Geological Society of America

T212 Strategies and Best Practices in the Development and Execution of Youth Outreach Programs

Tuesday, 24 September 2024
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
208A

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A GEOSCIENCE FIELD CAMP FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN WISCONSIN

Paper number: T212-15
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 4:50 PM – 5:05 PM

Authors

Sarah Vitale Presenting Author
University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI
Scott Clark
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI
Kent Syverson
Univ. of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI
Aaron Walczak
Elk Mound High School, Elk Mound, WI
Alicia Howe
Memorial High School, Eau Claire, WI

Abstract

The Department of Geology and Environmental Science at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire designed and implemented a one-week geoscience field camp for high school students from 2022-2024. The recruitment process prioritized participants from demographics historically underrepresented in the geosciences, including women, people of color, low income, first generation, and the LGBTQ+ community. Activities included a combination of classroom and field experiences, and tours of industries highlighting geoscience careers. The participants stayed in campus dormitories to enhance group camaraderie and increase class engagement. Participants had an option to enroll in course credit and were given a stipend.

Students were surveyed at the end of each year’s program to evaluate their interest in geoscience careers and the role of the program in helping direct their educational and career goals. This presentation will describe approaches taken to designing and executing the field experience, highlight the program outcomes, and lessons learned.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 56, No. 5

doi: 10.1130/abs/2024AM-405197

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