Description:
Although this project will use NASA's four strategic enterprises as organizational themes, emphasis will be on NASA's Earth Science program. A team of geologists, environmental scientists, and educators from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) will evaluate selected undergraduate courses and propose substantive modifications reflecting innovative delivery systems and instructional strategies. By including core content and general education courses, the project will have the opportunity to recruit potential teacher candidates from the general college population, with an emphasis on recruiting minorities.

The Challenger Center for Space Science Education's (CCSSE) Encounter Earth mission will provide a context for organizing and integrating content themes associated with the Earth's land surface, oceans, atmosphere, ice sheets and living systems. The project will explore ways of using this simulated space mission in college level science instruction while preparing teachers in the burgeoning area of science and technology research associated with the Earth's systems.

The faculty associated with the project will work closely with the staff of the Challenger Learning Center at UTC while participating in pre-and post-mission activities in area schools. The project will have a middle school focus although K-12 implications of NASA's strategic enterprises will require that we examine a wide range of courses. CCSSE will play a major role in the dissemination of instructional products developed through this initiative.

Organization:
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Challenger Learning Center
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Contact:
Bernard W. Benson, Ph.D., University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 615 McCallie Avenue; The Challenger Learning Center; Chattanooga, TN 37403-2598; Phone: (423) 755-4237; Fax: (423) 785-2190; Email: Bernard-Benson@utc.edu

Education Level:
Kindergarten-Grade 4
Grades 5-8
Grades 9-12

Subject:
Earth System Science

Program type:
Teacher Training (Pre-service)

Date Added to teachearth.com:
5/1/00