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

GK-12 Program

Monica Z. Bruckner

Montana State University, Bozeman

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 fellow’s communication skills Provides local schools with “expert” scientist

http://bsi.montana.edu/

MONTANA

WYOMING

IDAHO

A Bit About My MSc. Research

• Biogeochemistry and hydrology of meltwater from a Yukon glacier

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

www.skimba.com/images/directions_map.jpg

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 student’s daily life and experiences.

Seasonal StudySampling Sites

Ophir School

Beaver Creek Porcupine Creek

Gallatin Down

Gallatin Up

Parameters Measured

Air temperature pH

Electrical Conductivity & Water temperatureDischarge (Fall only)

Classroom Work

Lesson explaining pH and EC

Learning about rocks & minerals

Data entry, graphing, & analysis

Data Collection and Analyses

Porcupine Stream Shape 0

5

10

15

20

25

0 2 4 6 8 10

Width (m)

Dep

th (

cm

)

Presenting to the Community

December 2007Community meeting hosted by

Blue Water Task Force

May 2008Poster presentation at Ophir School

summarizing study results

Students’ Poster – (Spring 2008 Presentation)

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

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

http://fwp.mt.gov/content/6395,250,175.jpg

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@ Carleton College, Vince Pacific and other MSU Fellows for guidance, support and lesson plan ideas.

Thank you for your time…Any Questions?