Undergraduate summer field programs are valuable experiences that can foster or reduce students' self-efficacy, an important factor in students' success and retention in geoscience. Growing research findings show that science field experiences can be hostile and unwelcoming to students with marginalized identities, which may negatively impact…

This report is based on several evaluations of NSF-funded geoscience projects at Stony Brook University on Long Island, NY. The report reviews the status of K-12 geoscience education, identifying challenges posed by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the experiences of university faculty engaged in teacher preparation, state…

Summer research experiences are an increasingly popular means of increasing awareness of, and developing interest in, the geosciences and other science, technology, engineering, and math programs. We describe and report the preliminary results of a 1-wk Geosciences Exploration Summer Program in the College of Geosciences at Texas A&M…

In this article, the authors provide an overview and critically analyze three successful faculty-developed urban K-12 science outreach programs. They consider a successful outreach program as one that has been sustained for at least five years after initial funding, and has provided empirically-based research findings from the program.…

Implementation of science curriculum materials has been a fundamental challenge in science education for decades. Policy researchers have argued that alignment of standards, curriculum, and assessment are the key to supporting implementation. This paper focuses on teachers' perceptions of curricular alignment and on curriculum implementation using…

A high school senior describes her adventures as part of an eight-week glacier expedition in Alaska and British Columbia. Also includes information on how to obtain unique summer enrichment opportunities for teachers and students. (ZWH)

Argues that earth scientists must be competent in a wide spectrum of disciplines, must be discouraged from early specialization, and must be well trained in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. (SL)

Biological and Earth Systems Science (BESS) is a two-year integrated biological and earth systems science curriculum for ninth and tenth grade students developed in response to the national and statewide dissatisfaction with secondary science programs. This report provides an overview of the program's history, aims, implementation strategies,…

Reported is a study of the effectiveness of specially designed Earth Science teacher improvement programs, with emphasis on content competency. Thirty-three National Science Foundation (NSF) Academic Year Institute (AYI) participants from two 1969-70 institutes for Earth Science teachers were administered pretests of the Earth Science Achievement…

Outlines characteristics of two earth science programs selected for "Search for Excellence in Science Education" awards (SESE awards). One program features a final examination in the field, while the other program helps train parents to be good geologic observers on vacations. (DH)

National concerns about the quality and effectiveness of science teaching have resulted in several efforts directed at restructuring the United States' science curriculum. This digest discusses recent initiatives of the Earth Systems Education. Topics discussed include: (1) efforts to understand the planet Earth; (2) the Program for Leadership in…

Describes a college geology course that incorporates a coastal segment. Field studies are done on Plum Island and include examining beaches, dune fields, and an adjacent marsh and spit. Topics include sedimentation, coastal geomorphology, botanical effects, and coastal studies methodology. (MA)

Reports on summer geology courses offered for students desiring more advanced work than was available in the elementary geology program. Instructional format, course objectives, and some learning activities are presented. (CP)

Reviews exercises in the analysis of samples and interpretations of results from the geochemical survey portion of a three year teacher education program in geology presented at Salisbury College of Advanced Education. (SL)