Teacher Spotlight-Geo

Geoscience Research Institute NAD Field Trip 

In August of this year, I was extended the opportunity to experience, in person, the actual sites and artifacts that my students and I read about in our science books.  I, along with 39 other passionate science teachers across the North American Divison, were guided by scientists of the Geoscience Research Institute (GRI) through some of the most important locations for the appreciation of geology and the history of earth. 

For three days, we explored locations such as the Petrified Forest National Park, the South rim of the Grand Canyon, and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Park.  With these locations as our backdrop, we learned about overarching themes in geology such as the geologic column, rock types, geologic processes, fossils and fossilization, and the unconformities and discontinuity of surfaces.  Or simply put; how our world was created and the effects of the global flood on the earth.  These themes were presented through the lens of a Biblical worldview by our GRI scientist guides, among whom were Dr. Ronny Nalin, Dr. Ben Clausen, and Dr. Tim Standish.  They described the major phases of earth history (the beginning, creation week, the flood, and the present world) to frame the geological observations and experiences.

The GRI scientists explained how the biblical worldview compares with the different scientific theories at each location.  They insisted that by teaching the science behind the biblical worldview alongside of the opposing theories, that our students will be better equipped to understand. and if called to, defend their faith when presented with these concepts in higher education and throughout life. Our guides were able to share large amounts of information and data to our group while keeping us engaged and having fun. Their enthusiasm continued into the evening as they connected our daily observations in the field to biblical truths.

This experience has reminded me of the importance of being grounded in the understanding and belief that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...” It is important for me, as a science teacher of ten years, to be able to explain why I believe this and how to extend this understanding to my curious students. This experience has given me more confidence to address the secular scientific theories in our textbooks with my students using confident Bible-based scientific reasoning.  My goal is for my students to always be prepared when someone asks them about their Christian hope. “…you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”  1 Peter 3:15 NLT

~Heather Drusky, Grades 5-6 Teacher Highland Elementary