Implementing the Earth System Science Curriculum in School through Research-Based Learning and Technology Enhancing 21st Century Skills

Abstract

According to IPST responsible for promoting the teaching of science from elementary to upper secondary schools in Thailand, IPST has developed Earth System Science curriculum since 2009 to raise understanding of the earth system, promote awareness of environmental problems, and increase 21st century skills in young generation. This study focused on implementing the ESS curriculum in schools to enhance 21st century skills and inspire students to become a young scientist based on research and technology. The process starts with recruit universities to be a partner, arrange a workshop, implement curriculum in school and finally, record student and teacher satisfaction by quantitative descriptive. After twelve years, the results show that, IPST and partners have implemented ESS curriculum in 896 participating schools of normal schools and enrichment science classroom schools all over the country. The schools integrated the curriculum as an additional subject, science subject, and science camps. ESS curriculum created research-based learning in STEM allowing students to employ their knowledge from various disciplines to conduct environmental research. Participants, including students and teachers had positive attitudes toward the curriculum, not only develop research skills, but also the 21st century skills, namely critical thinking, collaboration, communication, information literacy, technology literacy and social skills.