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Earth System Science in the Community

Program Overview

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High School Earth Science CurriculumEarth Systems

Inquiry-based

Community-based

What is EarthComm?

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National Science Education Standards (NAS).

Benchmarks for Science Literacy (AAAS).

Driven by:

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Developed by Earth science experts and classroom teachers through the American Geological Institute.

Funded by the National Science Foundation and AGI Foundation

Published by It’s About Time.

Program Development:

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Teacher Support:

Materials kits, one per module.

Teacher guides.

Web sites with local resources.

Professional development.

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EarthComm Students:

Learn Earth science principles through a systems approach.

Learn by engaging in scientific inquiry and scientific investigations.

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Use the geoscience in their communities as a springboard to launching investigations.

Access existing data and generate their own data sets to explore questions.

EarthComm Students:

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Earth Systems:

The Atmosphere. The Biosphere. The Cryosphere. The Geosphere. The Hydrosphere.

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Program Structure:

5 Modules 3 Chapters per Module 5-7 Activities per chapter

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Module and Chapter Structure:

Module Three Chapters Each has a community related problem

Chapter Getting Started Scenario Chapter Challenge Assessment Criteria Activities (5-7)

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Activity Design:

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Activity Structure: Goals Think About It Investigate Reflecting on the Activity and the Challenge Digging Deeper Check Your Understanding Understanding and Applying What You Have

Learned Preparing for the Chapter Challenge Inquiring Further

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Module flow, goals and objectives.

Background information.

Correlation to National Standards.

Preparation and materials needed.

Teacher Guide:

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Detailed teaching and assessment tips.

Blackline masters of key diagrams.

Assessment rubrics and exams.

Teacher Guide:

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Chapter Pre-Assessment Activity Pre-Assessments Embedded Assessments Rubrics for Chapter Reports Alternative Assessments

Assessment:

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Earth’s Dynamic Geosphere Earth’s Fluid Spheres Earth’s Natural Resources Earth System Evolution Understanding Your Environment

The Five Modules: