GeoSTEM Learning Ecosystems

Background

Nationwide, only 3% of secondary science teachers have degrees in the Earth sciences. The Next Generation Science Standards include Earth and Space Science topics, but because so few teachers have the content expertise and training in the subject, students often do not learn how Earth science is relevant to their lives, if they learn it at all. This leads to a shortage in the number of people who pursue degrees and careers in the Earth sciences.

To address this issue, we are working to create a network of teachers and Earth scientists around the state of Illinois. The scientists share their expertise and teachers work in teams, using what they have learned, to create NGSS-ESS sustainability storylines that address sustainability concerns in their students' communities.

Impact

We are working with 20 teachers from around the state of Illinois. These teachers work in all sorts of communities, urban, suburban, and rural. They have created NGSS-ESS sustainability storylines that specifically address community issues. Because of these teachers' work, students will have the chance to learn how Earth science is relevant to their lives.

Teachers are networking with each other to learn how to implement these plans effectively. Teachers have the opportunity to work with scientists to enrich their lessons with real data sources. Scientists have the chance to connect with educators and young people, communicating their science and encouraging students to study the Earth sciences.