Don't Let This Be Your Last NAGTNews! Renew Your Membership Today!
In this issue of NAGTNews, you will find many opportunities for faculty, students, and K-12 teachers made possible by membership dues, efforts, and donations.
Thanks to all who have already renewed! Your membership supports NAGT's efforts to improve geoscience education for everyone. As an independent, small non-profit organization funded primarily by member contributions, NAGT's programming will continue to align with our mission, because we are committed to growing our efforts to make the geosciences just, equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible. If you would like to learn more about what you and your membership can do to make a difference, we encourage you to get involved. Join a committee, become a leader, gift a membership, or donate today.
STUDENTS: Apply Now for Scholarships for Field Study
Deadline: February 14
NAGT supports students' participation in intensive field courses in any aspect of geoscience (including geophysics, soil science, hydrology, etc.) that focuses on students practicing skills of field observation, data collection, analysis and synthesis. Awardees are selected based on the importance of the field experience in meeting their educational and career goals, the quality of the field aspects of the course, and the importance of the financial award in allowing them to participate in the program.
Apply Now!
Deadline: February 14, 2025
Nominate an Outstanding K-12 Earth Science Teacher
Due March 1
Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) awards are given for "exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the pre-college level." Any teacher or other K-12 educator who covers a significant amount of earth science content with their students is eligible. Ten national finalists are selected, one from each NAGT regional section. Some sections also recognize state/province winners. Individuals may apply themselves or nominate a colleague for the award. Click on the button below to learn more.
Submit a Nomination
by March 1, 2025
Get Involved in NAGT Leadership - Nominate Today
Nominations are open for Executive Committee, Section, and Division leadership positions. Learn about NAGT's leadership team and nominate yourself or a colleague who might be looking for ways to impact geoscience education, education advocacy, diversity and inclusion in the geosciences, GER, regional geoscience education, and more. A leadership role in an NAGT committee, Division, or section is a great next step! To nominate for a Section or Division position, contact the leader of that Section or Division. Nominations are open for the following national positions:
- 2nd Vice-President - A four-year commitment: the 2nd Vice-President transitions to 1st Vice-President, President, and Past President over four years.
- Councilors-at-Large (2) - Serve a three-year term.
Questions about national positions can be directed to the chair of the nominations committee, Past-President Reginald Archer, rarcher@tnstate.edu. Elections occur in June and terms begin at the NAGT Annual Council Meeting in October 2025. Self-nominations are welcome!
Journal of Geoscience Education
Article of the Month
Each month, the editorial staff of JGE select a paper to be free to access. For February 2025, they selected "I think they only study seawater": Oceanography classroom career panel as a tool to promote geoscience career awareness, by Samuel Cornelius Nyarko, Willian P. Gilhooly III, Lean Hong Tan, and Stuart M. Kenderes, published online on October 28, 2024. Congratulations, authors!
The Journal of Geoscience Education is always looking for submissions related to learning and teaching in the geosciences and related domains.
The Geological Mind: A Joint Effort Between NAGT and GSA Today
The February 2025 issue of GSA Today features Basil Tikoff and Thomas F. Shipley's analysis of "Grand Canyon, USA: Lumping and Splitting to Make Sense of a (Somewhat) Predictable World." This issue of "Places that Reveal the Geological Mind" merges geologic and cognitive thinking about how outcrops provide a way to think about space and time for canyon formation.
"The Geological Mind" is a featured year-long series of essays co-authored by NAGT members Basil Tikoff, a structural geologist, and Tim Shipley, a cognitive scientist, and edited by Executive Director, Anne Egger. You may be familiar with Basil and Tim's work from the Spatial Thinking Workbook or their many other collaborative efforts to elucidate how geoscientists think.
Explore Exemplary Teach the Earth Activities 
Teach the Earth is a portal to thousands of resources from dozens of Earth Education websites. Managed by NAGT, this portal supports teaching and learning about the Earth by providing online resources for K-12 and undergraduate educators in the geosciences and related fields. Resources include classroom activities, course descriptions and syllabi, information about pedagogical strategies, topical collections, and more.
February's Teach the Earth Featured Resource: Student-Generated Earth Science Podcasts for a Community Partner
This activity focuses on "engaged digital scholarship," by challenging students to increase their information literacy and use audio to effectively communicate scientific information to a general audience. This project can be embedded in several different introductory-level Earth science courses for non-science majors, with the resulting podcasts being shared with varied community groups.
In The Trenches
In the Trenches (ITT) provides NAGT members the chance to contribute and start a professional conversation about successful strategies you've used in your teaching, administration, mentoring, outreach, research, publishing, or any other venue that you think would be of interest to other NAGT members. Articles are published online as they are finished, and each article will include a threaded discussion board, providing the community with the opportunity to comment on the article, ask the author(s) questions, and interact with other NAGT members.
