COURSE DESCRIPTION
Participants will conduct, refine and complete ~ 21 secondary-level activities focused on Alaskan volcanism. Participants will assign appropriate Alaska’s science standards (GLEs) to the activities. Participants will also compile and add vocabulary lists to the activities, and determine the length of time needed to complete the activities, the desired setting in which to conduct the activities and appropriate assessment and/or follow-up for the activities. These activities will be published in an Alaska volcanoes teacher guidebook by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in their General Interest Publication (GIP) series.
The activities are intended for grades 6-11 and will be used for the stand-alone GIP publication available through the USGS, and additionally the GIP will accompany a trunk (aka kit) of associated materials to be housed at least a half dozen agencies and clearinghouses throughout Alaska for check-out by teachers for classroom use. Participants will also determine the needed, associated materials to be provided in this trunk.
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HOMEWORK
Homework will be assigned. This will consist of reviewing resource materials presented at the beginning of each activity for relevance, ease in access, and comprehension. Suggestions for additional or substitution resources will be required. Students must furnish their own computer and internet access in order to work on activities and must submit their assignments on-time via email to the instructor. |
ATTENDANCE
It is expected that participants will fully attend all planned sessions as listed. The compilation of the guidebook and associated kit requires active and consistent participation. Anticipated Class Enrollment: ~5 - 15. |
CLASS SIZE
In order to work efficiently and continuously, the class should be limited to no fewer than five and no more than fifteen participants. Participating students will receive acknowledgement in the USGS publication. |
NOTES TO PARTICIPANTS
If you have a special need that requires the attention of the instructor, please make that need known immediately at the first class session.As stated in the Participant Handbook and the University Catalog, "cheating on examinations and plagiarism (submitting the work of others as one's own) are examples of prohibited conduct. Participants who engage in such activities will be subject to disciplinary measures, which may include failure in the course or expulsion from the University.” |
COURSE OBJECTIVES
As they engage in the refinement and expansion of the preexisting secondary-level activities focused on Alaska’s volcanoes, participants will: |
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Attitudes: The Participants will |
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Demonstrate a commitment to improving and expanding preexisting materials. |
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Become a champion for one (or more) aspect(s) of volcano science and demonstrate a commitment to further ideas on how to teach that focus to students in the classroom.
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Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other participants, subject experts, community members, and others to identify and fully utilize all available resources available for the content at hand.
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Model habits that encourage critical thinking and apply place-based methodologies and self-directed learning skills to analyze problems involving natural hazards and society. |
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Processes: The Participants will |
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Employ inquiry, cooperative learning, and hands-on, minds-on experiences in expanding and presenting activities. |
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Employ inquiry- based and hands-on tools in teaching and learning. |
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Distinguish the skills necessary for hazards analysis and calls-to-action. |
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Develop, teach and evaluate activities appropriate for grade 6 - 11 classrooms using state guidelines and standards. |
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Understanding or Skills: The Participants will |
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Assess materials for current, factual information and appropriate language. |
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Identify potential bias in materials. |
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Evaluate materials in terms of cultural and ethnic diversity. |
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Distinguish the factors contributing to natural hazards awareness. |
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Classify materials according to their support of higher-order thinking skills. |
| GRADES / EXPECTATIONS / ASSIGNMENTS |
A |
full attendance, full and enthusiastic participation in assessment or discussion of materials, and full contribution or development of new materials (activities, guide, resource list(s)) for kit and construction of kit |
B |
full attendance, regular participation in assessment or discussion of materials, and contribution or development of new materials (activities, guide, resource list(s)) for kit |
C |
partial attendance, acceptable participation in assessment or discussion of materials, and contribution or development of new materials (activities, guide, resource list(s)) for kit |
D |
partial attendance, limited participation in assessment or discussion of materials, or contribution or development of new materials (activities, guide, resource list(s)) for kit |
F |
irregular attendance, no participation in assessment or discussion of materials, no contribution or development of new materials (activities, guide, resource list(s)) for kit |
