Dear Geoscience Education Division Members,
The Geological Society of America’s 2012 Annual Meeting abstract
deadline is 14 August – less than a month away!
The Geoscience Education Division of GSA is sponsoring 18 sessions at this year’s conference, and 30 sessions address geoscience education. Topics range across geoscience disciplines, kinds of education venues, and teaching approaches and technologies used. The session descriptions are below and their quality and diversity promise an engaging and enriching meeting.
This year’s meeting is in Charlotte, North Carolina, from November 4 – 7. For more information on the meeting, see the link provided. For more information on a particular session, contact the session advocates, listed with each session description.
Please consider submitting an abstract, and plan to join us in November.
Thank you!
Your GSA Geoscience Education Division Officers
Dean Moosavi, Division Chair
Don Duggan-Haas, First Vice-Chair & JTPC Representative*
Elizabeth Heise, Second Vice Chair & JTPC Representative*
Christopher Lawrence Atchison, Secretary-Treasurer
Paul Baldauf, Past Chair
*Joint Technical Program Committee
If there are formatting problems with the below, go to the GSA Meetings/Topical Sessions webpage
and select "Geoscience Education" from the pull down menu.
GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION-RELATED SESSIONS:
T49. Geology in the National Forests and Grasslands—Stewardship, Education, and Research
GSA Hydrogeology Division; GSA Geology and Society Division; USDA Forest Service
Christopher P. Carlson, Michael A. Crump
This session will explore aspects of the geological sciences related to the National Forests and
Grasslands. Topics include paleontology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, geoecology,
natural-hazard mitigation, cave and karst resources, and interpretive and recreational geology.
Environmental Geoscience | Geoscience Education | Public Policy
T51. Geology and Health: Getting the Word Out
GSA Geology and Health Division; GSA Geology and Society Division; GSA Geoscience Education Division; Geoscience Information Society
Julia Linnaea Wise, Robert B. Finkelman
This session will highlight examples of how to successfully communicate the value of geoscience
input in health to the health/biomedical communities, decision makers, and to the public.
Geology and Health | Geoscience Education | Public Policy
T57. Building a Professional Portfolio through Hands-On Research Activities in the Geosciences:
Focusing on Early Involvement of Undergraduate and K–12 Students (Posters)
GSA Geology and Society Division; Council on Undergraduate Research; GSA Environmental
and Engineering Geology Division; GSA Geoscience Education Division
Nazrul I. Khandaker, Stanley Schleifer
This session is open to faculty mentors and students interested in general geology and
environmental topics that warrant field, computational, and laboratory-based data as part
of their research tools. Domestic and international geoscience-related issues are highly
welcome.
Geoscience Education | Geoscience Information/Communication | Environmental Geoscience
T58. Formative Assessment in Geoscience Education (Posters)
National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Matthew A. Ludwig, Heather L. Petcovic
Classroom formative assessment can significantly improve student achievement
through feedback during the learning process, rather than by grading. This poster
session explores research, practical examples, and technology related to formative
assessment in college geoscience courses.
Geoscience Education
T59. Seeing through the Eyes of the Geologist: Eye Tracking, Video, and Image Analysis
in Geoscience Education and Geocognition Research (Digital Posters)
GSA Geoscience Education DivisionCaitlin N. Callahan, Julie Libarkin
This session focuses on the use and analysis of eye-tracking, video, and still images within empirical research in geoscience education and geocognition. Presentations may describe novel methodologies, applications, and/or results from research studies. digital poster session
Geoscience Education
T60. EarthScope in Geoscience Education and Outreach: Past Successes and
Future Opportunities
National Association of Geoscience Teachers; GSA Geoscience Education Division;
GSA Geophysics Division
Steven Semken, J. Ramón Arrowsmith, Steven J. Whitmeyer
Educators and scientists who use EarthScope facilities, projects, data, or
scientific findings in support of geoscience education and outreach for students, teachers,
decision makers, and the public can feature and share their practices, materials, and outcomes.
Geoscience Education | Geoscience Information/Communication | Geophysics/Tectonophysics/Seismology
T61. Research and Instructional Approaches of Access and Inclusion to Increase
Diversity in the Geosciences
GSA Geoscience Education Division; International Advisory for Geoscience Diversity
Christopher Atchison, Sharon Locke
Geoscience educators and students are encouraged to disseminate research
findings and instructional experiences that promotes the enhancement of a diverse
participation in the geosciences through increased access and inclusion.
Geoscience Education | Geology and Health | Geoscience Information/Communication
T62. Geology Careers for New Geology Graduates
GSA Geophysics Division; American Institute of Professional Geologists;
National Association of Geoscience Teachers
John M. Stewart, Ronald J. Wallace
Geologists working in different areas of employment will advise students
regarding their career opportunities and highlight many areas where jobs are
available about which students may not be aware.
