Integrate Earth Science into your Physics Classroom

Integrate Earth Science into your Physics Classroom


Explore The Earth Scientist - Published by NESTA

We are excited to share the latest issue of The Earth Scientist, the quarterly journal from the National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA). Designed for K–12 educators, this peer-reviewed publication offers practical classroom activities, the latest scientific insights, and innovative teaching strategies focused on Earth and space science.

This special edition is dedicated to a timely and important theme: integrating Earth and space science concepts into high school physics courses. As Earth science topics become increasingly essential for understanding climate, natural resources, and space phenomena, today's educators are finding new ways to blend Earth science and physics together in meaningful, standards-driven instruction.


What You'll Find Inside


Challenges of Teaching Earth and Space Science in a High School Physics Course
Michael Wysession
Page 7-11
Discusses how NGSS has opened the door for integrating Earth science into physics classes and curricular models to make it happen.

Coronal Mass Ejections and Earth’s Space Weather Environment
Sten Odenwald, Hilarie Davis
Page 13-20
Explains the science behind CMEs and provides a classroom modeling activity for students to predict space weather impacts.

Elevating Student Agency to Explore Big Earth and Space Science Ideas with PhET Interactive Simulations
Rebecca E. Vieyra and others
Page 22-28
Guides teachers on using free PhET simulations to explore concepts like the greenhouse effect and planetary motion with students.

Geophysics is Much More Than You Think
DeeDee Okamoto, Beth Pratt-Sitaula, Shelley Olds, Michael Hubenthal
Page 29-38
Introduces geophysics tools like GPS and Lidar to bring real-world Earth science into physics classrooms.

A Heliocentric Pedagogy: Sun-Anchored Science with NASA HEAT
Rebecca E. Vieyra, Ramón E. López, Brad Ambrose, Ximena C. Cid, Darsa Donelan, Shannon Willoughby
Page 39-44
Uses solar events like CMEs and magnetic fields to teach physics concepts, supported by NASA's HEAT initiative.

Beyond Physics: Integrating Renewable Energy and Engineering Design into the Classroom
Elise Naramore
Page 45-52
Describes a physics course redesigned to focus on renewable energy projects, combining physics, engineering, and environmental science.

It All Begins with a Great Map: Exploring the Seafloor
Susan Haynes
Page 53-61
Explores methods for teaching students about the seafloor, using maps and exploration tools to engage them in Earth science topics.


About NESTA

The National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA) is a professional organization dedicated to providing Earth science educators with the resources, support, and community they need to enhance teaching and learning. With a focus on integrating Earth science across disciplines, NESTA works to promote the importance of Earth science in K-12 classrooms and beyond.

Through professional development, engaging curriculum materials, and networking opportunities, NESTA empowers educators to bring the latest Earth science knowledge and techniques to their students, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us.


May 13, 2025 National Earth Science Teachers Association

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