Faculty Accounts of Teaching Geoscientific Thinking

Geoscience methods applied to real-world problems
Kathleen Harper, The University of Montana
This webpage is an educational essay discussing how geoscience methods—such as observation, measurement, and modeling—are applied to real-world problems like natural hazards, resource management, and environmental issues, with regional and global case studies to enhance science education. auto-generated The author of this page didn't provide a brief description so this one sentence summary was created by an AI tool. It may not be completely accurate.

Field-experiences in every geoscience class: the key to facilitating developmentally appropriate instruction
Sean Cornell, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Essay advocating for mandatory field experiences in geoscience education to enhance observational skills, active learning, and developmentally appropriate instruction, with examples from introductory and upper-level courses. auto-generated The author of this page didn't provide a brief description so this one sentence summary was created by an AI tool. It may not be completely accurate.

The child as history: recapitulation goes to school
Kip Ault, Lewis & Clark College
An academic essay page analyzing the historical influence of recapitulation theory and Herbartian philosophy on child-centered education, emphasizing evolutionary analogies in developmental pedagogy, the role of G. Stanley Hall and John Dewey, and connections to modern science teaching methods in geoscience education. auto-generated The author of this page didn't provide a brief description so this one sentence summary was created by an AI tool. It may not be completely accurate.

Teaching the methods of geoscience in a mineralogy class
Dave Mogk, Montana State University
A pedagogical essay page detailing how mineralogy instruction can scaffold geoscience methods—integrating historical scientific development, theoretical reasoning, analytical techniques, and societal relevance—to cultivate students' scientific habits of mind and professional preparation in geoscience education. auto-generated The author of this page didn't provide a brief description so this one sentence summary was created by an AI tool. It may not be completely accurate.

Want better-prepared students? Teach teachers to think like geoscientists
Amy Ellwein, Western Colorado University
Essay page from the InTeGrate project discussing how geoscience courses for pre- and in-service K–12 teachers should emphasize inquiry-based learning, field observations, reflective writing, and the use of science notebooks to help educators think and teach like geoscientists, thereby improving student preparation. auto-generated The author of this page didn't provide a brief description so this one sentence summary was created by an AI tool. It may not be completely accurate.

My personal journey into the methods of geoscience
Jennifer Anderson, Winona State University
Personal reflection page by geoscientist Jennifer Anderson discussing her evolving understanding of geoscience methodologies, contrasting them with traditional scientific approaches, and exploring implications for teaching across physics, geology, and education disciplines. auto-generated The author of this page didn't provide a brief description so this one sentence summary was created by an AI tool. It may not be completely accurate.

Should we teach how to cope with uncertainty and incomplete data?
Scott Linneman, Western Washington University
An educational essay page discussing the importance of teaching students to cope with uncertainty and incomplete data in geoscience education, emphasizing the role of authentic data, historical context, and field experiences in developing scientific resilience and critical thinking within Earth science pedagogy. auto-generated The author of this page didn't provide a brief description so this one sentence summary was created by an AI tool. It may not be completely accurate.

Teaching the scientific method at a community college
Pier Bartow, Klamath Community College
Essay detailing a community college's standardized six-step scientific method curriculum, emphasizing pedagogical continuity, student reinforcement, and geoscience education practices at Klamath Community College. auto-generated The author of this page didn't provide a brief description so this one sentence summary was created by an AI tool. It may not be completely accurate.

Introducing the methods of geoscience to physical geology students
Beth Dushman, Howard Community College
A geoscience education essay page detailing strategies for teaching non-majors and majors in physical geology through critical reasoning, scientific method application, observational labs, communication exercises, and media literacy, with an emphasis on plate tectonics, natural hazards, and ongoing geological research. auto-generated The author of this page didn't provide a brief description so this one sentence summary was created by an AI tool. It may not be completely accurate.

Lithic literacy and the "forensic" methods of geoscience
James Ebert, SUNY Oneonta
An academic essay page discussing the teaching of geoscience through forensic-style inquiry and lithic literacy, emphasizing observational skills, interpretation of rock evidence, and inductive reasoning in reconstructing Earth's history. auto-generated The author of this page didn't provide a brief description so this one sentence summary was created by an AI tool. It may not be completely accurate.