NASA EPSCoR: Simple, Hands-On, Experiment-Based Climate Change Science Instruction for Middle and High School Science Teachers

We propose to conduct a summer workshop during which basic scientific concepts underlying climate change are described to middle or high school science teachers through: pre-experiment lectures, hands-on experiments made using inexpensive materials, subsequent group discussion of experimental results and theory, computer-based satellite data acquisition, and instructions on critical use of the internet. Resources from NASA will be used in all aspects. Expected outcomes are gains in teacher enthusiasm and knowledge of this subject that they can convey to their students. We will foster a workshop environment that will enable continuing/post-workshop interaction between teachers and participating faculty.