Motivation for GeoEngage Modules for Teachers
The lack of exposure to geoscience in K–12 curriculum hinders the recruitment of students into our field because they do not become aware of the possibility of pursuing the subject as a college major and its career potential. The intervention modules were developed as a strategy to reach not only students in introductory geoscience courses but also those in disciplines with overlap with it, specifically chemistry and physics, to widen the pool of potential geoscience majors and minors. They also function as a learning tool.
Strategy for GeoEngage Modules for Teachers Content
The modules include two types, exploration of course concepts and exposure to career prospects. The modules are in a mix of delivery modes; some are designed for real-time delivery in class (typically < 20 minutes) and others online for independent learning.
Exploratory Modules
These modules engage students in the process of applying specific scientific concepts covered in introductory course lectures to problems geoscientists address for the benefit of society. Each module reviews key concepts, connects these concepts to applied problems relevant to society, asks students to engage with these concepts through an active learning activity, and provides insights on qualifications and skills needed for a related geoscience career.
Career Module
The career module focuses on raising awareness that geoscience is an excellent career option for those interested in the Earth. The module explains the employment environment characteristics, highlights common degree qualifications, and offers possible career options and future job prospects. Additionally, professional geoscientists are profiled to highlight how they apply geoscience concepts in their work and to present role models of professional geoscientists.
GeoEngage Modules for Teachers Availability and Use
The open-source modules are available through Canvas Commons for deployment in a range of possible courses. The collection can be found by search for the tag GeoEngage. Each exploratory module package includes narrated presentations (where applicable), at least one active-learning activity and supporting material, such as handouts and keys, and links to curated online content. Where appropriate source files, as Microsoft PowerPoint presentations and videos, are also embedded in the modules. The career module includes a narrated presentation and its PowerPoint presentation source file; it can be deployed in any introductory course.
Use of the modules is restricted only by the need to attribute their origin to the GeoEngage Program and its support by a grant from the National Science Foundation. Adaptation of modules to specific course needs and/or local geological issues is encouraged. Module use in other lower and upper division courses might be to review concepts that are built on in the more advanced courses.
GeoEngage Exploratory Modules
| Module Title | Original Course Deployment | Other Courses for Possible Deployment |
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| Explore Volcanos and their Hazards |
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| Explore Mass Wasting |
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| Explore Groundwater |
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| Explore Deformation and Energy |
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| Explore the Elements in your Ear |
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| Explore a Hole in the Ground |
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| Explore Geoscience and the Periodic Table |
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| Explore Phase Changes, Climate Change, and Sea Level Rise |
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| Explore Ocean Acidification |
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| Explore Are We Stardust? |
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| Explore Forces and Mass Wasting |
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| Explore Elasticity and Earthquakes |
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| Explore Deformation and Dam Failure |
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| Explore Resistivity and Petroleum Exploration |
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| Explore Magnetism and Plate Tectonics |
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GeoEngage Career Module
| Module Title | Original Course Deployment | Other Courses for Possible Deployment |
|---|---|---|
| Explore Geoscience Career Pathways |
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Any introductory or lower-level course |
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.
