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Methods of Instruction

Science at its best and most interesting is an active verb rather than a passive noun. We will attempt to do science, not just study it. This will require you to come to class ready to think, solve problems, work cooperatively with others, make decisions, and be creative and energetic. It will also require you to build, observe and measure, take apart, and draw as well as read, write, and work with numbers. We will also explore career opportunities that draw upon topics in the earth and environmental sciences.

1. Laboratory Activities: Students will be doing both outdoor and indoor lab work. Necessary safety precautions will be followed at all times. Each student will keep a lab journal. We will collect and monitor data about the earth and the environment around our school and neighborhoods.
2. Technology: We will have computers connected to the Internet via the Wake County Wide Area Network. Parental permission will be required for each student to use this network. A course web site will be available to help keep up with assignments and to post results of student research. Students are responsible for the wise use of this resource.
3. Data Visualization: Students will create models and composite drawings as well as learn the importance of visualizing data, concepts, and processes. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is one of the tools we will explore.
4. Collaboration: Students must learn how to work effectively with others and appreciate the importance of each person’s role on a team. Students will make choices about when and how they work. Time management is very important. Students will evaluate their own as well as other students’ work.
5. Lecture Notes: Although note-taking will be required, many classes will consist of activities where students discover new information and build their own understanding of earth and environmental science concepts and principles.
6. Writing: Students will write about their activities in earth and environmental science, about their questions, and their opinions.
7. Presentations: Students will make short presentations to small groups, the class, and the teacher, sharing their understanding of classroom activities, projects, and course topics. Presentations may employ technology tools such as computer graphics, the world wide web, and video.
8. Research: Students will explore their textbook, but more importantly, other information resources, to discover what is known and unknown in the earth and environmental sciences, and to find out how scientists explore the unknowns.