Access to this thesis is limited to Boise State University students and employees or persons using Boise State University facilities.

Off-campus Boise State University users: To download Boise State University access-only theses/dissertations, please select the "Off-Campus Download" button and enter your Boise State username and password when prompted.

Publication Date

10-8-2013

Type of Culminating Activity

Dissertation - Boise State University Access Only

Degree Title

Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Department

Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies

Supervisory Committee Chair

Keith Thiede, Ph.D.

Abstract

Place-based education (PBE) seeks to provide students with a rich and meaningful context for science learning through connecting classroom study to experiences in the local environment. This study contributes to the field a quantitative assessment of student science learning in the context of an innovative PBE program. The study compares student learning across two distinct PBE elements: in-class presentation and on-snow field experience. Fifth and sixth grade students (n = 234) were assessed pre/post for knowledge of physical science concepts. A three-way ANOVA revealed the greatest main effect for on-snow field experience, followed by in-class presentation. A significant interaction indicated that the combination of these treatments produced more learning than can be explained by the individual treatments themselves. Results thus demonstrated significant quantifiable gains in student learning and worked to validate the PBE curriculum model.

Share

COinS