Earth landscapes have multiple histories and timescales. In geoscience, we primarily study these landscapes through quantitative methodology – we take measurements and make hypotheses. While this framework is essential for geoscience research, it does not fully capture all the ways in which we, as humans, interact with the planet. For example, quantitative data may not fully capture lived experiences or cultural practices of coastal communities facing climate change.

One way to explore these complexities is through hauntology: usage of ghosts. Ghosts/hauntings (defined as elements of the past that linger in the present day) have been used in K-12 curriculum to explore the complexity of historical narrative. As geoscience possesses similar complexities, integrating hauntology into classroom activities may change student attitudes around their connection to geoscience. In Autumn 2025, we implemented two sessions of arts-based learning activities, which integrated geoscience via a hauntology framework, in an introductory undergraduate course focused on the geology of the national parks to explore student attitudes around geoscience.

This course took place in person, meeting for 1.5 hours twice a week, and comprised of 35 undergraduate students. Prior to the introduction of the arts-based class activities, I gave students a lecture of the general overview of the framework of hauntology as applied to geoscience, and the two national parks in which they would be completing activities. Prior to each activity, students could take a pre-survey on Canvas. In class, I provided a brief lecture (~20 minutes) on activities, then remaining time was allocated for the arts-based activity (integrating geoscience via a hauntological framework) and a post survey on Canvas. Cuyahoga National Park, our first meeting, engaged students in the practice of rephotography. Everglades National Park, the second meeting, engaged students in poetic inquiry. Combining these approaches, we hope to teach a holistic understanding of the national parks.