Investigations in Environmental Science

Ninth-grade students are using "Investigations in Environmental Science" (IES), a high school inquiry-based environmental science curriculum funded by the National Science Foundation. This curriculum makes use of geographic visualization and data analysis tools.

Students take on the role of environmental scientists to address several challenges through an environmental science decision-making model. Students learn about the importance of the intelligent use of land, energy, and water in sustaining the environment. Students participate in activities to develop their complex thinking skills. These students analyze data and text-based information to inform their environmental decision-making. At the end of each unit, students must make recommendations for sustainable uses of resources.

Activities address authentic and contemporary environmental issues that these students will face as adults. We conjecture that, to be successful, students must employ reading-to-learn strategies that allow them to take full advantage of the units' activities.