AGI's Geoscience Women in STEM site is designed to strengthen geoscience education through exploration of the stories of four women scientists, including three who were recently selected as American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) IF/THEN Ambassadors by IF/THEN®, an initiative created by Lyda Hill Philanthropies to promote the participation of girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

 

The site, originally launched in January 2020 with a focus on just one scientist, now encompasses education experiences and activities inspired by the careers of four trailblazing STEM leaders:

 

The Geoscience Women in STEM site provides curriculum connections that concentrate on the Next Generation Science Standards in Earth and Space Science (NGSS-ESS) and illustrate ways that STEM topics can be explored across traditional disciplinary boundaries and in relation to all students' experiences.

 

On May 14, 2020, AGI debuts the completed website with an NGSS-ESS Working Group webinar, "Promoting Diversity in the Geosciences: Meet the Geoscience Women in STEM." The webinar introduces participants to curriculum modules developed around the inspirational stories of leading women geoscientists. These activities serve as exciting entry points for educators and students to further explore the geosciences and STEM.

 

The webinar will be available for free viewing online by 1 p.m. ET, Friday, May 15, 2020, as part of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers Webinars archive.

 

In addition, AGI and its publishing partner Nautilus are producing a limited run of print booklets featuring profiles of all four scientists featured on the Geoscience Women in STEM website, which will be made available to AGI's education partner organizations.

 

Hosted on the Earth Science Week website, the Geoscience Women in STEM site supports an ongoing area of emphasis for AGI's Earth Science Week program, spearheaded by its "Geoscience Is for Everyone" campaign, which provides information, materials, and activities emphasizing both the inclusive potential and the importance of the geosciences in the lives of all people.

 

IF/THEN® is part of Lyda Hill Philanthropies' commitment to fund game-changing advancements in science and nature. IF/THEN® seeks to further advance women in STEM by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers. Rooted in a firm belief that there is no better time to highlight positive and successful female professional role models, IF/THEN® is designed to activate a culture shift among young girls to open their eyes to STEM careers by: (1) funding and elevating women in STEM as role models, (2) convening cross-sector partners in entertainment, fashion, sports, business and academia to illuminate the importance of STEM everywhere, and (3) inspiring girls with better portrayals of women in STEM through media and learning experiences to pique their interest in STEM careers. To learn more, visit www.ifthenshecan.org or follow IF/THEN® on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

AAAS IF/THEN® Ambassadors were selected through a rigorous process by IF/THEN® and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world's largest general scientific society with the mission to advance science and serve society. The full list of women selected as AAAS IF/THEN® Ambassadors can be found at www.ifthenshecan.org/ambassadors.

 

Lyda Hill Philanthropies encompasses the charitable giving of founder Lyda Hill who believes that "science is the answer" to life's most challenging issues and is committed to funding transformational advances in science and nature. To learn more, visit www.lydahillphilanthropies.org.

 

Nautilus is a different kind of science magazine. Online, in print, and in the classroom, Nautilus leverages deep, undiluted, narrative storytelling to bring science into the largest and most important conversations we are having today. After all, that is where modern science — which is so personal, pervasive, spiritual, and transformative — deserves to be. Nautilus challenges the reader to consider the deep, mysterious connecting tissue that runs through the sciences and connects them to philosophy, culture, and art. Find out more at nautil.us.

 

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is a nonprofit federation of more than 50 scientific and professional associations that represents over a quarter-million geoscientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and interaction with the environment. Learn more at www.americangeosciences.org.

 

 

AGI Contact:

Geoff Camphire, Communications