Field Skills, Activities and Geologic Materials Development for Earth Science Teachers

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This project brings together a major content area (geology) taught in earth science (ES) and its most effective method of study, activities in the field. Content is emphasized in intensive sessions prior to arrival at the field sites near Lander, Wyoming and in evenings at the sites. The "hearing about" and "studying of" classic geology features near Lander will be complemented by doing geology. Teachers will be doing geology while photographing geological features, recording field observations and measurements, and collecting specimens for use in their classes. In addition to the personal journal, slide sets, and collections; the project will result in a Geology of the State book, a Field Guide to the Geology of the State, and associated computer software. Following the 3-week summer field experience the study of local geology will begin and continue into the fall. Participants will practice their new understanding of geology while examining the geology of a local site and developing activities to do with students at the site. They will share their experiences and work at the local site by presenting at least one in-service program for area teachers. Field activities begin in the summer of 1989 for 20 Arkansas ES teachers. During the 65 months of this project, this format is repeated for 20 teachers from Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Texas. Instruction is by staff from the home university facilitated by the PI and field camp director for the field experience. Each state has modified slightly the Arkansas program to meet its needs. Participants will be middle or high school teachers who have completed at least one 3- semester course in geology, will be teaching earth science/geology the next year, have support to conduct a local field trip for students and are given released time to teach the in-service programs. The synergistic effect of first hand experiences and teacher ownership of the geology learning tools will generate enthusiasm for both the teacher and students. The materials customized for each state provide continuing support for participants and their peers. Taken as a group they give the project a regional impact. The model of an intensive field experience coupled with two customized books, focusing on the state's geology, and an associated computer program maybe a useful geology/earth science in-service model. There is cost sharing in the amount of $139,462 which is equal to 25% of the NSF award.