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Wednesday, 14 July 2004: 4:15 PM-5:00 PM | |||
Oceanic 4 (Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel) | |||
J-1: An Integrated Approach to Teaching Basic Science to All Ages | |||
| Detailed Description: | In 1998 a popular undergraduate science class (University of Florida) was adapted as a web-based distance learning class. The outline of this class follows a timeline from the big bang to the future and integrates the life, earth, and physical sciences. In 2000 this outline was used to plan and execute a three year science program for 2-4 graders. As this presentation will show, this outline can be adapted for any age group. | ||
| Presentation Format: | Showcase | ||
| Topic: | Enabling learning: Effective instructional practices and flexible design models | ||
| Target Audience: | Faculty and Other Instructors, K-12 Educational Staff | ||
| Appropriate Audience Level: | Beginning or new users of WebCT, Experienced WebCT users | ||
| Abstract Text: | Plants, Plagues and People is a popular lecture class that can be taken at the University of Florida by undergraduates that are non-science majors to complete their science requirements for graduation. Its original purpose was to introduce the field of Plant Pathology to young college students. However, as the class developed it became clear that the scope of this class was far more broadly based. The class is taught on a timeline that starts with the Big Bang and the formation of stars and planets (Physics and Chemistry), goes through the formation of the earth (earth science) and the evolution of the five kingdoms of life (life sciences). The last part of the class attempts to apply the science learned to human history from the time humans first developed agriculture to the present and then into the future (technology). In 1998 the class was adapted as a web-based distance learning class that is taken by students in all walks of life from around the state of Florida. This move allowed the class to use the internet and the tools of WebCT as a major resource for expanding student learning opportunities. In 2000 the timeline framework of this class was applied successfully to teaching 2-4 graders. Based on this experience the author believes that the integrated framework of this college class is adaptable to the teaching of almost any age group from kindergarten to PhDs. It would also be an excellent course for education majors. | ||
| Session Leader: | Carlye A. Baker Division of Plant Industry (also Courtesy Professor of University of Florida, Dept Plant Pathology) | ||
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