Geoscience education

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Also known as Earth science education, It is the study of Earth's physical features, processes, and systems, as well as the natural and human-induced events that shape it. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, environmental science, and more. Geoscience education plays a crucial role in fostering scientific literacy, environmental awareness, and sustainable development, as well as in preparing future generations of geoscientists, policymakers, educators, and citizens. It is also a branch of science education.

Contents

The journals on this subject are the Journal of Geoscience education [1] and the Journal of Astronomy and Earth Science Education.

Geoscience Education Resources and Institutions

In addition to traditional classroom education, there are many resources and institutions available for geoscience education worldwide. These resources include museums, institutions, and research groups, all of which can provide learning opportunities for students of all ages.

One notable institution is the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre in Canada. This museum offers a range of exhibits and interactive displays that explore the geological and cultural history of the Canadian Rockies. Visitors can explore local geology and learn about the area's mining heritage, as well as delve into the stories of the people who have lived in the region over the centuries.

Another prominent institution is the Geoscience Australia Education Centre in Australia. This centre offers a range of resources for students and educators, including online tools and interactive exhibits that cover topics such as geology, mineral resources, and natural hazards. The centre also hosts educational programs for students of all ages, including hands-on workshops, guided tours, and outreach activities to schools and community groups. [2]

Other notable institutions for geoscience education include the American Museum of Natural History in the United States, the Geological Survey of Canada, and the British Geological Survey in the United Kingdom. With such a wide range of resources and institutions available worldwide, students of all ages can explore the fascinating world of geoscience and deepen their understanding of the Earth and its processes.

Geoscience Education Research Groups have been established around the world to address the challenges facing geoscience education and to improve the effectiveness of teaching methods. These groups bring together geoscientists, educators, and researchers to explore how to engage and motivate students to learn about the Earth and its complex systems. They conduct research to identify best practices in geoscience education, develop innovative teaching methods and materials, and evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches. These groups are supported by national and international geoscience organizations and have made significant contributions to advancing the field of geoscience education. The University of South Carolina's research groups at the Geoscience Department, for example, investigates new geoscience teaching methods and curricula, [3] while the University of Canterbury's Geoscience Education research group focuses on geoscience education in the context of sustainability and climate change.

Additionally, the Commission on Geoscience Education of IUGS (COGE), the International Geoscience Education Organisation (IGEO) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Geoscience Education Research Working Group also aims to expand the visibility of geoscience education research in the global Geoscience community by supporting geoscience education research and related initiatives. [4] [5]

Importance of Geoscience Education and future Directions

Geoscience education is a crucial component of understanding our planet and its complex systems. Educating young people about the diverse career opportunities and providing them with resources on geoscience is essential to sustain the industry and support the transition within the workforce. [6] In this regard, some organizations such as the Australian Geosciences Council regularly publish reports on the state of Geoscience Education worldwide. [7] Additionally, the Wuhan Consensus [8] is an initiative that emphasizes the importance of promoting the habitability of the Earth through education, in response to increasing threats to the planet caused by climate change, environmental pollution, and ecological damage. The Consensus advocates for a renewed perception and definition of humanity's role in the world, calling for concerted actions from global universities, research institutions, primary and secondary schools, and all sectors of society to implement the new geoscience education and promote harmonious co-existence between man and nature. As such, the future of Geoscience education [9] must focus on preparing the next generation of geoscientists, policymakers, educators, and citizens to address the pressing environmental challenges facing the world today.

Challenges faced by Geoscience educators worldwide

One of the biggest challenges is raising awareness of the importance of geoscience education. While the majority of countries have compulsory geoscience education in their curricula, more efforts are needed to increase the availability of optional geoscience courses, particularly for students aged 16-18. [10]

Another challenge is the lack of support from national and international geoscience organizations, which could improve geoscience education. Increased funding and infrastructure are also necessary to provide students with necessary resources and tools to succeed in geoscience education. Continued efforts are necessary to promote geoscience education and increase its accessibility, resources, and funding to prepare the next generation of geoscientists to address the environmental challenges facing the world today.

