Open AccessEnhancing geoscience education in public schools
Author(s) -
Silliman James,
Hansen Alan,
McDonald JoAnn,
Blount Kit Price,
Hill Denise,
Martinez Mayra
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
eos, transactions american geophysical union
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.316
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 2324-9250
pISSN - 0096-3941
DOI - 10.1029/2007eo050004
Subject(s) - mathematics education , foundation (evidence) , science learning , science education , psychology , pedagogy , political science , law
Positive experiences are crucial to student learning as well as in deciding what career to pursue [ Jacobs et al. , 1998]. U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) studies have shown that by the time students enter high school, 80% are not interested in pursuing science, mathematics, or engineering [ NSF , 2002]. Moreover, students without a sufficient background in mathematics and science by the sixth grade will be unable to take advantage of necessary high school classes for college preparation in technological areas [ NSF , 2002]. If students have positive experiences earlier, these experiences will be of greater benefit to them in learning and in making important life decisions. The Cabeza de Vaca Earthmobile program enhances geoscience learning among middle school students while fostering a supportive learning environment.