What is the Base Camp Earth concept?

Take a team of four inquisitive students and one teacher. Give them four days to explore a topical science issue using an open-ended inquiry-based science research model. Put deep resources at their disposal - including access to scientists who are working on the topic, research assistants, and e-mail contacts that help with research and analysis via the Internet. Record their thoughts and findings as they go, and post a documentary account of their journey of exploration on the Web. These are the "virtual explorations" sponsored at Base Camp Earth to build a unique online resource to interest students in science.

 

Base Camp Earth aims to help science teachers
teach about dynamic "headline science."

Science teachers know that students are intrigued by emerging ("headline") science issues, and learn best by inquiry. But it's hard for science teachers to find deep resources for emerging science topics, and to find time to support open-ended inquiry-based science research in their classrooms.

Base Camp Earth can help. Encourage your students to visit our site and explore our virtual expeditions of emerging science issues. Each expedition will acquaint your students with a contemporary science topic and inquiry-based learning. The expedition is conducted by fellow students, which makes it accessible, inviting and fun.

Base Camp Earth is designed to be engaging for the science enthusiasts in your classroom - but even more inviting to bright students who might find traditional science stuffy or boring.

 

Base Camp Earth launched virtual explorations
of emerging science issues in the years 2000-2001.

BASE CAMP EARTH is a project of the National Teacher Enhancement Network (NTEN). NTEN is a program developed by the Burns Telecom Center at Montana State University - Bozeman. The Base Camp Earth pilot project was sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The project is currently inactive and seeking sponsorship.

Direct your questions and inquiries to the Burns Telecom Center.