ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) proudly announces the launch of two innovative programs to enhance secondary educators' teaching of soil science and their understanding of the essential roles that healthy soils play in our ecosystem. The programs exemplify two ways AGI is working with partner organizations to strengthen geoscience education and demonstrate how immersive, hands-on field experiences can improve teacher effectiveness. AGI invites scientists, educators, and organizations to collaborate in fostering a robust foundation in the geoscience education and promoting awareness of geoscience careers.

 

One of these groundbreaking programs, the Soil Science Workshops (SSW), was successfully kicked off this year in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) during the North Central Regional Soil Survey Conference at the University of Wisconsin in Platteville on June 24-27, 2024. Middle and high school teachers engaged in field work with soil science experts, exploring practical techniques that can be adapted in teaching strategies. The workshop was designed to deepen educators' understanding of soil science and integrate those insights into the curriculum in alignment with science standards.  

 

Additionally, AGI has introduced the Teacher Field Experience (TFE), which commenced in Spring 2024 in Crystal Lake, Illinois. The TFE enabled educators to work with NRCS scientists, exploring the critical role of soil in maintaining Earth's systems. Activities included soil sampling at a field site, soil health analyses, and discussions on connecting soil science to secondary education. Following these experiences, teachers developed curriculum materials to bring their newfound knowledge into the classroom. Building on this success, the next TFE is scheduled for Fall 2024 in Wheaton, Illinois.  

 

AGI is actively seeking partnerships with scientists and organizations willing to support and/or involve teachers in field-based geoscience work. For organizations interested in participating, AGI offers help with logistical arrangements and education-related guidance to facilitate impactful collaborations. 

 

To encourage further participation and partnerships, AGI will share the successes of these programs through various channels, such as a presentation by AGI Outreach Coordinator Sequoyah McGee at the upcoming Geological Society of America conference in Anaheim, California. AGI aims to showcase the profoundly effective outcomes of educator-geoscientist collaborations on instruction and inspire others to join in this effort. 

 

For more information on partnering with AGI on these and other programs, including 2025 SSW or TFE opportunities, visit https://www.americangeosciences.org/NRCS or contact outreach@americangeosciences.org.

 

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional organizations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia. 

 

Contact:

Edward Robeck, Ph.D., Director of Education and Outreach