FOSTERING FORMAL AND INFORMAL GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION IN NORTH CAROLINA

The North Carolina Geological Survey has been partnering with award-winning Outstanding Earth Science Teachers and Educators, and other educators with geoscience backgrounds, to guide the development of appropriate geoscience content and activities for K-12 education. It is essential to have both grade and age-appropriate geoscience information in developing any activity. Experienced formal teachers and informal educators use their training and the NC Essential Standards (science curriculum) to guide what concepts and information are important for a particular geoscience topic and audience. Content-driven formal and informal hands-on activities have been presented to multiple grade levels and in venues ranging from museums to classrooms, as well as, field trips to walking tours. Many of these presentations have been highlighted at the annual NC Science Teachers Association Professional Development Institute, where science teachers from across the state meet for professional development. The assessment type is determined by the venue and the audience participating in that activity. Formal assessment of these activities is through formal in-class testing and assignments. Informal assessment is through the objective presenter’s observations and questions during and after the presentation. Examples of geoscience activities used in formal and informal venues will be highlighted.