Norman Thomson
Mathematics and Science Education (Faculty)
Associate Professor - Science Education
212B Aderhold
Phone: 706.542.4645
Email: nthomson@uga.edu
Website: http://archive.coe.uga.edu/mse/faculty/thomson/index.html
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
My interests integrate themes that focus on the generation of science knowledge and its dissemination through learning. These interests are connected through a view that science is an endeavor that can best be taught, understood, and appreciated within contextualized learning environments. Rationalization for focusing on these interests center around a quest to construct answers to my question: Who learns what in science, and, why? Motivation for my work has its origins from teaching biology and chemistry in East Africa, my interest in maintaining and promoting diversity in cultures, education, and biological species, and involvement in international science curriculum development and evaluation of student learning. My interests allow me to currently work with people in Kenya, Philippines, Thailand, Uganda and the United Arab Emirates.
1. Inquiry, Visualization, & Modeling, in Science
2. Emergent Technologies, Modeling, and Learning in Science
3. Indigenous /Local Contextual Science Knowledge and Learning
4. International Education Indigenous /Local Contextual Science Knowledge and Learning
5. Evolution and Extinction Humanid Origins
6. Chemistry: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
In 2002 I was awarded the Faculty Senate D. Keith Osborne Award for Teaching Excellence. I am an elected member of Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars; Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society; Kappa Delta Pi, National Education Honor Society; and an honorary member of Kappa Delta Epsilon, Honor Society. In 2005, I was a recipient of the African Studies Institute Award, Achievement in the Development of Curriculum Award, for the Kenya Study Abroad Program.