Nevada Earth Space Science Initiative
(NESSI)
Nevada Earth / Space Science
Initiative (NESSI) is a program designed to enhance the conceptual and
activity-related Earth and space science content of 4 - 10th grade teachers and
pre-service teachers inNorthern
Nevada. Specific goals
of the program are to a) instill in participants a sense of confidence about
their ability to learn and teach basic Earth and space science content in an
inquiry manner that is transferable in the form of content knowledge to their
students; b) make participants competent users of the National Science Education
Standards and the revised Nevada Science Education Standards while having
participants achieve mastery of
Earth / science K-12
standards; c) foster professional growth, including presentation of content and
methodology to peers in school,
local, state, and national settings; d) make participants aware of the
relationship between Earth / science and technology in the school,
university, community, and industry; e) nurture the sense of community and
collaboration among participants that is possible with an intensive, long-term
program.
The
project consists of guided inquiry investigations in rocks, minerals, soil,
erosion, landforms, maps and GPS, plate tectonics, volcanoes, and solar system
(earth, moon, solar system, and constellations). The field component consists of field
instruction, observations, collections, and applied knowledge tasks. Includes 2 days / nights in
Mammoth Park, CA. exploring geological formations, 1 day /
night Ichthyosaur / Berlin park, and 2 days /
nights in Winnemucca,
NV. exploring local geology and
mining science with a tour / field experience at Newmont’s Phoenix Mine. Multiple opportunities will be
provided for collecting rock and mineral samples at different public land
areas.
Lead
Instructors:
University
of Nevada, Reno- David T. Crowther,
(UNR, College of Education) D.D. LaPointe, (Mackay School
of Earth Science), Dave Bennum (UNR Physics), Kelly Cannon, Washoe County School
District (WCSD), K12 Science Coordinator, and
Lou Loftin, Northwest Regional
Professional Development Program (NWRPDP).