Related Research Articles

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) is one of the world's largest professional geological societies with about 17,000 members across 129 countries. The AAPG works to "advance the science of geology, especially as it relates to petroleum, natural gas, other subsurface fluids, and mineral resources; to promote the technology of exploring for, finding, and producing these materials in an economically and environmentally sound manner; and to advance the professional well-being of its members." The AAPG was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma; currently almost one-third of its members live outside the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Geophysical Union</span> Nonprofit organization of geophysicists

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of Earth, atmospheric, ocean, hydrologic, space, and planetary scientists and enthusiasts that according to their website includes 130,000 people. AGU's activities are focused on the organization and dissemination of scientific information in the interdisciplinary and international fields within the Earth and space sciences. The geophysical sciences involve four fundamental areas: atmospheric and ocean sciences; solid-Earth sciences; hydrologic sciences; and space sciences. The organization's headquarters is located on Florida Avenue in Washington, D.C.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Society of Exploration Geophysicists</span> Nonprofit geoscience organization

The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) is a learned society dedicated to promoting the science and education of exploration geophysics in particular and geophysics in general. The Society fosters the expert and ethical practice of geophysics in the exploration and development of natural resources, in characterizing the near-surface, and in mitigating earth hazards. As of November 2019, SEG has more than 14,000 members working in more than 114 countries. SEG was founded in 1930 in Houston, Texas but its business office has been headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma since the mid-1940s. While most SEG members are involved in exploration for petroleum, SEG members also are involved in application of geophysics methods to mineral exploration as well as environmental and engineering problems, archaeology, and other scientific endeavors. SEG publishes The Leading Edge (TLE), a monthly professional magazine, Geophysics, a peer-reviewed archival publication, and Interpretation, a peer-reviewed journal co-published by SEG and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Union of Geological Sciences</span> International non-governmental organization

The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) is an international non-governmental organization devoted to international cooperation in the field of geology. As of 2023, it represents more than 1 million geoscientists around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)</span> Public university in Wuhan, Hubei, China

The China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) is a public university in Wuhan, Hubei, China. It is affiliated with the Ministry of Education, and co-funded by the Ministry of Education and the Hubei Provincial People's Government. The university is part of the Double First-Class Construction and Project 211.

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2008 as the International Year of Planet Earth to increase awareness of the importance of Earth sciences for the advancement of sustainable development. UNESCO was designated as the lead agency. The Year's activities spanned the three years 2006–2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iain Stewart (geologist)</span> Scottish geologist and professor

Iain Simpson Stewart is a Scottish geologist who is currently Jordan-UK El Hassan bin Talal Research Chair in Sustainability at the Royal Scientific Society in Jordan. He is a UNESCO Chair in Geoscience and Society and formerly a member of the Scientific Board of UNESCO's International Geoscience Programme. Described as geology's "rock star", Stewart is best known to the public as the presenter of a number of science programmes for the BBC, notably the BAFTA nominated Earth: The Power of the Planet (2007).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geologist</span> Scientist who studies geology

A geologist is a scientist who studies the structure, composition, and history of Earth. Geologists incorporate techniques from physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and geography to perform research in the field and the laboratory. Geologists work in the energy and mining sectors to exploit natural resources. They monitor environmental hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and landslides. Geologists are also important contributors to climate change discussions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers</span> Professional organization for geoscientists and engineers

The European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) is a professional organization for geoscientists and engineers, established in 1951 with a worldwide membership. The association provides a platform for professionals in geophysics, petroleum exploration, geology, reservoir engineering, mining, civil engineering, digitalization and energy transition to exchange ideas and information.

Sharon Mosher is an American geologist. She did her undergraduate work at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. After earning an MSc from Brown University, she returned to the University of Illinois to get her PhD in Geology in 1978. Since 2001 she has held the William Stamps Farish Chair at University of Texas, and, since 2009 she has served as the dean of the Jackson School of Geosciences at Texas. In 2013 she became the president of the American Geosciences Institute.

Geoethics is the branch of ethics which relates to the interaction of human activity with our physical world in general, and with the practice of the Earth sciences in particular. It may also have relevance to planetary sciences. It is described as an emerging scientific and philosophical discipline, consisted of research and reflection on the values that serve as the bases of behaviors and practices wherever human activities interact with the Earth system. Moreover, geoethics promotes the ethical and social roles of geoscientists in conducting scientific and technological research and practice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">China University of Geosciences (Beijing)</span> Public university in Beijing, China

The China University of Geosciences (Beijing) is a public university located in Beijing, China. It is affiliated with the Ministry of Education, and co-funded by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Natural Resources. The university is part of the Double First-Class Construction and Project 211.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Estella Atekwana</span> American geophysicist

Estella Atekwana is a geophysicist studying biogeophysics and tectonophysics. She is currently Dean of the College of Letters and Science at University of California, Davis. She previously served as Dean of the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment at the University of Delaware. She is also an adjunct professor at both the University of Waterloo and the Missouri University of Science and Technology. Before joining the University of Delaware in 2017, she was the Department Head of the Boone Pickens School of Geology at Oklahoma State University. She is a Regents Distinguished Professor and a Clyde Wheeler Sun Endowed Chair at Oklahoma State University, where she maintains an adjunct appointment. Atekwana has also been a faculty member at Missouri University of Science & Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and Western Michigan University. Atekwana has been a part of helping write many journals and has earned many awards and honors throughout her career.

