NAGTNews - Vol 13 - No 2 - February 2014

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1. Scholarships for Field Study

published Feb 7, 2014 12:37pm

Each year, NAGT makes several $500 awards to undergraduate students to facilitate their study of field geoscience. These awards are available for students attending field-based courses at any time of year. The intent of the awards is to support students' participation in intensive field courses in any aspects of geoscience (including geophysics, soil science, hydrology, etc.) that focus 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. In addition, the committee endeavors to select awardees that expand the diversity of people studying geosciences in the field and a collaboration with the Association of Women Geoscientists (AWG) funds two additional awards specifically for women.

Information about how to apply for one of these scholarships is available at http://nagt.org/nagt/students/field_scholarships.html.

2. Upcoming Workshop Application Deadlines

published Feb 7, 2014 12:39pm

There are a number of professional development workshops with impending application deadlines.

Teaching at Scale: Effective Strategies for Higher Order Learning in Large, Very-large, and Massive Courses (Cutting Edge)
Virtual workshop: April 7-18, 2014
Application deadline: February 15, 2014

New approaches and instructional technologies are changing the way many of us teach our classes. A key feature is scalability: the ability to teach increasing numbers of students at the same time. Large lecture classes, online learning, blended instruction, adaptive learning systems, and MOOCs all require scaling of instruction. We scale in our classes for reasons of efficiency - it is more cost effective to reach many than one - but we then face the challenge of optimizing the learning experience. In the geosciences, we have educational ideals that include field based, researched-based, and seminar formats. How do these ideals scale up into highly effective learning experiences that develop sophisticated geoscience thinking? This workshop focuses on techniques that improve the large scale teaching experience so that they are effective for instructors and rewarding for students.

Innovative Approaches to Teaching Sedimentary Geology, Geomorphology, and Paleontology (Cutting Edge)
June 16-20, 2014 - University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN
Application deadline: February 17, 2014

This workshop will bring together faculty who teach courses in sedimentary geology, geomorphology, paleontology, marine geology, and paleoclimatology to address questions of how to teach these disciplines most effectively at the undergraduate level. It follows on previous successful On the Cutting Edge "Teaching XYZ" workshops that address the individual disciplines themselves but that focus especially on the intersections and synergies among and between disciplines.

Early Career Geoscience Faculty: Teaching, Research, and Managing Your Career (Cutting Edge)
June 22-26, 2014 with an optional trip to NSF on June 27, 2014 - University of Maryland, College Park
Application deadline: March 1, 2014

Join us for a multi-day workshop in a stimulating and resource-rich environment where you will participate in sessions on topics including effective teaching strategies, course design, establishing a research program in a new setting, working with research students, balancing professional and personal responsibilities, and time management.

Undergraduate Research in Earth Science Classes: Engaging Students in the First Two Years (Cutting Edge)
August 10-13, 2014 - Montana State University
Application deadline: March 1, 2014

This workshop is designed to explore the many ways that authentic research experiences can be embedded in introductory Earth Science courses. This follows the recent recommendations from the President's Council of Advisors on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Advocate and provide support for replacing standard laboratory courses with discovery-based research courses. Access to Earth data, information technology, instrumentation, field experiences and new understanding of how students learn provide unprecedented opportunities for students to engage authentic research at early stages in their careers. Please share your experiences in promoting student research in the first two years in your own courses and departments.

Teaching about Risk and Resilience: Sea Level Rise, Flooding, and Earthquakes (InTeGrate)
May 14-16, 2014, Florida Atlantic University
Application deadline: March 1, 2014

This workshop will bring together educators and researchers from many disciplines, community leaders, planners, policymakers, insurers and other business interests, along with others from civil society to share best practices in education to help students to understand needs of different stakeholders and to prepare students for careers related to hazard mitigation and adaptation.

Preparing for an Academic Career in the Geosciences (a workshop for graduate students, post-docs, and others) (Cutting Edge)
June 30-July 3, 2014, University of Pittsburgh
Application deadline: March 3, 2014

This workshop is designed specifically for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and others who are interested in pursuing academic careers in the geosciences. Faculty members and administrators will provide guidance and information that will help participants to be stronger candidates for academic positions and to succeed in academic jobs. Session topics focus on becoming both a successful teacher and researcher. Each participant will develop or revise a plan for the next career stage and will take home ideas to improve teaching immediately.

3. Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award

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 winners. Individuals may apply themselves or nominate a colleague for the award.

The selection of award winners is conducted at the Section level and each Section sets its own deadline for nomination. A listing of the deadlines and contact people for each Section is listed on the program website. The earliest Section deadline is March 1 for the Far Western Section with other sections following until the middle of May. So check out your Section's deadline and get your nominations in via the website.

4. In the Trenches: January Issue Released

published Feb 7, 2014 4:25pm

The January 2014 issue of In the Trenches is on its way to member mailboxes. View the Online Supplement now!

5. 2014 Earthquake Insight Field Trip

published Feb 7, 2014 12:27pm

Friday, March 28 – Sunday, March 30

The overall purpose of the 2014 Earthquake Insight Field Trip is to educate and reduce earthquake risk. The field trip route includes natural and man-made features, historic sites, and engineered structures that show a basic overview of the earthquake hazards and earthquake risks in the central US.

This field trip starts and ends in the St. Louis metro area. Along the way we will make about a half-dozen stops in southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, western Kentucky, and western Tennessee. We will see field evidence of past earthquakes on the New Madrid fault system and related earthquake source zones, as well as engineering projects and challenges unique to central US earthquake country.

