Effects the Surrounding Environment has on Science SOL Test Scores for Urban, Rural, and Suburban School Locations

Student Author Information

Rachel Cooke, University of LynchburgFollow

Location

Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center

Access Type

Campus Access Only

Entry Number

41

Start Date

4-10-2019 12:00 PM

End Date

4-10-2019 1:15 PM

College

College of Education, Leadership Studies, and Counseling

Department

Education

Abstract

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

Chinese Proverb

This adage has been especially relevant in science education, as involving students in the “doing” of science may be key to science literacy. We test this theory by comparing district-level pass rates on 5^th grade science SOLs in districts that have implemented the relatively new pedagogy of Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences, MWEEs in their classrooms, and those who have not. Districts that utilize MWEEs have higher 5^th grade science SOL pass rates and Advanced pass rates, and pass rates are significantly positively correlated to MWEE utilization in elementary school curricula. These results argue for broader utilization of MWEEs, and other outdoor environmental education practices in Virginia.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Dr. Gregory Eaton

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