Modules
- The intervention modules were embedded in introductory geosciences, chemistry, and physics courses. Each semester three concept modules and one career module designed for each introductory science course exposed ~700 prospective geoscience majors and minors to the applications of geoscience knowledge to tackle societal problems, role models, and career prospects. Modules are designed to be adaptable to other institutions.
- The concept modules take students through the process of applying specific scientific concepts covered in the introductory lectures to solve societal problems that need specialist input from geoscientists. The module's structure follows a review of the concept covered in the course and then introduces and explains an applied problem of societal importance using demonstrations, visualization tools, and/or active learning strategies. Modules designed for online inquiry ask students to solve a relevant aspect of the presented problem through critical thinking or calculations. Professional geoscientists are profiled to demonstrate how the concepts are employed in their work and to present role models of professional geoscientists.
- The career module focuses on raising initial awareness that geoscience is an excellent career option for those interested in the Earth. The module highlights required qualifications and different possible career options and future job prospects.
The table below lists modules available through the learning management system Canvas Commons.
| Module Name | Suggested Course for Deployment |
|---|---|
| Explore Volcanos and their Hazards | Earth Science |
| Explore Mass Wasting | |
| Explore Groundwater | |
| Explore Volcanos and their Hazards | Physical Geology |
| Explore Deformation and Energy | |
| Explore Groundwater | |
| Explore The Elements in your Ear | Chemistry 1 |
| Explore A Hole in the Ground | |
| Explore Geoscience and the Periodic Table | |
| Explore Phase Changes, Climate Change, and Sea Level Rise | Chemistry 2 |
| Explore Ocean Acidification | |
| Explore Are We Stardust? | |
| Explore Forces and Mass Wasting | Physics 1 |
| Explore Elasticity and Earthquakes | |
| Explore Deformation and Dam Failure | |
| Explore Resistivity and Petroleum Exploration | Physics 2 |
| Explore Magnetism and Plate Tectonics | |
| Explore Geoscience Career Pathways | Any introductory course |
Projects
The two-stage extracurricular service-learning program was designed to promote interest, increase motivation, and build geoscience identity and community. Service-learning projects engaged students at Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, and The University of Texas at San Antonio, including newly transferred students. They involved different student groups that represent increasing levels of geologic knowledge and service-learning experience, while decreasing the level of faculty involvement in related tasks.
One community need is addressed through two levels of service-learning projects, to create educational guides or stories to fully capture and describe the natural environment contained in local parks and campuses for the public good.
- Service-learning project level 1: Student participants coordinated with personnel from partner parks or college campuses to design and implement an educational resource related to geologic features or environments, such as interpretative media projects as signs, audio tours, informative posters, and feature news stories.
- Service-learning project level 2: Student participants coordinated with personnel from partner parks to propose, develop and implement an educational resource that showcases key geological features in the parks, such as interpretative media projects such as signs or displays, printed trail guides, or audio tours.
Outcomes
Outcomes for student participation included academic, professional, and personal development in a number of areas:
Academic
- Geoscience concept application
- Critical thinking
- Public speaking
- Campus resources
Professional
- Project management
- Field work and analysis
- Communication
Personal
- Teamwork and leadership
- Problem solving
- Networking
- Sense of belonging in geoscience community
Disclaimer
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number 2119446. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
