This presentation will provide a description of an environmental education program for 5th and 6th grade students and their teachers. The program is designed to: 1) enhance urban teachers' and students' scientific literacy with an emphasis on their relationship with the Chesapeake Bay system; 2) increase interest by underrepresented popuplations in earth/environmental science fields; 3) increase students' abilities to conduct authentic scientific inquiry using appropriate technologies; and 4) increase teacher's knowledge and use of technology-enhanced, inquiry-based instructional strategies. Major program components include the use of buoys and probeware to conduct citizen science, building partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and empowering teachers and students to share what they have learned with the community.

Dr. Dickerson received a Ph.D. in Science Education from North Carolina State University. He currently holds the position of Associate Professor of Science Education in the Department of STEM Education and Professional Studies at Old Dominion University. His research interests focus on the nature of science in science education, socio-scientific issues in science education, and environmental and environmnental science education teaching and learning.

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