COURSES

An important element of preparing the GK-12 Fellows to serve in Stark County classrooms is the two-semester series in Inquiry-Based Earth System Science (ESS) offered at Kent State University.  While all of the Fellows enter the GK-12 program with expertise in one or more Earth science content areas, the ESS course series emphasizes the broad perspective on Earth science that Fellows need to succeed in middle school Earth science classrooms.  The first semester of the series focuses on the Earth as a system by considering a broad spectrum of issues relevant to life on Earth today, including the water cycle, weather, plate tectonics, geologic hazards, and the impact of ecosystems and biodiversity on climate.  These topics, and others, are explored using a variety of inquiry-based methods, such as jigsaw, investigative cases, “uncookbooked” labs, physical models, and computer-based activities.  The second semester in the series focuses on the development of Earth science curriculum materials.  Fellows learn to critically analyze existing materials and how to develop their own inquiry-based activities and curriculum units.  The two-semester series is taught by the KSU GK-12 senior personnel team, with Dr. Donna Witter serving as the lead instructor. 

Inquiry-Based Earth System Science I (GEOL 4/5/60095, GEOG 4/5/70195)

Inquiry-Based Earth System Science II (GEOL 4/5/60095, GEOG 4/5/70195)