EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GEOSCIENTISTS BY PROVIDING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES IN GEOLOGY FOR PRE-COLLEGE AND COLLEGE STUDENTS IN FORMAL AND INFORMAL SETTINGS

ENGAGE, Educating the Next Generation of Geoscientists, is an NSF-funded effort that provides opportunities for members of underrepresented groups to experience the geosciences in formal and informal settings through collaboration with other universities and science organizations. ENGAGE was designed and implemented to address the well-documented shortfall of professional geoscientists. The lack of Earth science emphasis in the high school curricula correlates to low enrollments at colleges and universities and is one of the causes for the shortfall of qualified geoscientists. Attracting and retaining younger students in the study of geosciences by offering geoscience experiences for pre-college students is part of the solution. Problem-based learning within an Earth System Science framework has increased the cultural and societal relevance of geology at the undergraduate level allowing students to connect with geology content and is also part of the solution.

ENGAGE incorporates the following: a culture of on-going dialogue around science issues through special guest lectures, opportunities for mentorship through informal lunches, experiential learning in lower division geology courses, student participation in professional conferences, and engaging family members in science education through family science nights and special presentations. Each of these components serve to build academic pathways and broaden participation of under-represented groups in the geosciences.