HR: 16:25h
AN: ED12D-01    [PDF]
TI: Real Science for Real Science Teachers: Providing Astrobiology Science Content and Contemporary Pedagogy for Today's Educators Online
AU: * Offerdahl, E G
EM: eofferdahl@as.arizona.edu
AF: University of Arizona - Department of Astronomy, 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ 85721 United States
AU: Prather, E E
EM: eprather@as.arizona.edu
AF: University of Arizona - Department of Astronomy, 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ 85721 United States
AU: Slater, T F
EM: tslater@as.arizona.edu
AF: University of Arizona - Department of Astronomy, 933 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ 85721 United States
AB: As teachers strive to improve the way science is taught in the classroom, many are turning to the interdisciplinary science of astrobiology as a way integrate inquiry effectively in the science classroom. However, it is generally recognized that teachers do not often have easy access to understandable and usable cutting-edge science to enrich their science lessons. Through the generous support of the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI), middle and high school teachers have the opportunity to learn current and provocative scientific results within the context of astrobiology as well as receive training in pedagogically sound methods of incorporating astrobiology appropriately in the classroom. In Astrobiology for Teachers, a 15-week on-line distance learning course co-sponsored by NAI, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Professional Development Institute, National Teachers Enhancement Network (NTEN), Montana State University, and the Department of Astronomy at University of Arizona, teachers engage in a virtual classroom facilitated by an integrated teaching team of educators and scientists using a standards-based, inquiry curriculum. The collaborative nature of the course encourages, demonstrates, and enhances a professional exchange among scientists and educators which, in turn, fosters implementation of innovative science teaching in today's classroom.
UR: http://shiraz.as.arizona.edu
DE: 6605 Education
DE: 6620 Science policy
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting