Earth Science Field Study Group

The goal of our study group was to develop a virtual field trip for earth science students who miss the physical field trip.  This alternative attempts to capture the essence and experience of the field trip through the use of technology and hands-on samples.

 

Group Members: B Gray, B Hughes, M Davis, C Snyder, K Duffy

 

Our study group developed an alternative field trip. This alternative attempts to capture the essence and experience of the field trip through the use of technology and hands-on samples.  Each station in our field trip packet for the physical trip was evaluated and reconfigured so that it could be used as part of the virtual field trip.  The final version exists as a stand alone digital document that links to text, pictures, and activities that students can do to understand what was done on the physical field trip.  Hand samples were collected to enable  students to make observations and perform the geochemical tests that are completed during the physical field trip. We are currently coordinating the uploading of the project to our district server.

 

The impact on student learning is yet to be assessed.  Once the virtual field trip is uploaded to the server we will be in a position to perform a final run and troubleshoot any remaining glitches.  Beginning next year, the virtual field trip will be put into use, and an assessment of the impact on student learning can be undertaken.

Chemistry Field Trip – Real Life Chemistry

To provide chemistry students with an enriching experience beyond the brick walls of our building, so that they may bathe in the vast chemistry-related resources of our community and the world we live in.

S. Haas, C. Kowalski, K. Kapusinsky

Overall we feel that we have been successful in exposing our students to the chemistry that takes place outside of the school building.  To date, we have had 5 professionals present and still have 5 more until the end of May.  However, until all the reports are turned in by the students, it is difficult to assess whether or not their interest in chemistry has improved.  The third quarter reports are due April 4^th and the 4^th quarter reports are going to be due June 1^st.

 

 

 

Further research will be done to try and find a facility that can provide a field trip opportunity to a large number of students.  Also the possibility of a field study has been discussed.

08-09

Goal of the group: Real World Science – Look for opportunities to bring in guest speakers and to look for other ideas to connect students to real-world applications of science such as current events, job shadowing, interviews, project-based learning, etc.

 

P McCluskey, CParillo, S Haas, K Kapusinsky

 

3 of the 4 members were on different BSAT groups and we have been unable to officially meet during study group time.  We have met occasionally during lunch and via email.  During these meetings we have booked guest speakers, shared information on job – shadowing opportunities, and discussed presentations.

 

Impact on student learning: This is an ongoing process as we read students reports at the end of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters.  Students are being exposed to professionals applying science in their careers.  Based on student responses, students are more cognizant of various career paths/fields of study available to them as well as the educational requirements.  We have found that various students have come away with varying degrees of applicability (i.e. they each take away something different from these opportunities).