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Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners DR. JAMES E. HOLLENBECK, PH. D. PROFESSOR OF SCIENCE EDUCATION FULBRIGHT RESEARCH CHAIR- LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY INDIANA UNIVERSITY SOUTHEAST JEHOLLEN@IUS.EDUJEHOLLEN@IUS.EDU (ALL LOWER CASE LETTERS) Slide 2 Two distinct cultures: those represented by scientists on the one hand, and those Snow termed 'literary intellectuals' on the other. If the former are in favour of social reform and progress through science, technology and industry (7 May 1959) 2 Slide 3 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners The Humanities, or Human Philosophy, has been reserved to the branches of learning that encompasses: history, literature, or philosophy. This is the study of the human condition. 3 Slide 4 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners In 1962, in response, L.S. Kubie called Science the greatest of all humanities as it has the humility and honesty to correct its errors. Science implores its inquirers to tease the evidence, examine the evidence, and test the validity of its outcome. Karl Popper asserts that science must withstand the test of falsifiability. 4 Slide 5 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners Teaching STEM education today evolved after 1957 as a response to the Space Race. 5 Slide 6 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners The Need for Science Literacy The United States National Center for Education Statistics: "Scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity, 1996. 6 Slide 7 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners A scientifically literate person is defined as one who has the capacity to: understand experiment and reasoning as well as basic scientific facts and their meaning. ask, find, or determine answers to questions derived from curiosity about everyday experiences. describe, explain, and predict natural phenomena. 7 Slide 8 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners A scientifically literate person is defined as one who has the capacity to: read with understanding articles about science in the popular press and to engage in social conversation about the validity of the conclusions identify scientific issues underlying national and local decisions and express positions that are scientifically and technologically informed evaluate the quality of scientific information on the basis of its source and the methods used to generate it pose and evaluate arguments based on evidence and to apply conclusions from such arguments appropriately 8 Slide 9 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners NSTA advocates that K16 science and technology instruction should be provided within the context of personal and societal issues. NSTA strongly promotes the education of a citizenry that is scientifically and technologically literate as defined in the National Science Education Standards (NRC, 1996). This requires that we not only know, understand, and value scientific and technological concepts, processes, and outcomes, but that we are able to use and apply science and technology in our personal and social lives (Zeidler, 2003). Science and technology play a central role in our society and their connection to our nation's competitiveness and future economic prosperity (Business Roundtable, 2005). 9 Slide 10 Science, Technology and Society A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners The scientific literate person has substantial knowledge to solve problems, network concepts, develop processing skills that enable the individual to learn and develop their community. This is the genesis of community development. 10 Slide 11 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners Construction of a Successful STEM Curriculum Identification of local, regional, national and international interests and impact. Use of resources (human and material) to locate information that can be used to solve problems. Active participation of learners engaged in problem solving issues. 11 Slide 12 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners Construction of a Successful STEM Curriculum The focus goes beyond the class period, the classroom and school. Learning is discovery beyond the student, and the world expands to mastery of concepts and applications. Students become problem-solvers. 12 Slide 13 Science, Technology and Society A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners Construction of a Successful STEM Curriculum STEM Education emphasizes career education and future learning. Students know how science works. Emphasis on real science vs pseudo-science. 13 Slide 14 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners Are the concepts of STEM education too big for elementary students? STEM education is perfect for young, curious learners. Research has consistently confirmed meaningful, long-term learning occurs and learners are confident in approaching new problems. 14 Slide 15 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners Unlike traditional classrooms the STS classroom learners are allowed to: Question, Explain their hypothesis, Devise experiments, And, be creative. Teaching STS is natural and esteem- building. 15 Slide 16 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners Teaching STS with STEM education is teaching for the future. 16 Slide 17 Constructivist Learning Model (CLM) is the basis of successful STS/STEM Teaching Methodology: Allowing student thinking to drive lessons or unit plans; Shifting activities and content plans to fit student responses, interests, and ideals; Encourage student generation of ideas, greater participation in student learning, displays of leadership, and autonomy in planning and doing. 17 Slide 18 Constructivist Learning Model (CLM) is the basis of successful STS/STEM Teaching Methodology: Encourages students to expand and follow up on their ideals; Uses cooperative learning strategies that emphasize collaboration, respect for individuality, and division of labour tactics; Encourages adequate time for reflection and analysis; Respects all ideas that students generate. 18 Slide 19 When the Constructivist Learning Model (CLM) is used in conjunction with the STS/STEM Teaching Methodology the following happens: Your science education program is responsive to your students, unlike university-based or commercially based programs; Teachers with the assistance of local experts will actively participate in the planning of programs, reflective of community values; Students claim ownership of learning. 19 Slide 20 When the Constructivist Learning Model (CLM) is used in conjunction with the STS/STEM Teaching Methodology the following happens: Self-instruction by students is evident, and individualized instruction is made possible, and more effective than age-group instruction; Teachers are active education leaders and facilitators of learning. Because the program is locally produced, the community has a stake in its success. 20 Slide 21 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners Building the Curriculum: First, student participation is vital. Pose the topic, let them think about it. Have them brainstorm. Record all appropriate responses. Establish the ground rules that all responses are acceptable and no idea is to be criticized. Watch the creativity! 21 Slide 22 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners Quick Scenario on Climates Step One: Student Generated Questions: Whats the difference between climate and weather? What makes climate the way it is? Whats a microclimate? Can we change the climate? Did climate change kill the dinosaurs? Can we really change the climate? 22 Slide 23 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners Second Step: Organization and Research teams: Divide into small teams of three students, determine the questions and research targets Identify information sources. They can use their textbooks to start, library resources, local experts, legitimate internet resources, etc. The teacher is a facilitator and manager of resources during this process. 23 Slide 24 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners What are they finding out? Effects of deforestation, salination of soil, urban island effects, ocean currents, industrial and agricultural gases. The effect of the industrial revolution on climate; microclimate effects. They are investigating topics far and beyond what a traditional class would have. 24 Slide 25 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners Other things that occurred: A local meteorologist was invited by the students and came to the class. Several groups developed weather models, and followed weather reports to identify microclimates. A solar panel sales representative came and talked about using solar energy panels. 25 Slide 26 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners Assessment?? Students are accountable, be sure the standards are part of the students' work. Use the students' work for assessments. Have rubrics developed ahead of time and have students do self and peer assessments. I always have the students do a scientific paper and a class presentation. 26 Slide 27 Science, Technology and Society: A Smart Approach to Interdisciplinary Science Teaching for Tomorrows Learners The world has changed in such a way that scientific literacy has become necessary for everyone, not just a privileged few; science education will have to make that possible. James Rutherford and Andrew Ahlgren, Science for All Americans, 1990 27