In this month's ITT, learn about "Virtual Geology Field Trips: Bringing the Story of Rock Outcrops to Today's Classrooms" in an article by Edward J. Marintsch. Join in the conversation about using virtual field experiences in the classroom.
Suggest ITT ContentSubmit an Article
Taylor & Francis Book Discount For NAGT Members!
As NAGT publishes with Taylor & Francis, members are entitled to a 30% books discount on any full-priced CRC Press or Routledge book. To acquire this discount and see other journals you have access to, visit your NAGT Member Homepage and select Journal Access. This is one of many of our membership perks!
It's Nomination Season! Take a look at all the different ways to recognize your and your colleagues' innovations and exceptional contributions.
Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) Awards
Nomination Deadline: March 1
Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) awards are given for "exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the pre-college level." Any teacher or other K-12 educator who covers a significant amount of earth science content with their students is eligible. Ten national finalists are selected, one from each NAGT regional section. Some sections also recognize state/province winners. Individuals may apply themselves or nominate a colleague for the award.
More information on OEST Awards
GSA - Biggs Earth Science Teaching Award
Nomination Deadline: March 1
The Geological Society of America - Geoscience Education Division asks you to consider nominating your colleagues for the Biggs Earth Science Teaching Award, which recognizes innovative and effective teaching in college-level earth science. Earth Science instructors and faculty members from any academic institution engaged in undergraduate education who have been teaching full-time for 10 years or fewer are eligible (part-time teaching is not counted in the 10-years-or-fewer requirement). Peer- and self-nominations are accepted for this award.
Association Awards
Nomination Deadline: April 15
Association awards are presented annually with nominations solicited from the community and awardees selected by committees. These awards include; the Distinguished Service: Robert Christman Award, the Stimulation of Interest in the Earth Sciences: Neil Miner Award, the Excellence in Earth Science Writing and Editing: James H. Shea Award, and the Excellence in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: JEDI Award.
More Information on Association Awards
Journal of Geoscience Education (JGE) Awards
Nomination Deadline: June 15
The Journal of Geoscience Education (JGE) is the premier peer-reviewed publication for geoscience education research and curriculum and instruction at the undergraduate and pre-college levels. JGE is an international forum dedicated to the publication of research concerning the pedagogy, assessment, and philosophy of teaching and learning about the geosciences. JGE awards are presented annually with nominations solicited from JGE readers, authors, and editors. These awards include the Outstanding Paper Award & the Outstanding Reviewer Award.
More Information on JGE Awards
Outstanding Teaching Assistant (TA) Awards
Nomination Deadline: June 15
The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award recognizes undergraduate and graduate students for their work as teaching assistants. Up to 30 awards are given annually. Both undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants are eligible for the award. Award winners receive a one-year membership in NAGT, which includes an online subscription to the Journal of Geoscience Education and our In The Trenches online magazine. The undergraduate student awards are the gift of Thomas Hendrix, Grand Valley State University. Tom was the recipient of the 1994 Neil Miner award and he also served as President of NAGT as editor of the Journal of Geoscience Education. The graduate student awards are funded by NAGT.
More Information on Outstanding TA Awards
Do you have good news related to your geoscience education work that you would like to share with the NAGT community? Submit it to NAGT's Community Kudos!
NAGT Webinar Series YouTube Channel
Did you miss a webinar hosted by NAGT? Check out the NEW NAGT Webinar Series YouTube Channel! Find a selection of recordings from webinars in the series and sponsored projects at your fingertips. Remember to subscribe!
Webinar: Affective Domain Mini Lessons in Introductory Geology Classes
Online - March 3, 2025, 1 PM Eastern | 12 PM Central | 11 AM Mountain | 10 AM Pacific
Learn about affective domain lessons that use best practices and research-based approaches to teach concepts related to the intersection of math and geoscience. The webinar introduces the affective domain (e.g., math anxiety and self-efficacy) and its role in student learning. Facilitators will also provide context for the development of these lessons, results from our study, and discuss best-practices for incorporating the lessons into a course. Participants will be provided the opportunity to explore a lesson, discuss their experience, and discuss student perceptions of math and geoscience and how lessons might fit into their own courses.
Workshop: Course Design 2025
Online - Wednesdays, June 4, 11, and 18, 2025
A highly interactive synchronous online workshop in three sessions! Ready to level up your course design? Join our interactive 3-part workshop to align assessments with your course goals and connect with peers for feedback and support. Register by May 28! Get ready to design or redesign your course with our interactive Course Design Workshop! Using backward design principles, this 3-part online workshop helps you create assessments and activities that align with your course goals. Join us for hands-on sessions on June 4, 11, and 18, 2025, where you'll explore best practices, collaborate with colleagues, and receive valuable feedback to refine your course plan. Open to educators at all stages.
