2008 Joint Annual Meeting (5-9 Oct. 2008): The Geoscience Professional's Science Enrichment Handbook

The needs and opportunities for earth science enrichment at the K-12 level are tremendous. Equally large is the enrichment resource represented by professional geoscientists working in industrial, survey, or university positions. Although some of these individuals already support K-12 science education, many more have not taken that first step. And among those that have participated, many have not gained full value from their efforts due to a lack of understanding of modern education methods or current education contexts.

In order to motivate geoscience professionals, and maximize the value of their time and effort, we have produced a new Science Enrichment Handbook. Unlike resources designed for teachers, students, or parents, the Handbook targets geoscientists who may be experts in their technical disciplines, but are not familiar with K-12 education issues.

The Handbook provides both inspiration and direction for the professional, with reviews of modern teaching methods and the current U.S. education context. Chapters include discussions of modern inquiry-based science instruction, earth science literacy, pedagogical theory, science frameworks and standardized testing, classroom visit strategies, and sample activities. Our approach encourages students to learn science by doing science, with hands-on discovery and critical thinking—far more effective than a (boring) lecture!

The Handbook has been delivered in both hardcopy and digital formats, and is currently available online from the AAPG-YEA and AGI websites. Early reception has been positive, and we hope that the Handbook will grow as more professionals get involved with earth science enrichment and provide feedback.