TIES: Grant Information

Grant Info

HAS BEEN AWARDED A THREE-YEAR GRANT FROM THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

"TARGETED INVESTIGATIONS IN
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE"

PROJECT T.I.E.S.

Content
Integration

Science
and
Social
Science

Grades
9 - 12

Scientific Content

Concepts
of Data
Analysis

Sociological Concerns

Economic
and
Political
Perspective

Many states, including New Jersey and New York, have developed Core Content Curriculum Standards, Curriculum Frameworks, and assessment instruments that call for the integration of content areas such as science, mathematics, technology, and social science. This project will enable SCIENCE and SOCIAL SCIENCE teachers in grades 9-12 to address the need to integrate science and use technology to elucidate interdisciplinary linkages through incorporating Targeted Investigations in Environmental Science - TIES - into various courses. The TIES project examines humankind's use and disposal of chemicals, including the impact of decision-making on the environment and health. These issues center on linkages among: scientific content; concepts of data analysis; sociological concerns; economic considerations; and political perspectives.

The project has produced a combination of web-based instructional materials and CDs for educators. An extensive field test with 225 teachers (75 per year) in urban, suburban and rural communities in New Jersey and New York has been conducted at TIES "On-line" and "On-site" Institutes. The outcome has been a professional development "package" for nationwide distribution. Project evaluation has been based on: acquisition of knowledge; infusion of technology; and a shift to an interdisciplinary instructional approach by the teacher/participants.

TIES utilizes primary data from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); predictive modeling using Geographical Information Systems (GIS); functional use of the Internet; student-collected environmental data; research in science education; and (real-life) problem-solving through GIS. Chemicals "Targeted" by TIES include lead, mercury, radon, PCB's, reducing air pollutants (sulfur), oxidizing air pollutants (nitrogen, ozone), asbestos, and DDT.

Contact
Info

Teacher Introduction Page

For more Information please contact:
Dr. Angela Cristini
(201) 684-7724
or
acristin@ramapo.edu