a research agenda. For example, a key recommendation of the Revolution Report is an increased emphasis on "Earth as a system." Assessing classroom practice and student learning relating to Earth as a system requires innovative student assessment, observing classrooms, or other ambitious efforts. The Annual Snapshots will identify areas in need of further assessment, helping to define a research agenda for the Earth and space science education community.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002AGUFMED11B0038E
- Keywords:
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- 6329 Project evaluation;
- 6605 Education