Marilyn J. Suiter is a geologist whose professional career has spanned teaching, working the oil and gas industry and public services. In her leadership roles at both the American Geosciences Institute and the National Science Foundation, Suiter has worked over decades to increase the ethnic diversity of the geosciences.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silvia Peppoloni</span> Geoscientist

Silvia Peppoloni is an Italian geologist, researcher in the field of natural hazards and risks, science writer, and international scholar in geoethics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geological engineering</span> Discipline applying geological science

Geological engineering is a discipline of engineering concerned with the application of geological science and engineering principles to fields, such as civil engineering, mining, environmental engineering, and forestry, among others. The work of geological engineers often directs or supports the work of other engineering disciplines such as assessing the suitability of locations for civil engineering, environmental engineering, mining operations, and oil and gas projects by conducting geological, geoenvironmental, geophysical, and geotechnical studies. They are involved with impact studies for facilities and operations that affect surface and subsurface environments. The engineering design input and other recommendations made by geological engineers on these projects will often have a large impact on construction and operations. Geological engineers plan, design, and implement geotechnical, geological, geophysical, hydrogeological, and environmental data acquisition. This ranges from manual ground-based methods to deep drilling, to geochemical sampling, to advanced geophysical techniques and satellite surveying. Geological engineers are also concerned with the analysis of past and future ground behaviour, mapping at all scales, and ground characterization programs for specific engineering requirements. These analyses lead geological engineers to make recommendations and prepare reports which could have major effects on the foundations of construction, mining, and civil engineering projects. Some examples of projects include rock excavation, building foundation consolidation, pressure grouting, hydraulic channel erosion control, slope and fill stabilization, landslide risk assessment, groundwater monitoring, and assessment and remediation of contamination. In addition, geological engineers are included on design teams that develop solutions to surface hazards, groundwater remediation, underground and surface excavation projects, and resource management. Like mining engineers, geological engineers also conduct resource exploration campaigns, mine evaluation and feasibility assessments, and contribute to the ongoing efficiency, sustainability, and safety of active mining projects

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geoscience Education, Training and Technology Transfer</span>

The Commission for Geoscience Education, Training, and Technology Transfer, mostly known as the Commission on Geoscience Education (COGE), is a global organization operating under the International Union of Geological Sciences. It focuses on advancing geoscience education and promoting knowledge and technology transfer in this field globally.

Christopher John Henry King (1949–2022), also known as Chris King, was a prominent British geologist and science educator known for his extensive work in geoscience education including contributions to international organizations like the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and the International Geoscience Education Organization (IGEO) and the European Geosciences Union.

Héctor Luis Lacreu is an Argentinian geologist and professor (retired), awarded the Chris King Medal for his innovative contributions to the teaching of geosciences at the university level and for helping develop a national geoscience curriculum in Argentina. He founded the Natural History Museum at the Universidad Nacional de San Luis in 1997, served as its curator for nine years, and is also an advocate for Argentina's geological heritage.

References

  1. ↑ "Journal of Geoscience Education". Research Journal: JGE. Retrieved 2023-04-23.
  2. ↑ Australia, c\=AU\;o\=Australia Government\;ou\=Geoscience (2021-11-01). "Visit our Education Centre". www.ga.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-05-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ↑ "Geoscience Education Research - School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment | University of South Carolina". sc.edu. Retrieved 2023-05-10.
  4. ↑ "Geoscience Education Research Working Group - education". connect.agu.org. Retrieved 2023-05-10.
  5. ↑ "IUGS – Commission on Geoscience Education" . Retrieved 2023-05-10.
  6. ↑ Fischer, Melissa A. Burt, Rebecca T. Barnes, Sarah Schanz, Sandra Clinton, Emily V. (2023-01-26). "Mentorship Builds Inclusivity and Belonging in the Geosciences". Eos. Retrieved 2023-04-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ↑ "Australian Geoscience Council Inc. - Australian Tertiary Geoscience Education Profile". www.agc.org.au. Retrieved 2023-04-23.
  8. ↑ Geosciences (Wuhan), China University of. "Wuhan Consensus: An Initiative for a New Geoscience Education was released". www.prnewswire.com (in Russian). Retrieved 2023-04-23.
  9. ↑ StaffWriter (31 January 2023). "Mning.org".
  10. ↑ King, Chris (2013-03-01). "Geoscience education across the globe – results of the IUGS-COGE/IGEO survey". Episodes Journal of International Geoscience. 36 (1): 19–30. doi: 10.18814/epiiugs/2013/v36i1/004 .
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