OFFERED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ST. THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE
GRADUATE EDUCATION COURSE GED 7214 (2 or 3 credits)
Our Planet Earth is but one component of the Solar System, which is but one component of the Milky Way Galaxy and the Universe. Understanding interactions between Earth, Sun, Moon, and other celestial objects provide greater awareness of such important concepts 
as energy flow, matter, Deep Time, and our personal place in the Universe.
This institute will offer opportunities to begin development of examples of State- and NGSS-based approaches to teaching these topics in middle and high school courses. Course sessions will be based at the Lamont Campus of Columbia University in Palisades, NY, with a field trip to the American Museum of Natural History. Special talks with LDEO scientists will give insights into cutting-edge research about key problems in these topics. Includes also writing, reading, art, and other skills.
Participants receive a 1-year membership in NESTA (National Earth Science Teachers Association.)
This institute is a component of the Earth2Class Workshops for Teachers.
Participants will:
- Review important NGSS and PS/ES disciplinary core concepts pertinent to teaching about Astronomy and Space Science in middle and high school Earth Science courses
- Examine selected cutting-edge research about these topics as examples for integrating science, technology, and engineering, and understanding cross-cutting relationships and the Nature of Science.
- Assess selected examples of existing lesson plans and develop additional plans for their own classes.
- Deepen their understanding of the role of informal science education experiences within formal curricula through a visit to the American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium.
NGSS CONNECTIONS NEW YORK STATE STANDARDS
CURRICULUM SUGGESTIONS COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
ON-CAMPUS SUMMER COURSE FORMAT
Instruction will incorporate seminar-, web-, and field-based formats, including visits to facilities on the campus of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and the American Museum of Natural History.
MEET IN THE LDEO BOREHOLE BUILDING 9 am – 4:30 pm.
Day 1 Introduction to the course
Completion of applicable registration forms
Overview of pertinent NGSS and State Science Standards
Exploration of selected lesson plans and activities
Day 2 Review/reflection about previous day’s concepts
Focus on Earth-Sun-Moon Key Concepts, Resources, Assessment
Effective use of informal science education experiences pertaining to Astronomy
Day 3 Review/reflection about previous day’s concepts
Focus on the Solar System and Stars: Key Concepts, Resources, Assessment
Effective use of informal science education experiences pertaining to weather
Visit to the AMNH
Day 4 Review/reflection about previous day’s concepts
Focus on the Deep Space and Cosmology: Key Concepts, Resources, Assessment
Developing effective lesson plans and hands-on experiences
Planning for submission of course projects
Day 5 For those taking this course for 3-credits: Additional Exploration of NASA and other resources
Sharing lesson plans developed to date
