Collecting Data to Explore Plastic Pollution in Our Communities - EDC-X762R

Course Description

Credit Validation for National Geographic Society Online Course Participants Only

The most democratic goal of education is to develop engaged citizens who are able to investigate compelling questions about their community and the world around them. National Geographic has developed the Geo-Inquiry Process as one way to achieve this goal by positioning students to develop the attitudes, skills, knowledge, and tools of geographers, scientists, and active citizens. The Geo-Inquiry Process provides a systematic way to investigate and understand the world through the patterns, processes, and interactions between human and natural systems, take action on issues, and make a difference in communities. In this course, learners will dive into a key step of Geo-Inquiry Process —collecting data—as you explore the plastic waste crisis. Two National Geographic Expeditions will provide context and inspiration for the importance of data collection in current research: Sea to Source and Mount Everest.

Make sure you are enrolled in the Collecting Data to Explore Plastic Pollution in Our Communities course with the National Geographic Society. Visit the National Geographic Society website to enroll in this course.

Learner Outcomes

• Understand the role of data collection in the Geo-Inquiry Process and its relationship to NGSS and/or C3 standards
• Increase their content knowledge about plastic pollution at global, regional, and local scales
• Design an engaging and civic-minded data collection plan to investigate compelling questions about plastic waste with appropriate data collection strategies and tools
• Share and reflect on their teaching practice in a collaborative online environment

Course Details

Number of Units: 2.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for National Geographic Society online course participants.