Geoscience Education | Geoscience Information/Communication
T63. Digital Education Resources and Strategies: Best Practices and
Content That Support
Hybrid Learning K–20 and Professionally
GSA Geoscience Education Division; On the Cutting Edge
Christopher Thomas, Jennifer A. Nelson, Karin B. Kirk
This session showcases strategies for digital instructional content, collections,
or teaching/training strategies that enhance or replace traditional face-to-face approaches.
The emphasis is on approaches that are researched and assessed and are shareable, open
source, and scaleable.
Geoscience Education | Geoscience Information/Communication
T64. Informal Geosciences Education and Learning Environments
UNC Charlotte Ctr. for Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics Educ.
Andy R. Bobyarchick, David K. Pugalee
Informal learning environments support community science literacy beyond traditional
academic venues through the use of designed spaces where people pursue interests in
science, engage in inquiry, and reflect on those experiences.
Geoscience Education | Geoscience Information/Communication | Public Policy
T65. Student Use of Smart Phone/Tablet Technology in the Field or Classroom:
An Educational Resource or the Bane of Your Existence? (Posters)
GSA Geoscience Education Division
J. Armour
This session addresses the costs/benefits and successes/failures in student
use of smart phone and tablet technology within geoscience learning environments.
Geoscience Education | Geoscience Information/Communication | Remote Sensing/
Geographic Info System
T66. New Strategies for Teaching Mineralogy, Petrology, Geochemistry, and
Volcanology (MPVG) to Geoscience Majors and General Education Students (Posters)
GSA Geoscience Education Division; GSA Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Petrology, and
Volcanology Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Elizabeth A. Johnson, Jodie Hayob, Shelley Jaye, Elizabeth McClellan
This session explores (1) strategies for teaching MPGV topics, including energy and
mineral resources, to geoscience majors or students in introductory courses, and
(2) ways to transfer pedagogy and content between introductory and advanced courses.
Geoscience Education | Mineralogy/Crystallography | Petrology, Igneous
T67. Innovative Classroom Approaches to Teaching Biogeochemistry
Council on Undergraduate Research; International Association of
GeoChemistry (IAGC); Geochemical Society
Steven Goldsmith, Sarah K. Fortner, Stephen Levas
We seek contributions that entail innovative classroom approaches to teaching
biogeochemistry at a variety of levels (K–12, undergraduate, and graduate).
Of particular interest are approaches that blend research and classroom experiences.
Geoscience Education | Geochemistry | Limnogeology
T68. Undergraduate Research as Teaching Practice
Council on Undergraduate Research
Patricia Manley, Jeff Ryan, Edward C. Hansen
This session will deal with educational aspects of undergraduate research
ranging from assessments of the pedagogical effectiveness of different approaches,
mentoring students, and the nuts and bolts of setting up and doing research with students.
Geoscience Education
T70. Fostering the Next Generation: Support for Pre-College Teachers and
Students by Professional Societies, Institutions, and Federal Agencies
National Association of Geoscience Teachers; National Earth Science Teachers
Association; GSA Education & Outreach Teacher Advocate Program; American
Geophysical Union Education Program
Michael J. Passow
Sharing exemplars of programs created by professional societies, educational
institutions, organizations, and federal agencies that effectively support K–12 teachers
and students and foster the next generation of geoscientists.
Geoscience Education
T71. Climate Literacy: Research and Evaluation Outcomes from Informal and
Formal Climate Education Efforts
GSA Geoscience Education Division; Climate Literacy Network; GSA Geology and
Society Division
Susan Buhr, Karen S. McNeal
This session encourages abstracts which provide evidence-based knowledge
and guidance for the climate education community from a variety of formal and
informal educational contexts.
Geoscience Education
T72. Geology in the National Parks: Research, Mapping, and Resource Management
National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Bruce A. Heise, Jason P. Kenworthy
This session addresses the role of geoscience in the National Parks. Presentations
on geologic research, geologic mapping, paleontology, coastal geology and
geomorphology, and resource management in National Parks, Monuments,
Seashores, and Historic Sites are encouraged.
Geoscience Education | Geoscience Information/Communication | Marine/Coastal Science
T73. Successful Strategies for Teaching Online Geoscience Courses
National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Shane V. Smith
This session will focus on successful pedagogical strategies, laboratory activities,
and assessment tools that can be used to improve and support teaching and learning
in online geoscience courses.
Geoscience Education | Geoscience Information/Communication
T74. Teaching Controversy in the K–16 Earth Science Classroom
GSA Geoscience Education Division; Paleontological Society;
National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Laura A. Guertin, Tanya Furman
Evolution, climate change, offshore drilling, nuclear energy—all are topics rich in
content and controversial in nature. We seek presenters to share approaches and
strategies for introducing controversy in the K–16 classroom.
