ENST 394 - Earth and Space Science for Educators

Credit Hours: 4
Frequency of Offering: Offered in alternate years, usually in the fall semester

An introduction to major concepts and essential questions in Earth and space science. Topics include those most germane to being able to instruct K-12 students: Earth’s place in the universe (sun-moon-Earth system, solar system, stars and galaxies, geologic time, the nature and cycling of Earth’s materials), the Earth as a system (geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, weather, climate, plate tectonics), and Earth and human activity (human population and resource usage, natural hazards, climate change). Through this course, students will learn about and experience multiple reform-based science teaching pedagogies such as culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and engaging students in three-dimensional science. The course embodies and introduces students to Ladson-Billings’ three propositions of CRP which are woven into the course including: (1) academic success in having high expectations for all students and learning is not at the expense of their students’ cultures; (2) cultural competence meaning everyone is valued and brings in their personal experiences; (3) critical consciousness where the professor will help students to identify and critique societal issues and inequities.

Prerequisite(s): ENST 100.