NAGT Activities at 2016 GSA Annual Meeting

NAGT is pleased to sponsor a variety of symposia and sessions at the Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America meeting held in Denver, CO, September 25-28. Please submit an abstract and plan to attend the following sessions highlighting key issues of importance to geoscience educators at all levels. You can also come by the NAGT booth (#457) to meet officers and other NAGT members and to learn more about how you can be involved in your organization. More information about NAGT activities at GSA will be added to this page as it becomes available.

Jump down to: Workshops | Topical Sessions | Meetings and Receptions

Workshops Early Registration Deadline: August 22

NAGT is cosponsoring several workshops this year. Register for these when you register for the meeting. You can also see a full listing of short courses on the GSA website.

517. Teaching about Climate Change and Hazards: Data-Rich Teaching Modules for Introductory Courses

Sat., 24 Sept., 8 a.m.–noon.
Cost: US$25. Limit: 30. CEU: 0.4
Instructors: Becca Walker, Mount San Antonio College; Beth Pratt-Sitaula, UNAVCO
Cosponsors: GETSI (GEodetic Tools for Societal Issues); UNAVCO; National Association of Geoscience Teachers

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Abstract: Including data analysis and quantitative skills in introductory undergraduate courses is challenging. This short course introduces participants to two 2-week curricular modules - "Ice Mass and Sea Level Changes" and "Surface Process Hazards". Students use temperature, sea level altimetry, tidal gauge, gravity, GPS, and LiDAR data to consider potential societal implications of sea level rise and mass movements. Appropriate for a broad range of introductory courses, the modules consist of units that may be implemented together or individually. Other shorter activities featuring geodetic data for introductory courses will also be included (e.g. GPS and earthquakes). Modules can be found at http://serc.carleton.edu/getsi.

518. Teaching the Anthropocene: Controversial Issues 1

Sat., 24 Sept., 8 a.m.–noon.
Cost: US$35. Limit: 40. CEU: 0.4
Instructors: Don Duggan-Haas, Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth; Mark Nielsen, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Minda Berbeco, National Center for Science Education; Glenn Dolphin, Univ. of Calgary; Robert Ross, Paleontological Research Institute and its Museum of the Earth
Cosponsors: National Association of Geoscience Teachers; GSA Geoscience Education Division

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Abstract: Humans are having a profound and lasting effect on Earth's systems. In recognition of this, scientists have proposed that we are now living in a new geologic epoch called the Anthropocene. The Anthropocene is an admission that humans are fundamentally changing the nature of Earth systems—a politically, if not scientifically, controversial proposition. This is one of two connected courses on controversial issues that may be taken separately or together. Questions addressed include: Why are certain issues controversial? How do controversial issues differ from one another? How can we help learners focus on deepening understandings rather than fortifying positions? What does the history of controversy teach us about dealing with these issues? Both courses will investigate the teaching of controversial issues from theoretical perspectives and provide nuts-and-bolts strategies to make teaching such topics more effective and less divisive. Both courses will also present the latest research on the relevant topics and highlight free ready-to-use classroom resources for K–16 teaching about human impacts on planet Earth, all related to the core idea of Earth and human activity found in the Framework for K12 Science Education and The Next Generation Science Standards.

519. Interactive Strategies for the Classroom: A How-To Guide Using Examples about Igneous Rocks

Sat., 24 Sept., 8 a.m.–noon.
Cost: US$35. Limit: 40. CEU: 0.4
Instructors: Karen Kortz, Community College of Rhode Island; Jessica Smay, San Jose City College
Cosponsors: National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT); Geo2YC Division of NAGT; National Science Foundation.

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Abstract: In this strategy-packed, interactive, and flexible workshop, participants will be given concrete examples of and practical advice for using a variety of approaches to make a class more student-centered. Although the examples used will focus on igneous rocks at the introductory level, the skills developed in the workshop are transferable. Strategies planned include think-pair-shares, concept tests, lecture tutorials, jigsaws, gallery walks, skeleton notes, and organizational worksheets. These strategies can be easily integrated in large or small lecture courses, hybrid courses, and flipped classes. A NSF-supported, research-based introductory geology textbook in development will be presented as a useful tool to aid in implementing these activities. The target audience is 2YC and 4YC faculty who want to increase, strengthen, or reinforce their toolkit of teaching strategies.

522. Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Structure from Motion (SfM) in Undergraduate Field Courses

Sat., 24 Sept., 8 a.m.–noon.
Cost: US$25. Limit: 35. CEU: 0.4
Instructors: Bruce Douglas, Indiana Univ.; Christopher Crosby, UNAVCO
Cosponsors: UNAVCO; GEodetic Tools for Societal Issues (GETSI); National Association of Geoscience Teachers

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Abstract: Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry are increasingly important research methods for generating high-resolution topographic models, but are typically not part of undergraduate curriculum. In this short course, instructors will be introduced to teaching resources developed by UNAVCO for integrating TLS and SfM into field camps and in-semester field courses. Applications for these methods include stratigraphic analysis, fault scarp analysis, and change detection and can give insights into topics from energy research and paleoclimate to earthquakes, landslides, and flooding hazards. Materials are appropriate for courses such as field methods, structural geology, geophysics, and geomorphology. This short course focuses on the teaching resources themselves, and practical experiences using these resources in undergraduate field education. For those interested in exposure to TLS technology, we recommend also registering for the "Introduction to Terrestrial Laser Scanning (Ground-Based LiDAR) for Earth Science Research and Education" short course scheduled the preceding day.

527. Analyzing Active Tectonics with LiDAR, InSAR, and GPS: Using Geodetic Data in Major-Level Courses

Sat., 24 Sept., 1–5 p.m.
Cost: US$25. Limit: 30. CEU: 0.4
Instructors: Bruce Douglas, Indiana Univ.; Vince Cronin, Baylor Univ.; Beth Pratt-Sitaula, UNAVCO
Cosponsors: GETSI (GEodetic Tools for Societal Issues); UNAVCO; National Association of Geoscience Teachers

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Abstract: Despite its growing importance in societally critical fields such as hazard mitigation and climate change, geodetic techniques and data are seldom found in undergraduate courses—even for majors. This short course gives instructors hands-on experience with two curricular modules that feature LiDAR, InSAR, and GPS data applied to better understanding and mitigating earthquake hazards. Modules are appropriate for courses such as structural geology, geophysics, tectonics, and geomorphology. Modules consist of units that may be implemented together or individually. A module about water resource applications of GPS and gravity data will also be presented in brief. Modules are online at http://serc.carleton.edu/getsi.

528. Teaching the Evolution of Life & Earth: Controversial Issues 2

Sat., 24 Sept., 1–5 p.m.
Cost: US$35. Limit: 40. CEU: 0.4
Instructors: Don Duggan-Haas, Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth; Mark Nielsen, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Minda Berbeco, National Center for Science Education; Glenn Dolphin, Univ. of Calgary; Robert Ross, Paleontological Research Institute and its Museum of the Earth
Cosponsors: National Association of Geoscience Teachers; GSA Geoscience Education Division

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Abstract: Evolution and a deep history of Earth have long been publically controversial, which provides challenges and opportunities for teaching. This is one of two connected courses on controversial issues that may be taken separately or together. Questions addressed include: Why are certain issues controversial? How do controversial issues differ from one another? How can we help teachers and learners focus on deepening understandings rather than fortifying positions? What does the history of controversy teach us about dealing with these issues? Both courses will investigate the teaching of controversial issues from theoretical perspectives and provide nuts-and-bolts strategies to make teaching such topics more effective and less divisive. Both courses will also present the latest research on the relevant topics and highlight free ready-to-use classroom resources for K–16 teaching about human impact on planet Earth, all related to the core idea of Earth and human activity found in the Framework for K12 Science Education and The Next Generation Science Standards.

530. Introductory-Level InTeGrate Geoscience Classroom Activities that Blend Student Decision-Making with Important Societal Issues

Sat., 24 Sept., 1–5 p.m.
Cost: US$45. Limit: 40. CEU: 0.4
Instructors: Elizabeth Nagy-Shadman, Pasadena City College; Kyle Gray, Univ. of Northern Iowa
Cosponsors: National Association of Geoscience Teachers; GSA Geoscience Education Division

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Abstract: This short course will introduce participants to three different 50–60-minute InTeGrate (Interdisciplinary Teaching about Earth for a Sustainable Future) activities designed for introductory level geoscience courses that use real data and make connections to societal issues that students can relate to in their everyday lives. Attendees will leave the course with active learning strategies and resources for exciting activities that can be immediately incorporated into many types of courses. Topics include (1) selecting which schools to fund in a seismically hazardous region; (2) considering the global supply and demand relationship of REEs; and (3) creating an informational brochure that a city could use to educate its citizens on the impact of living near a river, including background information, flood profiles, future potential, flood prevention, and positive impacts of the river on the city.

