Earth2Class (Earth to Class/E2C) is a unique professional development program created jointly by classroom teachers, research scientists, and educational technology specialists at Columbia University. Our approach integrates science content knowledge with increased understanding and skills about learning and technology in the classroom. Through weekend and summer workshops, K-14 teacher-participants combine presentations by research scientists about "cutting-edge" investigations with acquisition of new background information and classroom-ready applications.
Our web site provides a variety of resources for teachers and their students. These include one of the most comprehensive set of Earth Science curriculum units anywhere, web-based student investigations, links to useful Internet pages, links to national and state standards, and other features. The web site promotes learning opportunities outside the workshops, and has received enthusiastic reactions both from teachers involved in the workshops and others that have only viewed the web site. Plans for teleconferencing will allow teachers in other locations to participate in the workshops.