Personal Statement

"Teach the question."

Professional Biography

Once an elementary school teacher with a degree in history, Charles “Kip” Ault earned his doctorate in Science and Environmental Education. His dissertation focused on children's grasp of geological time. His work has led to a series of studies and papers in earth science education, and presently emphasizes how the goal of interpreting a landscape integrates several fields of inquiry. His work combines elements of the philosophy of science with the psychology of understanding elementary concepts, such as time.

At Lewis & Clark’s Graduate School of Education, Kip teaches science education courses in the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program for both elementary and secondary level teachers, frequently emphasizing the value of field studies, appreciation of nature, and the interpretation of local landscapes. His network of interests include the biodiversity of Costa Rica where he has worked through the University of Costa Rica to establish an international dimension to Lewis & Clark’s M.A.T. program.

Science Education at Lewis & Clark College

Elementary math and science certificate through PrISM Oregon

Publications

Ault, Jr., C. R. (In Press). Achieving Querencia: Integrating a Sense of Place with Disciplined Thinking. Curriculum Inquiry.

Orion, Nir, & Ault, C.R., Jr. (2007). Learning Earth Sciences. In S. A. Abell & N. G. Lederman (Eds.), The Handbook of Research on Science Education (pp. 653-687). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

Ault, K. (2005). The Importance of Conserving Turtle Eggs: Working with EcoTeach and Proyecto Campanario on Conservation Education in Costa Rica. The Oregon Science Teacher, 45 (3), 26-29.

Norman, O., Ault, C.R., Jr., Bentz, B, & Meskimen, L. (2001). The Black-White 'Achievement Gap' as a Perennial Challenge of Urban Science Education: A Socio-Cultural and Historical Overview with Implications for Research and Practice. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 38 (10), 1101-1114.

Ault, C.R., Jr. (1998). Criteria of Excellence for Geological Inquiry: The Necessity of Ambiguity. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 35 (2), 189-212.

Ault, C.R., Jr., & Nagel, N.G. (1997). Teachers and Science Museums: Creating Interest in Science. Science Education International, 8 (1), 33-37.

Ault, C.R., Jr. (1994). Research on Problem-solving: Earth Science. In D. Gabel (Ed.), Handbook of Research on Science Teaching and Learning. New York, NY: MacMillan.

Academic Credentials

Ph.D. 1980 Cornell University
A.B. 1972 Dartmouth College