Gaia theory proposes that the Earth operates as a self-regulating and
self-sustaining living system.
The
theory, first proposed by James Lovelock in the 1970s, has become
increasingly
accepted in the scientific community, especially in the fields of earth
systems
science and geophysiology.
While a
considerable amount of technical literature has been published on the Gaia
theory, little has been done to incorporate the theory into an educational
curriculum. Traditional K-12
science classes generally study geology, biology, physics, and chemistry as
separate and distinct disciplines.
We
believe that the Gaia theory, however, represents a holistic,
cross-disciplinary
educational model that can enhance student understanding of science,
especially
in the K-12 classroom.
In this poster presentation, we sought to determine how the concepts
of
Gaia, ecology, and the web of life could be incorporated into the K-12
classroom. Although originally designed as a presentation for fourth grade
students as part of a STEMTEC Science and Math Teaching course at Holyoke
Community College, the poster depicts illustrations and text that are
suitable
for K-12 students.
The
display is a storybook-style environmental science curriculum that is
intended
to introduce a variety of scientific and ecological concepts to students.
The
poster emphasizes the complex interrelationships between the earth, air,
water,
flora, fauna, and human activity. Our goal was to promote a greater
understanding of the relationships between organisms and the non-living
environment for elementary, middle, and high school classrooms.
Accompanying
the poster presentation is an annotated bibliography of a broad selection of
environmental literature suitable for K-12 students, as well as available
teachers’ manuals. This project (both the multiple-poster presentation and
the
annotated bibliography) evolved through three semesters and two STEMTEC
courses
at Holyoke Community College: A first-year Honors learning community on
nature
and ecology, an Honors Colloquium on Gaia, and a STEMTEC course on Science
and
Math Teaching.