K-12 Outreach
During 1990 the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Purdue University initiated a program to apply the Department's resources to improve the teaching and learning of the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in Indiana schools. The Department Outreach activities constitute part of the Outreach Program of the School of Science at Purdue. The effort comes at a time of growing national concern over declining student achievement, interest, and enrollment in science and mathematics.
Objectives of Outreach
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Update teachers and students on content and technology
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Reach Earth/Space science teachers, grades 7-12, and teachers of science, grades K-6
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Inform minority students and teachers of minority students about Earth and Atmospheric Science and careers
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Involve faculty, staff, and students from throughout the Department in outreach activities
Update Workshops for Teachers
Updates are intended for elementary and secondary teachers. Each Update reviews a specific topic, includes hands-on activities, and surveys teaching strategies and available teaching materials for a variety of grade levels. Each Update lasts one day and is publicized through the Indiana Department of Education, Professional Organizations, and the Educational Service Centers. Graduate credit is available through Purdue University.
Speakers and Departmental Tours
School visits to the Department focus on various Earth processes and materials, including weather forecasting, severe storms, fossils, earthquakes, and supply and demand for natural resources.
Indiana Earth Science Teachers
The Department has supported continuing activities of the Indiana Earth Science Teacher's Association since its founding in 1994.
Outreach Resources
Deep River Outdoor Education Center, Gary, Indiana
The Outreach Coordinators in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Biological Sciences have assisted the Deep River Outdoor Center staff in the Gary Community School Corporation in setting up long-term environmental monitoring by students.
Visit the page for Student data from Deep River Center
Seismology Resources for Teachers
This webpage provides reference materials for teachers (primarily grades K-12) with resource information that will be of use in teaching topics related to seismology.
