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Julia Belknap and Jon Borowiec |
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The purpose of this project within the TEFB 404 and 406 science and social studies methods and pedagogy courses at Texas A&M University is to engage pre-service and in-service teachers by incorporating a Problem-Based Approach to learning science, social studies and related concepts; to develop skills and understanding while working in groups of pre-professional and professional teachers at College Station A&M Consolidated High School in a cross- disciplinary setting; and to develop skills in using a PBL approach for implementation in their future and current classrooms. In this problem-based integrated learning unit, the students will learn about the environment, and how we as a society live and interact within it. Students will learn about the components that make up the natural environment, or ecosystem, and the interdependence of all components. Following this, they will examine the human environment, within the context of the natural environment. They will also practice problem-based learning and problem-solving skills as they are challenged by authentic situations that face city decision-makers. We will be employing ArcVoyager as a tool to help students understand and analyze the environment by seeking patterns, relationships, and connections within the context of the environment and society. As students begin to interpret information, meaningful patterns will emerge. Students should then be able to synthesize their observations into a coherent explanation and rationale. Upon completion, students should recognize patterns, spot associations and similarities, make analogies, and draw inferences from maps, graphs, and diagrams. |