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Topical Session Number: 176
Publication Description: Is
there a link between our curiosity about how Earth works and our desire to be
connected to it? Explore ways for geoscience educators to nurture a deeper
understanding of Earth materials and processes.
Rationale: Many people prefer to
spend as much time outdoors as possible. That is why many of us are geologists.
What is that connection to Earth that draws us to try and understand our
planet? Is there a link between our curiosity about how Earth works and our
desire to be connected to it? How do our students connect to the natural world
they live with? Is this different than our (educated) connection? How do
students in urban settings differ in their connection from those in rural
settings?
Why
do we try to understand our planet? What’s our motivation? For some it
may be emotional, for others spiritual and/or religious and yet for others it
may be purely intellectual. How can we use this connection to deepen our
students’ understanding of Earth processes and materials? Using this
connection should allow us to teach to the whole person. Teaching with this
connection can motivate our students to become responsible citizens who want a
role in managing human impact on our planet.
This
session will examine possible answers to the above questions by presenting
examples of how we use this connection in our classes, be they outdoors or
indoors.
Suzanne M.(Suki) Smaglik
Assoc. Prof., Chemistry & Geology
800-735-8418 x 2146
"She who laughs, lasts."