Infusing Earth Systems concepts throughout the curriculum: An evaluation of NSF’s Program for Leadership in Earth Systems Education

The Program for Leadership in Earth Systems Education (PLESE) was designed to introduce Earth Systems Education into the K-College curriculum.  To do this PLESE conducted intensive three-week summer workshops with teachers in grades 4-12.  The summative evaluation of PLESE investigated both outcomes and impacts and was conducted by the external evaluator, Horizon Research, Inc.  The evaluation examined the extent to which teachers increased their understanding of global change and constructivist learning, and their awareness of ESE resources.  In addition the evaluation examined how ESE was being used in classes and how it had been disseminated within and across school districts.  Evaluation data collection methods included teacher questionnaires, focus groups and interviews.  The evaluation results were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PLESE program and to justify additional National Science Foundation support.