essedesignguide.org

• In what ways are these learning modules exemplary?

These learning modules share a vision of Earth system science as an interdisciplinary endeavor (Scientific Framework of Earth System Science) and were designed and evaluated with support from the ESSE21 community for teaching and learning (Teaching Learning and Evaluation). Many offer distinct perspectives on Earth system science, such as an urban focus. Many have demonstrated their value with audiences underrepresented in the sciences.

• How can I best use these modules in teaching a course?

Each module has a descriptive “wrapper” that includes useful information, such as its rationale, its learning objectives, its target audience, types of activities supported, and instructor’s tips. The various sections of the Design Guide also provide general background information and guidance for instructors developing courses and programs.

• How do these modules compare to the collections in the Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE)?

These learning modules are products of the ESSE21 community designed for university-level education. They are being incorporated into the Digital Library for Earth System Education, which is a much larger national collection of various types of learning resources for diverse target audiences.

• Are these modules linked to science education standards?

No. Formal science education standards have not been developed for university-level education. National science education standards for K-12 education have been published by the National Academies Press.

• How have these learning modules been evaluated?

The faculty members who created the learning modules designed their evaluation instruments for students using the modules. More information about evaluation may be found in the descriptions of the learning modules as well as in the ESSE21 Evaluation Toolkit. Learning modules are also in varying stages of external review by national collections, such as the NASA Earth Science Education Review and the Digital Library for Earth System Education.