Purdue News
Purdue NewsThe Purdue summer institute begins July 6 and will cover topics such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, the evolution of the earth and the theory of plate tectonics.
"We think earth science is a wonderful way to interest children in grades five through nine in science, because most of them are fascinated by earthquakes and volcanoes," said Gerald H. Krockover, professor of earth and atmospheric science education and co-director of the summer institute.
Science teachers from Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Missouri and Iowa are scheduled to attend. This is the third year for the program, which is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.
"We want to increase the teachers' knowledge of earth sciences so they can develop teaching materials for their classrooms, take a leadership role in science education at their schools, and make local, regional and national presentations about earth science education," Krockover said.
The institute will include field trips to the New Madrid seismic zone in Missouri and the Center for Earthquake Research in Memphis, Tenn. Participants also will study Mississippi River sediments, a coal mine and an oil well during visits to Illinois.
Indiana teachers participating in the institute are Nancy Eagle of Fort Wayne
, Sara Jarvis of Muncie
, Greg Louk of Lafayette
, James Maglis of Kokomo
, John Pokorney of Lucerne
and Kevin Smith of Centerville
.
CONTACT: Krockover, (765) 494-0272; e-mail, hawk1@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
