THE FUTURE OF EARTH SCIENCE EDUCATION IN OUR SCHOOLS

Few would argue that a knowledge of the workings of Earth are a necessity for our K-12 students. Yet, in spite of standards in many states for Geoscience Education, opportunity for courses, particularly at the high school level, appear to be in a state of reduction, often to make way for other requirements. How does this lack of exposure affect the future of K-12 education? How does it further affect potential post-secondary candidates for future careers in the geosciences? Perhaps most importantly, how will it affect the ideas and understandings of tomorrow’s decision-makers?

Join a panel of Minnesota Earth Science teachers to explore some of the questions that surround this topic:

• What are the obstacles and issues to a solid foundation in geoscience literacy in the 21st century?
• What are some possible solutions to the problems that exist?
• What are some celebratory notes in what is happening in the teaching of the Earth sciences?

There will be opportunity to both listen to the perspective of practicing teachers, as well as open a dialog that will lead to the promotion of the Earth sciences as a vital part of the curriculum.