Engaging Students in the Geosciences using Effective and Versatile
Climate and Data Literacy Teaching Modules
Abstract
Using authentic and locally-relevant environmental data is a valuable
teaching tool for providing students with opportunities for
self-directed exploration of the natural world. We will present a set of
instructional material that focus on climate science and data literacy,
prepared by the Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley, CA,
(https://mare.lawrencehallofscience.org/curriculum/climate-data-aclipse-activities).
We will demonstrate how these materials can be used in formal (6-12 or
university) and informal settings (professional development workshops
for teachers and scientists, after school clubs and summer programs).
Students engaging in these activities gain a deeper understanding of
carbon cycling, and other phenomena related to climate change. The
materials guide students through data orientation, interpretation, and
synthesis as well as developing and using models and solving problems,
constructing explanations, and engaging in argument based on scientific
evidence. By solving problems in local contexts, the learners gain
knowledge of science content, view science as relevant to their lives
and future, and engage in science in socially relevant and
transformative ways. Such authentic learning experiences are shown to be
an effective approach to improving understanding, confidence, awareness,
and interest in geoscience and STEM careers (NRC, 2007).