Final Exam
(100 points)
As teachers I know that you are familiar with the various national and state standards defining what students should learn in school. This question does not relate to any particular set of standards or learning outcomes so you can either think about this question in general or in light of the particular standards that you are required to follow. Please answer these questions as an advocate for these standards (which I imagine is what you would be expected to do if you to do if challenged by a parent).
(a) explain to parents of your students why their children should be required to learn about ecology as part of their high school curriculum (2 page double spaced max)
(b) explain to parents of your students why their children should be required to learn about evolution as part of their high school curriculum (2 page double spaced max)
Extra Credit
Here is a chance for you to earn a little extra credit if you feel in the mood. (I don't put these questions here to imply that you are in desperate need to earn extra credit. Instead, I hope to provide some reward for you providing thoughts about the following issues in a relatively risk-free environment). you are not required to answer any of these questions.
(1) I asked you to answer the previous question as an advocate of the science standards. However, if you do not think that ecology or evolution should be included as topics in national/state/local science standards then please articulate your arguement.
(2) Please, provide a critique of the online textbook.
(3) There is a group of us here at Tech who are interested in helping you to provide the best possible science education to your students. We consider ourselves to be "content experts" and most of us consider that we are pretty good teachers at the college level. You guys, however, are the experts in best practices in the classroom. I would appreciate any suggestions about how we can help you. If you don't teach biology you can answer this question based on your discipline.
