Dear all, I wanted to point out some of the topical sessions in the Geoscience Education section of the upcoming GSA meeting in Charlotte, NC, on Nov. 4 though 7. It's great to see how much is going on in this field! The deadline for GSA abstract submissions Tuesday, Aug. 14th, at midnight, Pacific Time. Geoscience Education Topical Sessions at the GSA Meeting. 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Division Caitlin 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session 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 Submit an abstract to this session Best, Val Valerie Sloan, Ph.D. Director, RESESS Internship Program UNAVCO 6350 Nautilus Dr. Boulder, CO 80301 303-517-3838 [log in to unmask]