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Investigations in EnvironmentalScienceA Case-Based Approach to the Study of Environmental Systems(CASES)

Meridith A. BruozasGEODE InitiativeSchool of Education and SocialPolicyNorthwestern University

Developed by: GEODE InitiativeNorthwestern University

Published by Its About Time

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Research-based Pedagogy:

Learning-for-Use Approach

Case-based

Integrated Technology

Interactive Media

Interactive Model

GIS

Evidence-based Decision Making

Aspects ofInvestigations in Environmental Science

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Pedagogy: Learning-for-Use

Create Demand Elicit Curiosityor

Reflect

Balance of direct experience,indirect experience, and explanation

Reflect

Reflec

t

Apply

Motivate

Construct Knowledge

Organize Knowledge

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Research-Driven Development Process

Informed by research on science learning

Developed by inter-disciplinary teams of developersand teachers

Field tested three times and revised over 5-year period

Rigorous scientific review

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Each Unit is organized around major environmental issues

The three major units:

Land Use(8 weeks)

Energy Generation(12 weeks)

Water Resources(12 weeks)

Time for teacher selected favorite unit or investigation

of local environment

Scope and Sequence

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Case:A school population is growing and in need of more space.The community has designated land for the new school.The land is home to a species of special concern.

Problem:How can we build a school that satisfies the needs of thecommunity and also saves the ecosystem of the species ofspecial concern?

Unit 1: Land Use

Key Content:

PopulationResources

Ecosystems

Introduces major curriculum elements:

Tension between populations andresources

Use of GIS software toolsEvidence-based decision makin

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Chapter 1: A New School

Chapter 2: Populations

Chapter 3: Resources

Chapter 4: Ecosystems

Chapter 5: Case StudiesChapter 6: Florida School Project

Unit 1: Land Use Chapters

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Decision making in Investigations in EnvironmentalScience

Identify the constraints and problems posed

Determine multiple solutions

Map out consequences to each solution

Identify stakeholders

Articulate the decision makers values

Justify decision with scientific evidence

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Case:As human population grows, so does theneed for electricity. Different places in theUS can generate electricity in different

ways. Selecting an appropriate energysource to meet the needs of a specificlocation (Vermont, New Mexico, orWyoming)

Problem:Given a specific US location,what type ofalternative energy would be best for theresources in this area?

Key Content:

Energy Transformation

Emissions, acid rain, global climate change Energy sources (fossil fuels & alternative

Unit 2: Energy Generation

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Simulations of complex processes

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Visualize and Analyze real world data

Investigations in Environmental Science

Role of Technology (GIS)

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Unit 2: Energy Generation Chapters

Chapter 1: Electricity

Chapter 2: Fossil Fuels

Chapter 3: Impacts (of fossil fuels)

Chapter 4: Plant Siting

Chapter 5: Global Climate Change

Chapter 6: Alternative Energy

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Unit 3: Water Management Chapters

Chapter 1: Soil

Chapter 2: Agriculture

Chapter 3: Dams

Chapter 4: Salmon

Chapter 5: Aquifers

Chapter 6: Water Management

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Research-based Pedagogy:

the Learning-for-Use Approach

Case-based

Integrated Technology

Interactive Media

Interactive Model

GIS

Evidence-based Decision Making

Aspects of a Investigations in Environmental Science

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