As SEPM members, we are responsible, in part,
for the future of our science. Given the current state of American
education and the status of earth science relative to other sciences,
the future of geology looks bleak. However, if each one of us
does something, we as a group of concerned professionals
can make a difference immediately. Decide what you will
do to improve K-12 earth science education. Here are some ideas:
- Volunteer to give a class presentation. (For
ideas about activities to include, see some of our publications.)
Contact a teacher, principal, superintendent, scout leader, or
director of the local nature center and give them topics you
are willing to talk about (e.g., earthquakes, dinosaurs, fossils,
or careers in geology). Discuss details of the talk with the
teacher or group leader and aim your presentation at the level
of the audience. Emphasize geology as a wonderful way of seeing
the world.
- Invite a group (class or scout group) to
visit your workplace to learn more about what geologists do.
Show them the "tools of the trade."
- Judge a science fair or work with the local
junior academy of science.
- Get involved in the local science teachers
association.
- Lead a field trip for a class or for teachers
in the local school system.
- Become a partner with a science teacher to enrich the classroom
experience and learn more about how to work with students. Use some of the
activities from this web site or from others such as the education site of
the Geological Society of America.