Workshop: Early Career Geoscience Faculty - Apply Now!
In-Person - June 22-26, 2025, with an optional virtual visit to NSF June 27
Faculty in the first three years of their position are invited to join this multi-day workshop that features sessions on topics including effective and engaging teaching strategies, designing a course, conducting research projects with students, balancing professional and personal responsibilities, managing time, and establishing a research program. Build your network and community of early career peers.
Workshop: Preparing for an Academic Career in the Geosciences
Online - August 4-8, 2025, from 11am-2pm ET | 10am-1pm CT | 9am-12pm MT | 8am-11am PT each day
A highly interactive week-long synchronous online workshop! This online workshop is designed specifically for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and others interested in pursuing academic careers in the geosciences. Workshop facilitators will lead sessions and provide guidance that will help participants become stronger candidates for academic positions and succeed in academic jobs. More information will be coming soon!
Traveling Workshops: Bring Our Experienced Leaders to You
The Traveling Workshops Program (TWP) brings NAGT's professional development program to you, working with you to customize a workshop to meet your group's needs. The TWP has well-tested workshop sessions on adapting to change, (re)designing your courses and curriculum, inclusive mentoring, supporting all students, and more. Are you preparing for a program review or responding to feedback from one? Have you seen changes in the faculty in your department through new hires or retirements? Do you feel you could do a better job serving your students? We can help you! Choose your workshop or learn more about the program.
Learn more about the history of the Traveling Workshop Program in the April 2024 In the Trenches and the June 2024 AGU's Eos.
Your Regional Section is Growing!
Come be a part of the action. NAGT Regional Sections are the grassroots of geoscience education in North America. The 2023 reorganization of Sections focused members' efforts on regional issues. If you haven't connected with your section leadership, we encourage you to do so! Check out the Regional Section Webpages to learn more about your Section and efforts to engage and support geoscience education in your region.
Geo2YC Division
Join us for the next Geo2YC Division Fireside Chat on Monday, February 24 at 8p Eastern, 5p Pacific as we discuss topics related to Artificial Intelligence in the classroom. https://zoom.us/j/99482921801?pwd=Tau7DL6TWUcNb0ntyRh4CaQLuxZN6Y.1
Looking for financial support for your ideas? Two grant options via NAGT for 2YC educators to support your teaching and professional development are the Dorothy Stout Grant and the Geo2YC Faculty Development Grant. See the Geo2YC website for further information. Applications are due for both on April 15.
The Geo2YC Division is looking for volunteers to serve on our Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award committee. Committee members are responsible for reviewing nominations quarterly, communicating with awardees, and preparing a short write-up about the awardees for the quarterly Geo2YC newsletter, Foundations.
We are also looking for a volunteer to support the efforts of the NAGT webinar committee. This committee meets virtually several times yearly to plan and recruit for the NAGT webinar series. Having a 2YC voice on the committee helps to ensure topics of interest to our community are included in the webinar offerings. If interested in these positions, email Karen Layou (Geo2YC newsletter editor) at klayou@reynolds.edu for more info.
Geoscience Education Research (GER) Division
The Geoscience Education Research Division (GER) is committed to the promotion of high-quality, scholarly research in geoscience education that improves teaching and learning in K-12, higher education, and informal learning environments.
Teacher Education (TED) Division
The NAGT Teacher Education Division (TED) seeks to improve geoscience teaching by improving teacher content and pedagogical knowledge and by encouraging research on best teaching practices. TED is in search of a new Media Director! We have a great leadership team. Do you want to know what we've been up to? Do you want to inform how the Teacher Education Division supports you, as members of NAGT and TED? Find us on Facebook!
New Geoscience Education Research Monthly Knowledge Exchange Series
Are you interested in enhancing your research design and methodology skills in an informal, collaborative setting? Join the AGU Geoscience Education Research Working Group for informal monthly meet-ups to share resources and experiences with specific DBER methods or tools (like the NAGT 2YC Fireside Chats). The GER Monthly Knowledge Exchange is here to help!
What is it? A casual, interactive Zoom gathering held monthly where members of the GER community can: Share resources, ideas, and experiences on a specific topic. Ask questions and get input from peers without the pressure of formal presentations. Build collective capacity while reducing stress and preparation burdens.
What makes it unique? No prep is required, just bring your curiosity and insights to share! Real-time collaboration and a shared notes/resource list will be compiled during the meeting. Stress-free participation, meetings are not recorded, encouraging open discussion. Stay connected, build skills, and share knowledge with fellow researchers.
