Beth Covitt, Head of Science Education Research and Evaluation, has been working in the fields of environmental and science education for 20 years. She has a keen interest in environmental science literacy and developing a citizenry that is well prepared to use science to inform decision-making. Beth has worked on numerous projects spanning many topics but has particular interests in water and climate education. Her efforts encompass science education research and evaluation, program and curriculum development, and teacher professional development. Beth has an MS in environmental resource policy and behavior and a Ph.D. in environmental education and conservation psychology, both from the University of Michigan. Beth’s work lies more in the domain of science education, but I have continuing interests in how facets of psychology (e.g., system 1 and system 2 thinking) can provide insights into how science education can better prepare people with the knowledge and practices needed to use science in discussions and debates concerning socio-environmental issues.
Beth A. Covitt PhD
Head of Science Education Research & Evaluation
spectrUM Discovery Area
University of Montana
Areas of Expertise
Publications
Covitt, B.A., Parker, J.M., Kohn, C., Lee, M. Lin, Q., & Anderson, C.W. (2021). Understanding and responding to challenges students face when engaging in carbon cycle pool-and-flux reasoning. Journal of Environmental Education, 52(2), 98-117.
Covitt, B., Dauer, J., & Anderson, C. (2017). The role of practices in scientific literacy. In Schwarz, C., Passmore, C., & Reiser, B. (Eds.), Helping Students Make Sense of the World Using Next Generation Science and Engineering Practices (pp. 59-83). Arlington, VA: NSTA Press.
Covitt, B., Harris, C., & Anderson, C. (2013). Evaluating Scientific Arguments with Slow Thinking. Science Scope, 37(3), 44-52.
Covitt, B. (2006). Self-determination and student perceptions in environmental service-learning. Applied Environmental Education and Communication, 5(3), 171-181.
Covitt, B. (2002). Motivating environmentally responsible behavior through service-learning. In S. Billig and A. Furco (Eds.). Advances in Service-Learning Research (Vol. 2). Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing.