Minerals: A Unifying Theme for Earth Science Institute for Middle and High School Teachers

by

Nathalie Brandes

Allison Hein

Theodore Bornhorst

Francis Otuonye

Teachers Earth Science Institute

for Middle and High School Teachers Funded by the National Science Foundation

Goal Enhance content knowledge and pedagogical

skills of middle and high school science teachers through inquiry-based activities that integrate concepts in mathematics, physics and chemistry with economics, history and social sciences

Theme

Use minerals and mining as a vehicle to enhance the learning and teaching of science in middle and high schools

Learning and teaching in the local environment

Objectives Provide inquiry-based active learning

environment for members of scientist/teacher teams by hands-on field experiences and laboratory work

Increase ability of teachers to discover and apply scientific knowledge and reasoning to real world situations

Objectives Equip teachers with skills and materials to

discover the world about them and to integrate skills into classroom practice and adoption by students

Demonstrate through hands on experience how to integrate science disciplines with other academic domains such as economics, history and social sciences

Strategic Teacher Commitments Attend institute sessions for three weeks in

summer and two weeks the following summer Permit school visitations during the academic

year Maintain a journal of experiences resulting

from institute attendance and participation Develop and implement classroom plans and

activities that incorporate materials from the institute

Strategic Teacher Commitments Share experiences and materials with

colleagues Serve as role models and mentors to new

science teachers Participate in institute assessment and

academic year workshops Become a resource to schools, districts and

professional organizations

Collaborations Red metal Minerals Cleveland Cliffs Empire Mine White Pine Copper Refinery Peninsula Copper Industries Superior Sand and Gravel Keweenaw Gem and Gifts Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Homestake Mining Company, Lead, SD

Teacher Benefits Inquiry-based field experiences and laboratory

sessions led by scientists and researchers Classroom materials, model lesson plans, manuals,

workbooks, mineral kits and other take-home materials related to mineral exploration, mining, mineral recovery and use, and environmental stewardships

Formal professional development sessions in assessment and leadership

Teacher Benefits Graduate certification credits (up to 6

semester credits) Stipends of $60 per day ($300 per week) Free room and board Round-trip transportation reimbursement Hard hats, hearing protection, safety glasses

and steel toe boots

Demographic Data of Teachers During the grant, 115 teachers attended the first year of the

Teachers Earth Science Institute 108 of these teachers returned the following summer 47 male and 68 female teachers participated 107 from public schools and eight from private schools 67 taught at high school level, 39 at middle school, 5 taught

middle/high, 3 elementary/middle, and 1 elementary Participants represent 34 states from Alaska to Hawaii Years of teaching experience ranged from 1 to 31

Activities Mineral Exploration Mining Mineral Processing Environmental Protection Culminating Activity

Mineral Exploration Geology and geologic

formations Mineral formation Mineral identification Field trips to geologic and

mineral formations

Mining Estimation of mineral reserves Mining techniques Field trips to surface and

underground mining operations

Drilling and blasting Mucking and rock support Mineral hunt

Mineral Processing Mineral processing techniques Crushing and grinding Concentration (gravity

separation, magnetic separation, flotation, etc)

Field trips to mineral processing plants and refineries

Environmental Protection Reclamation Remediation Recycling

Culminating Activity Inquiry-based integrative

research on opening a mine Feasibility studies Data acquisition Data analyses Interpretation Report and presentation

Components of Each Activity Build teachers’ understanding to explore connections

and relationships Provide field and laboratory experiences with

scientists and researchers that provide connections to real world applications

Guide teachers in active and extended scientific inquiry that promote higher order thinking skills

Integrate math and science inquiry teaching resources that model exemplary curriculum and instructional models

Components of Each Activity Provide opportunities for scientific discussion Integrate instructional technology with real world

connections Provide instructional materials that are easy to

obtain, transport and implement in classroom Continuous monitoring of achievement that engage

teachers in communication of scientific and mathematical information

Documented Outcomes Classroom change and refinement in

instructional approach to science Curricula change include topics and courses

not previously offered Collection of learning activities using mining

as a vehicle for teaching required topics Cadre of teacher leaders who can provide

professional development to other teachers

Documented Outcomes University faculty who have adapted their teaching

to include more focus on inquiry and can provide more assistance to K-12 educators

Cadre of 115 teachers who will continue to seek field-based research experience programs that will enhance their teaching

Increase in the number of teachers who are pursuing advanced degrees in science education

Summary* TESI is an excellent example of teaching and

learning in the local environment Past participants are using their knowledge

from the institute in ways that capitalize on local resources and geography

All phases of TESI are important to the classroom application, especially the final integrative project

* From report of external evaluators (Julie Stafford and Billie Sparks)

Summary* Immersing teachers in research and learning with

scientists and engineers is an outstanding way for teachers to learn science and the processes scientists use in their work

Both summers are important to successful classroom application

Teacher recognition of the ways to relate scientific learning to real world issues is enhanced as evidenced in the classroom tasks the teachers designed for their students

Lessons Learned Immersion-type professional development activity

through research experiences has staying power Concepts are solidified, experiences are enriched,

and retention enhanced by spanning the professional development activities over a period of two summers

TESI built a learning community of teachers who have developed personal and professional relationships

Poster sessions enhanced confidence to share experiences through presentations at national, regional and local meetings and conferences