Starting Early: Integrating Reasoning About Nanobiotechnology Applications to a Media Literacy Course for Preservice Elementary Teachers

• In Event: Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: College Student Learning and Outcomes Poster Session 2

Abstract

Scientific literacy is at the center of current educational debates about economic advancement This paper focuses on the preparation of college students for elementary school teaching with the purpose to educate the public about scientific innovation and related societal issues. Using a mixed method research design, we studied pre-service, elementary teachers’ attitudes about nanotechnology application to solve everyday problems. The results indicated that students had a “cautiously optimistic” attitude towards the application of nanotechnology. Their reasoning for this attitude changed noticeably after a problem-solving activity on helping citizens after a natural disaster. We anticipate that our work will be informative for AERA members who are interested in finding practice-focused ways to prepare students for educating a scientifically better-prepared public.

Authors

• Eva Erdosne Toth, West Virginia University

• Meadow Sherrill-Graham, West Virginia University