5-9 Earth System Science Course -- www

Earth Systems Science (ESS) 16-Week On-Line Graduate Course
for 5^th - 9^th Grade Teachers

Starting January 20, 2003
Earth Systems Science (ESS) is the interdisciplinary scientific field that investigates how our planet works and evaluates the effects of human impacts. When NASA missions collect data on ocean temperatures or rainforest destruction, Earth Systems scientists evaluate that data. When nations debate greenhouse gas emissions, they rely on Earth Systems Science to inform their decisions. ESS combines concepts and tools from many scientific disciplines to study the Earth system.

The WestEd Eisenhower Regional Consortium is pleased to provide a NASA-sponsored, on-line Earth Systems Science course for teachers in grades 5 through 9. This Middle School Earth Systems Science Course is a 16-week graduate course that was developed at the Center for Educational Technologies, Wheeling Jesuit University. It is structured as a collaborative experience and is held exclusively in an online environment. Participants in this exciting professional development course experience online, collaborative learning; master new content; design new classroom activities; and become knowledgeable about new resources.

Course Overview:

This online course implements a student-centered Earth system science-based classroom where participants learn from the student's point of view. Teachers participating in this course work in collaborative groups to tackle problems and information that are often completely new to them. Active participation and reflection on learning in student-centered model provides participants opportunities for transfer of learning to their own teaching. Teachers from across the United States:

analyze the impact of Earth events on spheres (hydro-, bio-, litho- and atmosphere)
develop earth systems models
experience the "jigsaw" approach to studying the fundamental "spheres" of ESS
create ESS activities to use with their students
use "journals" for individual reflections on those issues concerned with changes or modifications to beliefs about teaching and learning.

This course is structured as a collaborative, inquiry-based electronic environment, where participants:

are led by a facilitator;
engage in weekly online discussions;
collaborate in learning teams of four to six participants;
discuss Earth system science and Earth system science teaching practices;
collect, post, and share Earth system science resources;
share online journals with their facilitator;
use Earth system science activities with their own students; and,
offer feedback to their peers.

By engaging in these activities, participants will

explain sphere and event interactions in relation to specific events;
perform analyses of consequences to the spheres and to specific events;
create collaborative, inquiry-based classroom applications; and,
use technology as a learning and teaching tool.

Cost of the course (materials fee) is $120.00 which includes Earth Systems Science reference books, CD-Roms and Activity Guides. Graduate credit is available for an additional $30.00 (3 semester units, awarded by Weber State University, Ogden, UT.)

Technical requirements: Internet access with Netscape 4.6 or higher or Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher.

Go to printable Application for the course.
Questions? Contact Libby Rognier lrognie@wested.org

Return to WERC Home page.