GEOHERITAGE APPLICATION ACROSS AN EDUCATIONAL SPECTRUM: VALUES AND BENEFITS WITHIN TRADITIONAL CLASSROOMS AND INFORMAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Our geologic heritage provides case studies within which geoscience instructors apply the content taught in our traditional geoscience courses. Field camps, field excursions, and virtual field trips embrace geodiversity as instructors rally around the slogan that “geoscience is best taught in the field.” Even within the classroom, instructors include numerous examples of unique outcrops and locales to illustrate geological constructs. With deeper integration of local Geoheritage through community engaged learning, our students apply geoscience concepts while working with a community partner to ensure Geoheritage site sustainability, as well as site optimization for future scientific research, geotourism, and/or informal educational opportunities. Local community partnerships tap into students’ geographic affiliations, promote critical thinking and meaningful learning, and expose students to Geoheritage stewardship. Student response for community engaged learning within Geoheritage sites has been overwhelming positive, with students acknowledging that the “real-world” interdisciplinary experience moved them beyond the classroom and made them stakeholders in modern issues.

Since all learners receive most of their science content outside traditional science classrooms, unique geological sites have the potential to improve public geoliteracy and appreciation of local Geoheritage. Several Geoheritage sites effectually illustrate previous climate changes as well as the evolution and extinction of life forms (e.g., exposed marine strata containing fossils of extinct organisms). Effective interpretation at Geoheritage sites—via signage, brochures, or guided excursions—can make explicit connections for visitors of the critical issues facing our planet, increase visitor appreciation of Geoheritage, and raise public understanding of conservation and sustainability issues.