180-16 Science, Data, and Education: Connecting Educators and USGS Scientists

Session: Geoscience Outreach Efforts to Broaden Participation (Posters)

Poster Booth No.: 16

Presenting Author:

Sarah Hayes

Authors:

Herzberg, Amanda¹, Tomaszewski, Elizabeth², Hayes, Sarah³, DeVera, Christina⁴, Compton, Sarah⁵, Hubbard, Bernard⁶, Parker, Mercer⁷, Dao, Anson⁸, Becker, Naomi⁹, Cooper, Aimee¹⁰

Abstract:

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides high-quality data to address Earth’s hazards, water, ecosystems, and its energy and mineral resources. These topics are often at the center of K-12 educational standards, yet there can be a disconnect between educators and scientists investigating these topics. To bridge this gap, the USGS conducted a 3-day secondary educator professional development workshop. The primary goals of the workshop were to (1) foster collaborative relationships between educators and scientists, (2) familiarize educators with the USGS mission, data, and resources, and (3) equip educators with the necessary knowledge and tools to bring real-world data into their classrooms. A mixture of classroom, lab, and field-based activities were used to achieve these goals.

 

Prior to the workshop, some participants used USGS products consistently in their classrooms, while others rarely or never did. Following the workshop, all participants indicated they learned something new to apply in their classroom, and the workshop was a valuable use of their time. Their favorite aspects of the workshop were laboratory tours, hands-on activities, and interactions with USGS scientists. The participants’ main takeaways from the workshop were increased awareness of USGS resources and an understanding of the importance of critical minerals. When asked how the workshop could be improved, the most common suggestion from participants was to provide more classroom-ready activities.

 

The success of the workshop is due, in large part, to collaboration between USGS scientists and educators participating in the Department of Energy Albert Einstein Distinguished Educators Fellowship Program. The Fellows, hosted by the USGS Youth and Education in Science Program, provided vital expertise and feedback on the content, delivery, and structure of the workshop. Additionally, a facilitator with the Department of Interior was instrumental in ensuring the goals of the workshop were met by providing guidance on the workshop design, community building activities, and logistics.

 

As a taxpayer-funded bureau, the USGS is tasked with providing the public and other stakeholders with timely information on the natural sciences. Engagement with local educators is a mutually beneficial approach to honor that commitment while also helping usher in American energy dominance and providing the resources necessary for educators to teach and inspire future geoscientists.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

© Copyright 2025 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved.