ǧÃŬAV

Engaging High School STEM and Special Education Teachers in Innovative Geoscience Teaching, Learning, and Research Environments

The GEOPAths project aims to spread awareness of the geoscience field to the upcoming generation. High school educators will be guided on how geoscience can be integrated into their core science curriculum through techniques that are inclusive to all students; including those with a disability, are first-generation students, or are learning English as an additional language.

Grant funded by:

The National Science Foundation

IUSE: GEOPAths-IN project
2021-2024 (Ongoing)

Grant Award Number:

 

GeoEd Workshop is an excellent opportunity to both meet with fellow science educators along with presenting an Earth-centered perspective on a broad range of course topics. Connecting chemistry, biology and physics with the world students live in is another way of showing them how interconnected we truly are, bringing new opportunities to approach familiar lessons.

Hunter O.

2022 GeoEd Participant

Associated Events

High School Teachers

GEOPAths-GeoEd Workshop

A 5-day workshop for high school teachers of STEM and Special Education being held at the ǧÃŬAV Gainesville Campus June 10—14, 2024. Includes a field trip convened by Dr. William Witherspoon, author of .

Registration Deadline: April 29, 2024

GeoEd Workshop

High School Students

Shadowing Research and Mentoring Program (SRMP)

A two weeks mentoring program for high school students at the ǧÃŬAV Gainesville Campus. This event is scheduled June 17-28, 2024.

Registration Deadline: April 29, 2024

GEOPAths Mentorship Program

Workshop Journal: Summer 2023

The GeoEd Workshop was a transformative experience for both myself and my students.

The workshop provided an invaluable opportunity for educators to integrate new laboratory exercises into our curriculum and hands-on labs and demonstrations were designed to align with state standards. From analyzing geographic data using GIS software to conducting labs modeling radioactive decay, the workshop equipped me with the tools and knowledge to engage more students in meaningful and relevant learning experiences.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the workshop was the fellowship among teachers. Collaborating with educators from diverse backgrounds and disciplines enriched my understanding of geospatial concepts and pedagogical approaches. The supportive environment fostered meaningful discussions and shared best practices, allowing us to learn from each other's experiences and expertise.

Furthermore, the workshop provided a comprehensive introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a powerful tool for analyzing spatial data. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, I gained proficiency in using GIS software to create maps, visualize data, and solve real-world problems. The practical skills and resources provided have enhanced the quality and depth of instruction in my classroom.

Overall, the Summer 2023 GeoEd Workshop at the University of North Georgia exceeded my expectations in every way. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate and have incorporated the lessons learned into my curriculum, ultimately benefiting the students I serve. I highly recommend the GeoEd Workshop to any educator seeking to enrich their teaching practice, expand their professional network, and inspire their students through the exploration of geospatial science.

— Adreinne C.

2023 GeoEd Participant

Dr. Rajkumar demonstrating the geoscience PBL method in Southeast Australia

Objectives

  1. Develop Integrative Project-Based Learning Content: To facilitate STEM and Special Education teachers' application of acquired geoscience skills, as well as students' exposure to geoscience content and its career opportunities in pre-college students. An accessible version of each of these projects will also be developed in order to create inclusive curricula for students with a wide range of disabilities that may include learning, physical, and sensory disabilities.
  2. Professional Skill Development: To provide STEM and Special Education teachers with specific geoscience skills for implementing the developed PBL content during summer workshops.
  3. Mentoring and Research Shadowing: To facilitate Georgia's high school students' research experience and introduction to geoscience career opportunities during the summer. Students will receive one on one mentoring with ǧÃŬAV faculty and/or undergraduate research students conducting geoscience research.

Principal Investigator (PI)

  • Katayoun Mobasher, Ph.D.
    Professor of Geology and Geospatial Technology

Co-Investigators (Co-PIs)

  • Adrianna Rajkumar, Ph.D.
    Lecturer of Geosciences
  • Cristina Washell, Ed. D
    Department Head, Elementary and Special Education (ESE)
  • Jeff Turk, Ph.D.
    Dean of IESA

Personnel

  • Dale Caldwell
    Lab Technology Coordinator & Research Associate
  • William Witherspoon, Ph.D
  • Sharon Hoffman, Ph.D
  • Joel Aquino, Ph.D
  • Jodi Carlyle