LRES 580-01 Stream Side Science

HANDS-ON APPROACHES TO WATER QUALITY EDUCATION

Jun 9-Jul 25, 2008

LRES 580-01
STREAMSIDE SCIENCE: HANDS-ON APPROACHES TO WATER QUALITY EDUCATION
Jun 09-Jul 25, 2008

For 8-12 Grade Teachers
Credits: 3 graduate
Time Commitment: 18-21 HOURS PER WEEK
Cost: $879.45

The primary goal of this course is to increase the water resource knowledge of students through hands-on, field-based curriculum. To accomplish this, students will be asked to adopt a local stream and perform lab assignments "in the field" to better understand hands-on water quality monitoring techniques. The course will improve the teaching skills of secondary science teachers utilizing distant delivery technologies. By completing this course, secondary science teachers will have a better understanding and hands-on working knowledge of the characterization and quantification of water quality as it relates to secondary school science curriculum and environmental issues on a global scale. Curriculum standards will be linked to each lesson plan so that teachers can easily incorporate the content into their core curriculum.

MEETING PLACE AND TIMES:
Teachers login to the course at a time of day that best fits their schedule. It is necessary to login at least 4 to 6 times per week and plan on spending 18 to 21 hours per week for 7 weeks to successfully complete this 3 credit course.

INSTRUCTOR(S):
Suzanna Carrithers, ME. Suzanna is the Education Coordinator for the Montana State University Extension Water Quality program. The primary focus of her work has been designing water quality and soil science educational materials for extension audiences, as well as develops and delivers online water quality and soil science courses for teachers and professional practitioners. Suzanna received her bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana and her master's degree in Education at MSU.

Amber Kirkpatrick , MS. Amber is a research associate with the Montana State University Extension Water Quality Program. She received an undergraduate degree in Earth Sciences-physical geography and soils-from Montana State University. Graduate research investigated constructed wetlands as an option for management of coal bed methane (CBM) product water locally and saline-sodic water globally. Professional experience has been centered on water quality monitoring including water accounting and defining flow/sediment relationships for the Toston Irrigation District and monitoring water quality in the Jack Creek watershed.

PREREQUISITES:
Bachelor's degree; teaching certification for secondary grades 8-12 science; two years of experience teaching science; completion of NTEN's offering Water Quality in the Classroom: A Characterization of the Science and Issues is encouraged but not required.

TARGET AUDIENCE:
In-service, place/professional bound 8-12 grade secondary science teachers, particularly those involved or assigned to teaching chemistry, physical and earth sciences, biology and geography.

TIME COMMITMENT:
18 -21 hours per week. If you are unfamiliar with this field of study and/or method of delivery, you may require more time.

Most lab materials will be shipped to you by Montana State University before the beginning of the course. Some materials are covered by your materials fee while other lab equipment must be returned after the conclusion of the course at your expense. The items being returned do not need to be sent back via express or anything, but can be returned via a more economical shipping rate. Students will be expected to have some materials - see lik below for a description of tose materials.

The cost of the course assumes that you are taking only online courses from Montana State University (MSU) and/or specially designated off-campus or campus courses through MSU Extended University during the semester that the course is offered. If you are also taking regular face-to-face courses from Montana State University, other costs may apply.

The MSU fees for this course include a $3.15 per credit hour computer fee.

Montana State University charges a $30 registration fee per student per semester. If you have not yet paid this fee, you may do so when you register for this course.

To learn more, please see the University Business Services' Student Accounts Web page.

REQUIRED BOOKS/MATERIALS:

Your course kit is covered by the materials fee that you paid at the time of registration, including textbook, supplemental reading materials, and lab materials and equipment. This will be provided by Montana State University a week or so before the course begins. Some items are covered by your course materials fee while other lab equipment must be returned to Montana State University following the conclusion of the course at your expense. These items do not need to be sent back via express or anything, but can be returned via a more economical shipping rate.

ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES:

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS:

This course uses WebCT. Learn More

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Suzanna Carrithers at scarrithers@montana.edu.

Stream Side Science Weekly Outline & Supply List

Stream Side Science Equipment Specifications and Sources

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