532. Bridging Science to Society in the Classroom: Tectonic Motions, Earthquakes, and Shake-Resistant Buildings

Sat., 24 Sept., 1–5 p.m.
Cost: US$25. Limit: 30. CEU: 0.4
Instructors: Shelley Olds, UNAVCO; Roger Groom, Mount Tabor Middle School; Robert-Michael de Groot, SCEC (Southern California Earthquake Center)
Cosponsors: UNAVCO; National Association of Geoscience Teachers

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Abstract: In this fun and interactive halfday short course, middle and high school teachers will explore modern technologies used to study tectonic motions, develop earthquake early warning systems, and construct earthquake-resistant buildings. Teachers will use highprecision GPS data and maps from the EarthScope Plate Boundary Observatory to identify areas with earthquake risk. They will explore authentic earthquake data using Quakecatcher sensors from the Quake Catcher Network (QCN), a collaborative citizen science initiative. To mitigate shaking impacts and building resonance during earthquakes, teachers will apply NGSS engineering design elements to construct and test shake-resistant buildings. Bring your laptop or tablet. Free learning materials and posters will be provided. UNAVCO and SCEC provide free and open access to data and instructional materials to teach about Earth processes.

NAGT-Sponsored Topical Sessions Abstract Deadline - July 12

To see the full list of Geoscience Education Topical Sessions, go to the GSA Annual Meeting Website.

T72. Advances in In-Service and Pre-Service K–12 Earth Sciences Teacher Preparation and Professional Development

Suzanne T. Metlay, Mark Abolins
GSA Geoscience Education Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers; NAGT Teacher Education Division

Innovative approaches in teacher preparation and professional development by two-year and four-year colleges and universities may successfully address the needs of earth science educators, especially in rural or traditionally underserved areas.

Geoscience Education

Submit an abstract to this session

T74. Climate Literacy in Formal and Informal Education, for Policy Makers and the Public, and Measures of Impact

Tamara Shapiro Ledley, Anne U. Gold, Suzanne O'Connell, Mark A. Chandler, Katya Hafich
GSA Geoscience Education Division; CLEAN Network; National Association of Geoscience Teachers; GSA Geology and Society Division; GSA Limnogeology Division

The session will focus on activities (formal and informal education, engagement with decision makers, networks, and the public) and research (education, social, and cognitive) that can extend the reach and effectiveness of climate literacy efforts.

Geoscience Education | Geoscience Information/Communication | Geoscience and Public Policy

Submit an abstract to this session

T82. Methodological Decision Making in Geoscience Education Research

Katherine Ryker, Nicole LaDue, Todd D. Ellis, Kim A. Cheek
GSA Geoscience Education Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers

Geoscience education research uses quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Presenters are encouraged to highlight the rationale for methodological decisions and how decisions about research methods impact conclusions that can be drawn from their results.

Geoscience Education | Geoscience Information/Communication

Submit an abstract to this session

T84. Planning to Make a Difference through the Next Generation Science Standards: Part 1 K–12 Initiatives

Michael J. Passow, Belinda E. Jacobs, Carla McAuliffe, Cheryl L.B. Manning
National Earth Science Teachers Association; GSA Geoscience Education Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers Geo2YC Division; GSA Geology and Society Division

As states and school district prepare to adopt/adapt the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), it becomes important to consider how changes in Earth and Space Science will be different this time from past educational initiatives.

Geoscience Education | Geoscience and Public Policy

Submit an abstract to this session

T85. Planning to Make a Difference through the Next Generation Science Standards: Part 2 Undergraduate and Teacher Training Initiatives

What adaptations should Higher Education and Informal Educational Institutions create to facilitate implementation of the NGSS? How best can teacher preparation programs empower pre- and in-service educators with skills to succeed under the NGSS?

