STEM FIELD EDUCATION: INCREASING INTEREST AMONG STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION

STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) have always been important for innovation. However, many STEM disciplines are not typically accessible to individuals with disabilities. Encouraging students with disabilities in secondary and post secondary education to pursue STEM careers is imperative to expanding diversity and enhancing the innovation and accessibility in the STEM disciplines. Due to extensive educational field requirements, geology is one particular field of science not traditionally accessible to students with disabilities. As part of a larger study sponsored by the National Science Foundation and conducted by researchers at The Ohio State University, a group of students with various mobility impairments completed both classroom and field instruction in cave and karst geology systems. Students first obtained an understanding of basic geologic concepts and processes and were then given an opportunity to explore these concepts at Mammoth Cave National Park. This presentation will discuss the first-hand experience of the cave geology field experience from one of the participants as well as present a foundation for encouraging students with disabilities to pursue opportunities in geology.