Examination of these trends indicates a low representation of teachers with geoscience degrees. Considering that earth science education requirements are met by the majority of students in grades 6-8, the low representation of elementary school teachers with geoscience degrees is cause for concern in regards to the preparation of elementary students for mandatory earth science curriculum in the middle grades, and for priming their interest to take earth science courses in the higher grades. Furthermore, K-12 education provides an important formative stage in a student’s education, and the coursework to which students are exposed during this period (especially during high school) influences choices they make in regards to college majors.

Read more in Geoscience Currents #28.

There is a question and answer session with the webinar speakers and participants after the presentations.

Our speakers are:

• Jill Karsten, National Science Foundation   Download presentation slides    View presentation on YouTube
• Christopher Lazzaro, The College Board   Download presentation slides    View presentation on YouTube
• Robert Ridky, U.S. Geological Survey   Download presentation slides    View presentation on YouTube

The speakers presentations are followed by a panel discusson with the speakers and webinar participants.

Our speakers include:

• Geoffrey Feiss, Retired Provost, College of William & Mary, "Making a Case for Your Department"
• Michael Perfit, Chair, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, "Small Departments at Large Universities: Lessons Learned from our Near Elimination and Planning the Way Forward"
• Michael Loudin, Manager, Global Geoscience Recruiting & Development, ExxonMobil, "Leadership and Thriving Geoscience Departments: Observations from a Global Geoscience Employer"

Webinar co-sponsors: NAGT and the Building Strong Geoscience Departments project.

The percentage of geoscience doctorates conferred to women has increased by 5% since 2007 while the percentage of bachelor’s and master’s degrees conferred to women has remained steady over the same time period. Compared to other disciplines, the geosciences rank consistently ahead of all physical science and engineering degrees. Additionally, the geosciences had the largest increase in the percentage of degrees conferred to women between 1993 and 2006 for all science and engineering degrees.

Read more in Geoscience Currents #27.
 

Since its inception in 2004-2005, 402 students from 10 high schools across New York have taken advanced geoscience elective courses in their high schools through E.S.O.P. A snapshot of the most recent year for 5 schools shows 13 of 67 students (19.4%) have decided to major in the geosciences as a result of participating in E.S.O.P.  Read more in Geoscience Currents #25.