Earth Systems Science, Inc.

P.A.L.--Practical Applied Lessons

Practical Lessons

Earth Systems Science, Inc. makes practical lessons. Practical lessons are real world and relevant to learner, local environment, and job skills as defined the SCANS (the US Dept. of Labor, Secretary’s Commission on Acquiring Necessary Skills). There are 4 SCANS checklists of specific job skills employers expect in new workers. Using the SCANS lists make students conscious of the need to develop a solid inventory of work skills. People tend to learn better when the lessons have meaning to their life.

Earth Systems Science, Inc. also integrates basic study skills in all of its lessons. These help learners of all ages understand how to become their own best teacher. For younger students, it gives basic study techniques. For adults, it helps prepare them to become life-long learners. These study skill methods have been classroom proven over more than 20 years of teaching in both the US and overseas with both American and international students.

Applied Lessons

Applied lessons are relevant to both real world problems and integrate prior knowledge with the new lessons. Most schools create an artificially segmented or compartmentalized educational experience. Each subject is taught in isolation of the others. When in history class, students don’t really use math or chemistry. When in physics class, they don’t use art, English, or sociology. Earth Systems Science, Inc. lessons are built on Geography as the foundation. Geography integrates all physical, social, and life sciences simultaneously. The lessons integrate math, English, and various sciences. This gives the student the chance to use all of their knowledge as fully as possible. The lessons focus on their neighborhood. So they do the lessons "at home" and can see the reality and relevance of the lessons first hand.

Lessons are Informal, Hands-on, Interactive

Earth Systems Science, Inc. uses informal, hands-on, interactive learning activities in outdoor settings. The lessons are directly linked to local neighborhood topics. The lessons can also become family activities. The youth and their families are engaged and enjoy the innovative learning style. This shared learning experience helps foster a commitment to "life-long learning." This informal approach results in subtle learning that is relevant to the individual and the community. They can visit and revisit the lesson activity sites as often as they like because they are in the neighborhood. This helps reinforce the lessons. But more importantly, they can see and monitor changes over time.

© 2002, G.K. Lee. All rights reserved.

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earthsystemsscience@yahoo.com