TEN TESTED TECHNIQUES TO PROMOTE GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION (AND HAVE FUN)

The geosciences are under-appreciated by much of our population. The author, after three decades of teaching at the community college level, has found a number of diverse ways to promote the geosciences in both the education and public arena. These strategies range from relatively easy-to-organize presentations on local geoscience topics using a variety of formats, to more complex, multi-person enterprises. Examples include making local geology presentations, using students in service learning opportunities, leading field trips to local and national sites, creating a "rock park", or hosting a mineral-rock-fossil show. The common ground is the integration of geological knowlege in useful and fun ways to audiences that range from elementary through college teachers and their students, to individuals, groups, and families. Techniques for successful planning and implementation of activities will be discussed.