DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION, AND EVALUATION OF ‘ROCKS REALLY ROCK!’- A GOOGLE EARTH ELECTRONIC FIELD TRIP ACROSS GEOLOGIC TIME

Earth Sciences (ES) are relevant for society and its relationship to the Earth system. However, ES education in U.S. K-12 environments presents multiple challenges such as 1) limited exposure to ES, 2) lack of awareness about ES careers, and 3) low ES literacy. ES international associations have recognized these challenges and recommended earth scientists to improve the public’s perceived relevance of ES through both formal and informal educationalm approaches.

In recent years, informal learning science communication/outreach methods like the “Streaming Science” model of Electronic Field Trips (EFTs) which engage K-12 classrooms with STEM subject matter experts, have increased in popularity as an educational technology tool. EFTs are low cost, have spatio-temporal benefits, and have proven to be an effective informal science education pathway to introduce STEM content in formal classrooms to increase positive attitudes towards science and interest in STEM careers. Nevertheless, EFTs in ES for K-12 environments have not been popularized, and their impact in ES education is yet to be studied.

This study presents the creation and implementation of an EFT in geology called “Rocks Really Rock: an Electronic Field Trip across Geological Time.” The program was implemented in Spring 2022 in seven U.S. schools. The EFT was built in web-Google Earth and has six stops showcasing pre-recorded videos in different locations in Idaho-U.S. The lead presenter/author used multimedia science-communication tools to develop and deliver content about rock-formation and plate tectonics.

Participating students completed a post-assessment after the program implementation to evaluate the impact of the Google Earth tour. Results showed the geology EFT positively impacted students’ attitudes and perceptions toward geology and their interest in geology careers. Additionally, EFTs were found to be effective ways to increase Geology literacy and reinforce topics covered in science classes.