Geoscience Education | Geoscience and Public Policy

Submit an abstract to this session

T86. Supporting Geoscience Student Transfer Between Institutions and Transitions into the Workforce: Pathways for Success

Eric M.D. Baer, Norlene R. Emerson, Allan Ludman
GSA Geoscience Education Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers; National Association of Geoscience Teachers Geo2YC Division; GSA Geology and Society Division

Topics might include advising/support strategies; bridge programs; cross-institutional collaborations including recruitment and student research projects, field trips, and 2YC-4YCU faculty interactions; articulation agreements; curricular and extra- curricular experiences, transfer patterns , and impact on broadening access.

Geoscience Education | Geoscience and Public Policy

Submit an abstract to this session

T87. Supporting Students with Disabilities: Innovations and Strategies for Geo-Success

René A. Shroat-Lewis, Wendi J.W. Williams
International Association for Geoscience Diversity; GSA Geoscience Education Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers; National Earth Science Teachers Association; National Association of Geoscience Teachers Geo2YC Division; NAGT Teacher Education Division

This session is aimed at sharing effective geology classroom (fully face2face, hybrid, online formats), laboratory, and field experience strategies for students with disabilities (to include Universal Design applications, too).

Geoscience Education | Geoscience Information/Communication

Submit an abstract to this session

T88. Technological Innovation in Geoscience in Two-Year Colleges

Callan Bentley, Joshua Villalobos, Peter J. Berquist
GSA Geoscience Education Division; International Association for Geoscience Diversity; National Association of Geoscience Teachers Geo2YC Division

This session explores the successful application of technology in geoscience courses at two-year colleges. Topics may include virtual field experiences, drones, facilitating access for students with disabilities, infusing technology into field work, and mobile apps.

Geoscience Education | Geoscience Information/Communication

Submit an abstract to this session

Meetings and Receptions

Dates, times, and locations for business meetings and receptions will be posted as they become available. Be sure to check back soon.

AGI Past President's Reception and Dinner - Saturday, September 24, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Centennial Ballroom F (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
AGI ExComm Meeting - Sunday, September 25, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Mineral Hall B-C (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
GSA President's Reception - Sunday, September 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Centennial Ballroom A (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
NAGT Executive Committee Meeting - Sunday, September 25, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Centennial Ballroom F (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
NAGT Council Meeting - Sunday, September 25, 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Centennial Ballroom F (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
GSA Presidential Address and Awards Ceremony - Sunday, September 25, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Mile High Ballroom 2A/3A (Colorado Convention Center)
NAGT Booth #457 opens - Sunday, September 25, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
NAGT and USGS Internship Meeting- Sunday, September 25, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Mineral Hall A (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
GSA Education Committee Business Meeting - Sunday, September 25, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Quartz (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
NAGT 2YC Geoscience Div. Business Meeting - Sunday, September 25, 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Centennial Ballroom G (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
NAGT Teacher Education Div. (TED) Business Meeting - Sunday, September 25, 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., Centennial Ballroom H (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
NAGT Geoscience Education Research Div. Business Meeting - Sunday, September 25, 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., Centennial Ballroom F (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
Geoscience Educator's Reception (GSA, GSA Div. GEo. Ed., NAGT, DLESE, Cutting Edge, InTeGrate, IRIS, JOI, UNAVCO, EARTHSCOPE, Teacher Prep Table - Sunday, September 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Centennial Ballroom B (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
GSA JTPC Roundtable Breakfast - By invitation
NAGT Past Presidents' Breakfast - Sunday, September 25, 7:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., Mineral Hall F (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
Joint AGI/GSA Member Societies Meeting - Monday, September 26, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Mineral Hall A (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
Friends of AGI Awards Reception - Monday, September 26, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Capitol Ballroom 1 (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
Association for Women Geoscientists Discussion of issues facing women chairs, deans, etc. - Monday, September 26, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Mile High Ballroom 1F (Colorado Convention Center)
NAGT Journal of Geosci. Educ. Editorial Board Meeting - Monday, September 26, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Mineral Hall D (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
GSA Geoscience Educ. Division: Management Meeting - Tuesday, September 27, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Granite A (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
GSA Geoscience Educ. Division: Business Meeting - Sunday, September 25, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Centennial Ballroom B (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
AGI/NAGT Leadership Meeting - Tuesday, September 27, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Sandstone (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
NAGT/GSA Geo. Ed. Div/CUR Awards luncheon - Tuesday, September 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Centennial Ballroom A-B (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)
InTeGrate Reception - Tuesday, September 27, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Mineral Hall C (Hyatt Regency Denver at CCC)