Earth System Science Online at Hampton University

Earth System Science Online is an innovative web-based science course for teachers and future teachers. Supported by NASA and offered by the Interdisciplinary Science Center at Hampton University, this course targets students interested in an asynchronous web-based learning environment. Earth System Science Online allows participants to earn three hours of science graduate credit through their online explorations of the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. The incorporation of specific problems-based case studies, allow students to investigate weather phenomena, deforestation, and the various instruments and satellite data systems that are used to collect and analyze this data. This newly initiated web-based course delivers all lectures, text readings, and course assignments online. Assignments are given on a weekly basis, and participants are expected to conduct independent research that will enrich their online experience. The nature of the web allows registered participants to easily integrate text and graphics into their assignments and have access to their classmate's work. Participants meet online weekly and interact as a team. Team members take advantage of Hampton University's leadership in atmospheric sciences by meeting online to discuss course content with faculty and guest experts. Hampton University, a Historically Black University (HBCU), has built a unique partnership between the scientists at the Center for Atmospheric Sciences and the educators at the Interdisciplinary Science Center. Both centers work closely together and partner with NASA to provide outreach efforts for several NASA satellite-based research missions. The ISC has been recognized for the quality of its professional development for teachers for over eighteen years. Earth System Science Online brings together a unique partnership of educators and scientists providing an innovative online course for teachers.