Geoscience Education
T75. Climate Literacy: Formal and Informal Educational Activities and Community
Outreach to Support an Informed Society
GSA Geoscience Education Division; Climate Literacy Network; GSA Geology
and Society Division
Tamara Shapiro Ledley, Jeffrey Ryan
This session will focus on descriptions of efforts for pre-college (students & teachers),
higher education, informal education audiences and community outreach, including
materials, activities, curriculum, capstone projects, service learning, professional
development programs, and community activities.
Geoscience Education | Geoscience Information/Communication | Public Policy
T76. Teaching Teachers: Examples of Successful Geoscience Content Courses
and Workshops for Pre-Service and in-Service Teachers
GSA Geoscience Education Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers
Kyle Gray, Jennifer Anderson, Amy L. Ellwein
This technical session brings together presentations that illustrate courses or lessons
designed for pre-service or in-service teachers including geoscience content courses,
field-based courses, and summer workshops.
Geoscience Education
T77. Innovations and Challenges in Non-Major Instruction in Two- and Four-Year Colleges
National Association of Geoscience Teachers; Geo2YC; GSA Geoscience Education Division
David H. Voorhees, Suzanne T. Metlay
This session explores innovative pedagogy of part- and full-time faculty in geoscience
classes predominantly of diverse students solely seeking general education requirements.
This requires innovative strategies to ensure engagement and success in all learning environments.
Geoscience Education
T79. Uncertainty in Earth and Climate Science: Communicating Uncertainty to the Public
GSA Geology and Society Division; GSA Geoscience Education Division; GSA Geology and
Public Policy Committee; GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division;
GSA International Section
David W. Szymanski, J.E. Fryxell, Tamara Shapiro Ledley
The term "uncertainty" carries a dramatically different meaning in the public realm compared
to the way it is used by scientists. This session will cover pitfalls and strategies in communicating
uncertainty in scientific data.
Geoscience Information/Communication | Geoscience Education | Public Policy
T80. Geoscience Information: Investing in the Future
Geoscience Information Society
Robert L. Tolliver
How are libraries investing in the future of geoscience information? This session
will look at traditional print and online publications, non-traditional information
sources, data management and digital repositories, preservation, and other future
information resources.
Geoscience Information/Communication | Geoinformatics | Geoscience Education
T81. Don't be a Dinosaur: Geoscience Information in the 21st Century (Posters)
Geoscience Information Society
Robert L. Tolliver
This poster session will provide a glimpse of the different ways that geoscience
librarians and others are addressing the information challenges of the 21st century.
Geoscience Information/Communication | Geoinformatics | Geoscience Education
T87. Building Capacity for Hydrologic Science in Water-Stressed Regions of the
World (Posters)
GSA Hydrogeology Division; GSA Environmental and Engineering Geology Division;
GSA Geology and Health Division; GSA Geology and Society Division; GSA Geoscience
Education Division; International Association of Hydrogeologists, U.S. National Chapter;
National Ground Water Association; Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of
Hydrologic Science Inc.; GSA Limnogeology Division
Alan E. Fryar, Adam Milewski, Mohamed I. Sultan
The development and prudent management of water resources depends upon the
appropriate training of hydrologists. We seek posters on integrating hydrologic education
with research and practice in water-stressed regions, especially in Africa and Asia.
Hydrogeology | Geoscience Education
T130. Bloss Mineralogical Session: In Honor of the Life-Time Accomplishments
of F. Donald Bloss, Emeritus Alumni
Distinguished Professor, Virginia Tech, as a Researcher, Author, and Teacher in the
Field of Optical Mineralogy
GSA Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Petrology, and Volcanology Division; Mineralogical
Society of America
Mickey E. Gunter, Nancy Ross
Contributions are broadly oriented toward teaching and research in optical mineralogy
and applications of polarized light microscopy (e.g., petrology, forensics, asbestos
identification, etc.) and those wishing to honor Professor Bloss for his contributions in
mineralogy.
Mineralogy/Crystallography | Petrology, Experimental | Geoscience Education
T151. Linking Earth-Observing Data and Planetary Mission Data in the Teaching and
Presentation of Basic Geoscience to K–12 Students, Teachers, and the General Public
GSA Planetary Geology Division; GSA Geoscience Education Division
Jayne C. Aubele, Eric J. Pyle, Jeannie Allen
We encourage abstracts on programs that combine NASA's Earth Observing Data with
Planetary Mission Data to teach geoscience at all levels and to present geoscience
topics in museums and other informal science education venues.
Planetary Geology | Geoscience Education | Remote Sensing/Geographic Info System
T157. Gridview Image Manipulation for LOLA and MOLA Topographical Data (Posters)
GSA Planetary Geology Division
Rosemary A. Millham
GRIDVIEW software, an image manipulation tool, is decidedly an innovative tool
for use in the study of planetary geomorphology using IDL created data images for Earth's
Moon and Mars.
Planetary Geology | Geomorphology | Geoscience Education
