ENROLLMENT DECLINE IS SERIOUS BISMUTH: USING SCIENCE EDUCATION ON PUBLIC LANDS TO EXPOSE STUDENTS TO GEOLOGY AND CREATE POSITIVE ASSOCIATIONS WITH THE GEOSCIENCES

This submission emphasizes the importance of introducing geologic concepts in early science education and continued learning through secondary education to increase enrollment in college level geology programs. A lesson plan was written and implemented with primary school students at Earthquake Lake Visitor Center in Cameron, Montana which incorporated use of familiar items and concepts to teach complex geologic processes. The program utilized items that primary aged students would already be familiar with and presumably have a generally positive association related to discovery based play. Playdough was used to demonstrate the rock cycle with the container representing a caldera as students moved through the stages of erosion, lithification, and subduction with their hands. Silly putty was also implemented as a way to explain and demonstrate ductile deformation and faulting and folding processes in rocks, while slinkies were used with the oldest groups of students to explain the four types of earthquake waves. The utilization of silly putty, playdough, and slinkies empowered students to create an engaging learning environment focused on geologic concepts and reduce intimidation from learning complex topics. It was found that involving students with hands-on activities that were relevant to primary aged interests generally increased engagement and motivation during lessons.