|
Earth Science Education, 1987
American Geophysical Union, 2001
Declaration of Importance, 2001
Building on the Work of Others
In this report, we call for a revolution in Earth and space science education. It is important, however, to bear in mind that we are building upon the efforts of others. The following statement was endorsed by several science and education organizations in 1987.
The Importance of Earth and space science Education
K-12 Earth and space science plays a unique and essential role in today's rapidly changing world. It is an integrated study of the Earth's history, composition and structure, its atmosphere and oceans, and its environment in space. A knowledge of Earth and space science is important because most human activities are related to interaction with the planet Earth.
Basic knowledge about the Earth, then, is the key to development of an informed citizenry. The reasons for teaching Earth and space science are numerous: it offers experience in a diverse range of interrelated scientific disciplines; it is closely related to the students' natural surroundings; and offers students subject matter which has direct application to their lives and the world around them. They need only step outdoors to observe and find relevance in concepts learned in the Earth and space science classroom. Because it offers many opportunities to collect data, hypothesize, experiment, and draw conclusions, both within school and outside environments, Earth and space science is a laboratory and activity oriented course. Earth and space science integrates many principles of both physical and life sciences. It incorporates and presents concepts often not emphasized in other parts of the science curriculum, such as geologic time and the vastness of space.
The teaching of Earth and space science allows all students to have a better science background with pertinent information about their surroundings. Daily, society is faced with environmental and economic concerns such as acid rain, water supply, the greenhouse effect, and waste disposal. Civilization is absolutely dependent upon utilization of Earth's energy, mineral, and human resources. Awareness of natural phenomena such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanoes, and earthquakes also requires a knowledge of Earth and space science.
Students who study Earth and space science are better prepared to discuss issues and make informed, responsible decisions. The interdisciplinary curriculum of Earth and space science develops and builds on skills learned in earlier grades and closely relates to the students' everyday experiences. It develops attitudes and problem-solving skills that will be useful throughout life. If tomorrow's adults are to make wise decisions about Earth and environmental issues, it is vital that today's students be given the opportunity to study Earth and space science at all levels as an integral part of their education as well as an invaluable part of their high school experience.
Approved by National Earth Science Teachers Association - March 28, 1987
Endorsed by National Science Teachers Association - July 29, 1987
Endorsed by Council for Elementary Science International - October 17, 1987
Endorsed by National Association of Geology Teachers - October 27, 1987
Endorsed by American Geological Institute - October 28, 1987
Endorsed by American Geophysical Union - May 17, 1988
American Geophysical Union Calls For Earth Science Education
For over 75 years, the venerable American Geophysical Union (agu.org/homepage.html) has supported and publicized the research by geophysicists into our planet and its environment. This community of over 38,000 scientists from 117 countries recognizes the critical importance of K-12 Earth and space science education and in December 2001, officially adopted the following policy statement:
Importance of the Earth and Space Sciences in Primary and Secondary Education: An Endorsement of the AAAS Benchmarks and NRC Standards
Citizens require a solid understanding of the Earth and space sciences to address responsibly many of the issues confronting society, such as climate change, natural hazards, and resource availability. In the U.S., the only opportunity for most people to learn science in a formal setting occurs in grades K-12 (kindergarten through high school). In addition, a positive K-12 science experience may inspire young people to pursue the further study of science. As a community dedicated to advancing the understanding of Earth and space, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) is committed to effective science education in the primary and secondary grades.
The National Research Council (NRC) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) have independently addressed ways to improve the quality of K-12 science education. Their recommendations are published in National Science Education Standards (NRC, 1995) and Benchmarks for Science Literacy (AAAS, 1994). These documents outline specific concepts that students should know, understand, and be able to apply in order to be scientifically literate. They also suggest effective methods for teaching science. Both documents include the Earth and space sciences, along with the physical and life sciences, as essential elements in education at all grade levels.
The American Geophysical Union endorses the recommendations for teaching Earth and space sciences contained in Benchmarks for Science Literacy and National Science Education Standards. AGU urges local and state education agencies to implement these recommendations in the primary and secondary grades.
Declaration of Importance
National Conference on the Revolution in Earth and Space Science Education
At the National Conference on the Revolution in Earth and Space Science Education, participants enacted and signed the following statement as an endorsement of the importance of Earth and space science education and as a call to action.
"As our nation deliberates on education policy and funding, we, as leading science educators and scientists, call for legislators, decision makers, and stakeholders to implement all measures that support science education in general and earth and space science in particular.
Fueled by new technologies over the last 40 years, advances in Earth and space science are revolutionizing our understanding of Earth's systems and processes. This growing understanding is increasingly needed to inform political and economic decisions of local, national and global impact.
For this reason, a science-literate citizenry is vital to the nation's well-being and security and will insure our nation's continued leadership in science and technology in the 21st century. To empower the public to make sound and reasoned choices, earth and space science must be taught throughout the United States in K-12 classrooms and be accessible to all students."
|
