Preparing Future Science Teachers to Facilitate Powerful Learning Through Community Partnerships
By Carol Jean Tomoguchi
June 18, 2026
June 18, 2026
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Future science educators enrolled in Professor Hosun Kang's Science Methods course recently participated in an innovative learning experience designed to connect scientific research, community engagement, and classroom instruction.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) students took part in a special field-based learning opportunity focused on understanding the impacts of recent Southern California wildfires and exploring how scientists study environmental change. The professional development experience brought together faculty, aspiring teachers, researchers, and community partners to demonstrate how meaningful science learning can extend beyond the classroom. Participants visited Shipley Nature Center, where they engaged in hands-on data collection and analysis activities alongside staff from Inside the Outdoors, an environmental education program operated by the Orange County Department of Education. |
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The field experience served as the foundation for a collaboratively designed transdisciplinary instructional unit that integrates scientific inquiry, community engagement, and social awareness. The unit features four key components:
By examining wildfire impacts through scientific investigation and community collaboration, participating teachers gained firsthand experience with instructional approaches that promote critical thinking, real-world problem-solving, and civic engagement.
The initiative reflects UCI's commitment to preparing educators who can foster meaningful, equitable, and interdisciplinary learning experiences for the next generation of students. Through opportunities such as this, MAT candidates develop the skills needed to help learners understand complex scientific issues while building connections between classroom learning, community knowledge, and societal challenges.
- Field-based investigation and data analysis through authentic environmental science activities.
- Community partnerships and interactions that connect students with local organizations and experts.
- Conversations about injustice and equity, encouraging participants to examine how environmental challenges can disproportionately affect different communities.
- Alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to support high-quality, standards-based science instruction.
By examining wildfire impacts through scientific investigation and community collaboration, participating teachers gained firsthand experience with instructional approaches that promote critical thinking, real-world problem-solving, and civic engagement.
The initiative reflects UCI's commitment to preparing educators who can foster meaningful, equitable, and interdisciplinary learning experiences for the next generation of students. Through opportunities such as this, MAT candidates develop the skills needed to help learners understand complex scientific issues while building connections between classroom learning, community knowledge, and societal challenges.
