AN APPROACH FOR DISCOVERING AND INSPIRING FUTURE GEOSCIENTISTS IN URBAN SETTINGS AND BEYOND

A research project, Geosciences Awareness Program (GAP), designed to broaden the participation of under-represented groups in geosciences was initiated at The Ohio State University in 2009 through funding by the National Science Foundation’s Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences program. Students at five predominantly minority schools in Ohio’s largest city were introduced to the geosciences and geoscience opportunities through a presentation and related hands-on activities. The methods developed through Project GAP for enhancing precollege students’ attitudes toward, and increasing their interest in, geosciences included showing the relevance of the geosciences to society, highlighting the salary outlook for geoscientists, and providing examples of distinguished minority geoscientists. This study resulted in an approach for developing effective interventions, for increasing the number of future geoscientists in an urban setting. The effectiveness of the GAP approach for increasing the number of future geoscientists was supported by data collected through pre- and post-presentation surveys of participants. In addition to the presenting an overview of key points in the GAP presentation, the hands-on activities, and data demonstrating impacts, we will discuss how project GAP’s approach can be replicated in different settings, particularly other urban and informal education settings.