Hands-On Approaches to Place-Based Learning of Earth Sciences Through the NSF-BSI GK-12 Program

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Hands-On Approaches to Place-Based Learning of
Earth Sciences Through the NSF-BSI GK-12 Program

• Monica Z. Bruckner
• Montana State University, Bozeman

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NSF-BSI GK-12Partnering with Rural Schools in
the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

• 9 Fellow-Teacher Pairs (7 last year)
• Rural schools in 5 MT towns and Wind River
  Reservation, WY
• Part of GYE
• MSU grad students share
• grad research with kids
• ? Improves fellows
• communication skills
• ? Provides local schools
• with expert scientist

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A Bit About My MSc. Research

• Biogeochemistry and hydrology of meltwater from a
  Yukon glacier

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Welcome to Ophir School Big Sky, MT

• 180 kids, and growing each year
• K-8
• 4th grade 14 20 kids (19 this year)
• Teacher Jeremy Harder 4th year with GK12

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Learning Goals

• Teaching students how to
• use scientific tools to measure discharge,
  electrical conductivity, pH, and air and water
  temperature
• collect, process, and interpret data
• synthesize and present their results
• Ancillary learning goal to instill a sense of
  environmental stewardship and to pique student
  interest in the Earth sciences by tying together
  water quality issues with the students daily
  life and experiences.

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Seasonal StudySampling Sites
Gallatin Down
Ophir School
Gallatin Up
Beaver Creek
Porcupine Creek
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Parameters Measured
pH
Air temperature
Electrical Conductivity Water temperature
Discharge (Fall only)
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Classroom Work
Learning about rocks minerals
Lesson explaining pH and EC
Data entry, graphing, analysis
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Data Collection and Analyses
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Presenting to the Community
December 2007 Community meeting hosted by Blue
Water Task Force
May 2008 Poster presentation at Ophir
School summarizing study results
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Students Poster (Spring 2008 Presentation)
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Learning Outcomes Assessment

• Pre- and post-test science interest survey and
  observation of stimulated interest in Earth
  Sciences and inquiry-based science
• More students reported that they thought science
  would be an interesting way to earn a living (p
  .059)
• More students said they wonder about the plants,
  animals, earth and universe where I live because
  of my science lessons (p .059)
• More students said that they believe what is
  known about science changes as scientists come up
  with new ideas and solutions (p .058)
• Student ability to collect and analyze data,
• Demonstration of mastery of basic water quality
  concepts by student presentations

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Sustainability of the Project

• Teacher participates in lessons and receives
  lesson plans
• GK-12 provided for sampling equipment so water
  monitoring project can continue
• Lasting Products
• ? 2007-2008 Poster and book of lesson plans
• ? 2008-2009 Poster and 4th grade class
  contribute to trailhead sign re local geology

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Acknowledgments

• Thank you to the Big Sky Institute at Montana
  State University and NSF-BSI GK-12 Grant DGE
  0440594 for funding this project.
• Jeremy Harder, Katie Coleman, (Ophir School) and
  Kristin Gardner (Blue Water Task Force, Big Sky,
  MT) for their aid in teaching, community
  involvement, and equipment loan.
• Dr. Dave Mogk (MSU), SERC_at_ Carleton College,
  Vince Pacific and other MSU Fellows for guidance,
  support and lesson plan ideas.

Thank you for your timeAny Questions?