SMT598 Section 3: Data Data Everywhere! Making sense of environmental inquiry in a sea of online data

This course includes how to locate, download, and learn from environmental data available on the Web. Participants will learn science and technology skills needed to answer original and meaningful questions by downloading and interpreting different kinds of data about Maine’s environment. A goal is to stimulate opportunities for students to think critically and solve interesting and meaningful questions about their local and regional environment. Participants will develop evidence to support an answer to an original question using archived environmental data available online. They will then design a lesson plan that engages students in their own evidence-based environmental research activity using online data.

Target audience: In-service and pre-service middle and high school science or mathematics teachers, Maine Learning Technology Initiative teachers, and environmental educators at public and private environmental education institutions.

Taught by: Molly Schauffler, Assistant Professor, Climate Change Institute and Center for Science and Mathematics Education Research (Adjunct)

Initial meetings: Wednesday afternoon through noon Friday, at the Schoodic Education and Research Center; housing will be provided.