THE SOUTH BAY GEO-DIVERSITY PROJECT: BRINGING EARTH SCIENCE TO ALL STUDENTS

The South Bay Geo-Diversity Project (SBGDP), a two-year pilot program funded by the National Science Foundation's "Opportunities to Enhance Diversity in the Geo-Sciences" initiative, takes a multifaceted, multilevel approach to increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in geoscience education and research. The SBGDP leverages existing programs and collaborations and builds upon fourteen years of extensive experience in Earth science education by merging a new student component with a highly successful teacher professional development program (the Bay Area Earth Science Institute) in a focused effort to enhance diversity in the geosciences. The primary objectives of the SBGDP are to: 1) team with San José State University’s MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) Schools Program to provide underrepresented middle and high school students with summer and academic-year enrichment activities in the geosciences; 2) offer professional development workshops for middle and high school teachers and support their teaching of geoscience with appropriate materials; 3) partner with San José City College and National Hispanic University to improve access to the geosciences by engaging introductory students in active learning experiences and raising their awareness of educational and career opportunities; 4) involve selected high school and college students in earth science research, education, and service projects; 5) supply year-round mentoring and support activities for students at all levels; and 6) furnish partial scholarships to students who wish to pursue a geology or earth science degree at San José State University (SJSU).

SBGDP activities to date include: 1) summer workshops for 32 middle and high school teachers; 2) class visits to introductory earth science classes at SJSU and our partner community colleges; 3) field trips for students and teachers to explore the San Andreas fault and Pinnacles National Monument; and 4) paid internships for community college students. Four community college students assisted with an x-ray diffraction study of clay minerals from wells in the Santa Clara Valley and geologic mapping of nearby Santa Teresa Hills County Park.