FEBRUARY TOPIC: Focus groups: Structures to facilitate flow and track participant contributions
Thursday, February 20th, 9:30 -10:30am PT
Zoom Link: https://ubc.zoom.us/j/63716808674?pwd=rZAvAE94mMCdQnhi2jaeRXf2damJ9a.1
Meeting ID: 637 1680 8674
Passcode: 267194
March TOPIC: Ways in which AI is being used to conduct research (e.g., writing codes for r) or manage research-related tasks
Thursday, March 20th, 9:30 -10:30am PT. Watch for the zoom link in the March NAGTNews.
AGU Bridge Program Student Applications Open Now
Interested in Graduate School? Apply through the AGU Bridge Program! The AGU Bridge Program offers one, free application to be considered by 45+ graduate geoscience departments. Applications open annually in December and close in March. Students identifying as Hispanic, Black/African American, American Indian, Pacific Islander, Alaskan Native or Native Hawaiian are especially encouraged to apply.
Sign up to find out more at an upcoming Applicant Office Hour: February 21, 1-2pm ET and March 12, 1-2pm ET.
Applications are accepted through March 18. Learn more at agu.org/bridge-program.
Educational Experiences in Atmospheric Science Field Campaigns: A Community Workshop
We invite you to submit an application to participate in a community workshop held May 28-30, 2025. This gathering of experts in atmospheric science observational research, educators and education researchers will explore past experiences of supporting students in the field and develop steps to evidence-based practices for field campaign training and learning.
Participating in field campaigns and observational research can be a pivotal career moment for students as these present unique learning and networking opportunities. It also presents challenges to those supporting the students in the field while leading research efforts in this unique environment. This gathering of experts in atmospheric science observational research, educators and education researchers will explore past experiences of supporting students in the field and develop steps to evidence-based practices for field campaign training and learning.
Workshop Goals
- Discuss the opportunities and challenges of having students in field campaigns
- Explore how to optimize the learning experience without jeopardizing the science mission of the campaign
- Create a community of practice focused on student learning in observational sciences
- Develop potential models for making education research an integrated component of future field campaigns
Participants
- Atmospheric science education researchers
- Atmospheric scientists and engineers with field experience
- Education professionals
- Graduate students and postdocs who have participated in field campaigns
Application deadline is February 28, 2025.
ADVANCEing FieldSafety Training Program Launch
ADVANCEing FieldSafety is excited to share the official launch of the ADVANCEing FieldSafety training program! The training program was developed to help the field-going community in creating and building safe and welcoming field environments. The training program consists of an asynchronous online course, a virtually facilitated debrief workshop, and an accompanying toolkit full of resources and templates for you and your team to use in the field. Visit our website to learn more!
Sign up for the ADVANCING FieldSafety online course, the synchronous debrief workshop, and check out our toolkit to support field teams in planning welcoming, inclusive, and safe field campaigns.
Survey Exploring Connections Between University Field STEM & Outdoor Programming
If you are a university STEM instructor interested in field education OR if you are involved in outdoor experiential education (academic, co-curricular, private sector) and you have questions that keep you up at night, please consider completing this survey. It should take 15 minutes or less.
This survey study is being conducted to:
- Better understand the landscape of STEM (e.g., biology, ecology, geology, environmental studies, etc) and Outdoor Experiential Education and Recreation Program (academic and co-curricular) field activities
- Identify the current extent to which university STEM and Outdoor Experiential Education and/or Recreation programs are already collaborating across the higher education landscape in the United States,
- Identify potential opportunities and barriers to developing such collaborators, and
- Identify potential stakeholders (like you?) who would be interested in working further to develop such collaborations at their local institution(s).
Please share with anyone or group lists that you feel might be interested!
Geoscience and Environmental Justice
Be sure to check out the timely article, Teaching Justice in the Geosciences Matters in Eos. The article is authored by NAGT member Gary A. Gomby of Central Connecticut State University and addresses the pressing need to incorporate environmental justice into geoscience education. A number of resources are provided along with examples of case studies.
Case Western Reserve University - Instructor in Environmental Earth Sciences
Closes March 28, 2025
University of Kentucky - Lecturer in Earth & Environmental Sciences
Application review begins April 1, 2025
San Joaquin Delta College - Associate Professor of Geology
Closes February 16, 2025
Clemson University - Assistant Professor in Earth Sciences
Open until filled
Available Samples 
Desired Specimens
- A small rural school needs a classroom rock and mineral collection
- Science Department Head/Earth Science Teacher
- Deformation Microstructures
- #50States50Rocks
- Precambrian chert. Stromatolites
Post in the Rock and Mineral Exchange