UNI, THE IOWA LIMESTONE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION AND IOWA’S TEACHERS - A MATCH MADE IN STONE

The University of Northern Iowa and the Iowa Limestone Producers Association (ILPA) have collaborated for nearly twenty years, engaging Iowa’s PreK-12 educators in geology its processes, importance, and regional applications. This collaboration results in a two component/credit (on-line/Spring and field/summer) course, the Iowa’s Geological Resources Workshop. The primary course objectives are to help Iowa’s teachers: A) Strengthen their geologic content knowledge and develop confidence in its delivery; and B) Discover the interrelationships (e.g. mining, development, conservation) between our region’s natural resources and thriving civilization. The learning objectives focus on the history and benefits of Iowa’s bedrock and surficial geology, as water resources are covered very well by complimentary educational opportunities (e.g. IOWATER). Nearly five-hundred teachers have participated in the UNI/ILPA collaboration producing a variety of products: A) entrance and exit interviews, B) pre and post-tests, C) development of mineral, rock and fossil sample collections, D) PreK-12 geology curricula (classes to stand alone activities), and the E) Development of a state-wide geologic support network (teacher-teacher, teacher-industry, and teacher-higher ed.). The Iowa Geoscience Education Information Network (IGEIN, www.exploreiowageology.org). These products work to engage and excite the next generation of Iowa geoscientists and increase the public’s geologic awareness. Iowa’s aggregate industry is as dynamic and important as the Earth’s geologic processes, educational opportunities serve as an effective means of linking the two-together for the benefit of all…