New Perspectives in Science Education
Water in a Changing World: Developing Learning Materials for Pre-Professional Teachers in Brazil and the United States
Michael Taber, Colorado College (United States)
Fabio Roland, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (Brazil)
Bruno Milanez, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (Brazil)
Fabricio Alvin Carvalho, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (Brazil)
Elisabeth Pasin, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (Brazil)
Abstract
The goal of this project is to build a successful four year Funds for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education (FIPSE-CAPES) collaboration between Colorado College (USA) and the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (Brazil). The FIPSE-CAPES project established new faculty-to-faculty collaborations for the enhancement of teaching science and field work distinctive to the natural settings of the host institutions and established innovative, inquiry-based environmental field experiences, data-driven learning modules, and course materials to be used by pre-teaching professionals as part of their teacher training. As a result of the FIPSE-CAPES project, we established a framework for developing curricular materials for pre-professional teachers. The first set of materials focuses on issues related to Water Resources and utilizes the curricular design framework:
ESSENTIAL QUESTION(S)
What essential question(s) are we trying to answer? This section includes information about what scientists currently understand and the issue relates to climate change and the hydrologic cycle. We also include standards for learning in Brazil (PCN) and in the US (NGSS). The aim of this section is to describe why the information is important for teachers to know and understand.
CASE STUDY
Provide an example that illustrates the social issue and scientific understanding. Discuss the context of the problem. Is this problem unique?
PROS AND CONS or BENEFITS AND COSTS
Policy makers are sometimes faced with conflicting ideas about how to address the environmental problem. What are the pros and cons of these ideas? What might be the best solution?
CHALLENGES TO SCIENCE EDUCATION
What can teachers do? What are some other similar cases they could discuss with their students? What are some other ideas for further reading and or curriculum materials that might help teachers?
RESOURCES
List scientific resources, useful websites, and/or books that will help the teacher learn more.
We present here our preliminary materials and invite comment on four major topics: water use for agriculture; water use for energy; water use for human consumption; and, water for maintaining ecosystem biodiversity.
