Acronyms Site Map

Are "cookbook" labs the best way to engage high school students in learning fundamental earth science concepts? Can real data be used by high school questions to investigate research questions and put together the answers? A move towards inquiry-based science education has shown that the latter is possible.

In this webinar, Ted shows us how selected inquiry-based labs are used to engage students in the scientific process and develop skills needed for future science classes. Students collect and organize data, inquire, predict, experiment, analyze, and use technology to explore concepts that crosscut Earth Science disciplines. Specifically, this webinar focuses on how oceans are used to strengthen the student's understanding of pressure, density, heat energy, and salinity, and then how we connect these concepts to the ocean-atmosphere interface and its role in climate change.



During the presentation, Ted used a concept map to provide a context for his Earth Science curriculum, with tie-ins to topics that the students will learn (or will have learned) in other classes. The map, which includes example activities, student work, and videos, is available below.

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Ted Taylor teaches Environmental Science and Chemistry at Korea International School (Seoul, South Korea), after teaching 17 years at Bangor High School in Bangor, Maine. He is a Professional Maine Geologist and holds a BA degree from Colby College and an MS degree from Lehigh University, both in Geology, and a Maine Teaching Certificate with a Physical Science endorsement. He focuses on teaching the scientific process through inquiry and real-world applications.