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Instructional
Video: |
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Background
Information
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 America's
schools are being called upon by business and industry to produce scientifically
literate students who can think critically, problem solve and make informed
decisions. Students, as well as adults, are increasingly confronted with
questions that require the processing of information and demand the use
of scientific thinking in order to make informed decisions. Whether the
decision appears to be simple (the salad line or the hot food line at
school lunch), or of a more complex nature (to smoke or not to smoke),
students should, given the opportunity, be able to make an informed decision
based upon a methodology that is rational and scientific. |
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Teaching
decision-making skills has not traditionally been an integral part of
science education; however, one of the most important things students
need is an understanding of how to develop scientific ways of thinking
in order to make decisions. The National Science Education Standards
point out that "Americans are confronted increasingly with questions in
their lives that require scientific information and scientific ways of
thinking for informed decision making" and that everyone should be able
to "...engage intelligently in public discourse and debate about matters
of scientific and technological concern." These concerns and the decisions
associated with them (whether of a personal or civic nature), are often
complex. Because students have different experiences and interests, they
do not all view a problem in the same way. It is essential for educators
to provide opportunities for students through which they can gain the
experiences that will help them master the skills of informed decision
making. |
| Four
of the eight categories of the National Science Content Standards
reflect the skills of decision making, i.e. Science as Inquiry, Science
and Technology, Science in the Personal and Social Perspective, and History
and Nature of Science. These skills are also reflected in the four strands
of the Excellence in Environmental Education-Guidelines for Learning
(K-12): Questioning and Analysis Skills, Knowledge of Environmental
Processes and Systems, Skills for Understanding and Addressing Environmental
Issues and Personal and Civic Responsibility. |
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| Module II includes one teacher professional development "how to" video and four student video lessons. The professional development video is not meant for student viewing but rather is designed to help teachers better understand the decision making process by providing a model of some strategies that may be used in the decision making process. The video is facilitated by textbook author and science educator Michael DiSpezio, who takes classroom teachers through the decision making processes outlined in the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) publication, Decisions-Based on Science. In the video, participants apply a variety of decision-making strategies including importance bars, decision charts, and the identification of both options and outcomes to relevant every day examples. These strategies can also be used by students to develop their own decision-making skills as they apply them to situations outlined in the four student videos in this module. |
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The four student videos in this module are described below along with information on the student activities:
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A
Zoo View examines the evolution of zoos from early menageries to
modern educational and enrichment facilities. Students research ways
to provide for endangered species and their habitats. 
Extreme
Weather focuses on severe weather phenomena and their effects on
both people and the environment. Using background information and evidence
provided, students must decide whether a city should be evacuated. 
Tackle
Trash identifies the growing amount of waste generated by our society
and focuses on the need for waste reduction. Students investigate a
midden and determine ways to reduce the consumption of valuable resources.
Your
Burger and the World addresses some of the environmental issues
associated with the classic American burger! In the activities, students
gain knowledge of their role as consumers so they may make environmentally
friendly choices.|
For additional information contact:
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