Teaching Earth Science to Inspire New Geologist

Teaching Earth Science to Inspire New Geologist will introduce 20 middle school students per year to the geological sciences during a two-week summer program and follow-up activities during the academic year. The project is centered in the Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics at Elizabeth City State University. The goal is to increase student interest in the Earth sciences by intensive instruction in basic geological content prior to their required high school Earth science course. Workshops are offered to expose students to Earth processes and make them aware of geological processes and set them on a learning path to become the next generation of Earth scientists or other related careers. The academic-year program provides teacher mentors with opportunities to implement summer workshop activities into their science classes and disseminate these activities with other teachers.

This project has four objectives: 

1. Increase middle school students' knowledge about geology with a focus on minerals, rocks, and fossils through their description and interpretation.
2. Engage students using their observational skills to identify and interpret various geological phenomena via hands-on learning in a laboratory situation, at outdoor selected locations, and at regional science museums. 
3. Use computer technology to assist in learning Earth science via problem-based learning modules.
4. Encourage students to consider science careers after high school by introducing them to Earth science-related activities at ECSU and to sponsor field trips so they can have first-hand experiences.

Summer program with follow-up activities during academic year

Middle school students

Thomas J. Rossbach, Ph.D.
Professor 
Elizabeth City State University
Campus Box 925
Elizabeth City, NC 27909

Phone:   252/335-3376