Geography and Environmental Studies Department
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Title
Developing Cross-Curricula Activities for Remote Teaching of Earth and Environmental Science with Primary Sources from the Library of Congress
Synopsis
STEM curriculum benefits from including primary source analysis. The approach integrates science and society studies, engages students in active learning and inquiry, develops critical thinking, advances spatial skills by investigating real-world situations, as well as it accommodates various learning styles, and provides multiple perspectives by utilizing sources of different formats. Teaching with primary sources provides opportunities for both teamwork and individual research where students form opinions and construct statements while connecting primary source evidence, such as the COVID pandemic impact on the environment. Cross-curricular connections and discussions flourish when science and social studies students investigate together the evidence and impacts of climate change and/or water pollution on legislation and society.