The cost is $350 or $300 for students ($400 or $350 after March 14) and includes field-trip transportation; six meals; and two nights shared hotel room (private hotel available with $100 premium). University credits as well as PDHs are available through Northern Illinois University.

For more information, please contact Phyllis Steckel, RG at 636-239-4013 or Dr. Melissa Lenczewski at 815-753-6563.

6. Enter the Climate Change In Focus Video Challenge

published Feb 7, 2014 12:26pm

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Environmental Education Foundation have just announced a new video contest that asks middle school students to produce a short video about climate change, why they care, and what they can do about it. Winning videos will be highlighted on the EPA website and the winners will receive cool prizes like a solar charging backpack. The first 100 contestants to enter will also receive a year's subscription to National Geographic Kids Magazine. The deadline for submissions is March 10. Visit the website for details on how to enter - http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/

7. Postdoctoral Opportunities

Two Postdoctoral Research Associate Positions in Discipline‐Based Education Research at the University of Nebraska‐Lincoln

published Feb 7, 2014 12:26pm

The successful candidates will be part of an interdisciplinary team working to disseminate and integrate research‐based instructional strategies in introductory STEM courses at UNL. These postdocs will work closely with co‐advising faculty, Dr. Leilani Arthurs (Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences) and Dr. Brian Couch (School of Biological Sciences). They will assist with one or more of the following projects: (i) research on student and faculty perceptions of course instruction, (ii) organization and evaluation of a faculty mentoring program, and (iii) teaching and evaluation of faculty professional development workshops.

Applicants must have completed a PhD in a STEM field or STEM education field by the start of the appointment. Preferred applicants will have experience in STEM education research, faculty professional development, and research‐based instructional strategies. Successful candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills, be able to work independently and collaboratively, and be able to interact with faculty across different disciplines.

Initial appointments are for 1 year with the possibility of extending for up to 1.5 additional years. Applications should include (i) a cover letter, (ii) a one‐page summary of the applicant's educational research interests, (iii) a curriculum vitae, and (iv) three letters of recommendation. All materials should be emailed to Dr. Leilani Arthurs (LARTHURS2@unl.edu). Please include "STEM Ed postdoc application" in the subject line to your email. Application review will begin on March 1, 2014, and continue until the positions are filled. Preferred start date is August 4, 2014.

These positions are supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation Widening Implementation and Demonstration of Evidence‐based Reforms (WIDER) Program. The University of Nebraska‐Lincoln is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply.

STEM Education Postdoc at CU-Boulder

published Feb 7, 2014 12:25pm

STEM Education and Assessment Fellows
University of Colorado Boulder
https://www.jobsatcu.com/postings/75979

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral associate in the newly formed Center for STEM Learning at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The successful candidates will work on educational transformation through a project focused on institution wide transformation, sponsored by the American Association of Universities. The overall project seeks to promote the use of research based instructional and assessment strategies. Responsibilities will primarily center on supporting faculty in the change process by identifying appropriate material resources to support assessment of teaching in multiple STEM disciplines, working closely with department leads to provide professional consultations with participating faculty on the use of identified materials, supporting the implementation of assessment measures by managing data collection and analysis, and consulting with faculty to reflect on the results. Associates will also work with project staff to develop an online campus-wide, potentially national, portal to assist faculty in finding libraries of educational measures, easing use of such measures and sharing results. Opportunities will also exist for working toward promoting the use of evidence-based measures of teaching impact and conducting research on the process of institutional transformation. The Fellows will collaborate with a broad group of engaging and nationally renowned faculty, post-docs, and graduate students across multiple STEM departments at the University of Colorado. The overall project also includes studies of institutional transformation, and provides opportunities for postdocs to participate in studies of individual and institutional uptake of new assessment tools and practices.

Qualifications: The successful candidates will have a strong disciplinary background in a STEM area and extensive experience in education research. Experience in biology or mechanical engineering is a plus as these are the initial departments on the project. The appointment is a one-year, renewable appointment with the preference that the successful candidate will be able to commit to the project for 2 years. The salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

Applications will consist of a cover letter, a vita, a statement of teaching philosophy and experiences, and three letters of recommendation. They can be submitted at https://www.jobsatcu.com/postings/75979. Review of applications is ongoing, and will continue until the position is filled. A start date of 5/1/2014 is preferred but is negotiable. The University of Colorado at Boulder is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment. For question about the position contact Dr. Melissa Dancy (melissa.dancy@colorado.edu).

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Community Advertisements

Director of Education and Outreach: AGI
Posted: Feb 7 2014
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is seeking an experienced individual to serve as its Director of Education and Outreach and as the lead for AGI's Center for Geoscience Education and Public Understanding. AGI is seeking a visionary leader who will develop a well-coordinated strategy to advance the education and public outreach mission of AGI. The Director will also be expected to lead the development and implementation of the strategy through strategic partnerships, staff deployment and accountability, and outsourcing.

Geoscientist/Geoscience Education, Assistant Professor, Portland State University
Posted: Dec 16 2013
The Department of Geology invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the geosciences and geoscience education beginning September 16, 2014. This hire supports the Department's commitment to collaboration with the Graduate School of Education and regional k-12 school districts.

Visiting Assistant Professor - Bowdoin College
Posted: Nov 15 2013
A one-year visiting position in Solid Earth.