8 Building Connections Between Educators and Geoscientists to Foster the Future Workforce (Posters)

Join us in sharing effective educational outreach practices and opportunities to connect geoscience researchers, educators, and outreach professionals. Topics include using data in the classroom, place-based and experiential learning, co-developing educational resources, and community engagement.

Monday, 9 March 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
RCC, Lower Level Hall

Science, Data, and Education: Connecting Educators and USGS Scientists

Paper number: 8-1
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides high-quality data to address Earth’s hazards, water, ecosystems, and its energy and mineral resource needs. These topics are often at the center of K-12 educational standards, yet there can be a disconnect between educators and scientists investigating these topics. To bridge this gap, the USGS conducted a 3-day secondary educator professional development workshop. The primary goals of the workshop were to (1) foster collaborative relationships between educators and scientists, (2) familiarize educators with the USGS mission, data, and resources, and (3) equip educators with the necessary knowledge and tools to bring real-world data into their classrooms. A mixture of classroom, lab, and field-based activities were used to achieve these goals.

Prior to the workshop, some participants used USGS products consistently in their classroom, while others rarely or never did. Following the workshop, all participants indicated they learned something new to apply in their classroom, and the workshop was a valuable use of their time. Their favorite aspects of the workshop were laboratory tours, hands-on activities, and interactions with USGS scientists. The participants’ main takeaways from the workshop were increased awareness of USGS resources and an understanding of the importance of critical minerals. When asked how the workshop could be improved, the most common suggestion from participants was to provide more classroom-ready activities. 

The success of the workshop is due, in large part, to collaboration between USGS scientists and educators participating in the Department of Energy Albert Einstein Distinguished Educators Fellowship Program. The Fellows, hosted by the USGS Youth and Education in Science Program, provided vital expertise and feedback on the content, delivery, and structure of the workshop. Additionally, a facilitator with Department of Interior was instrumental in ensuring the goals of the workshop were met by providing guidance on the workshop design, community building activities, and logistics.

As a taxpayer-funded bureau, the USGS is tasked with providing the public and other stakeholders with timely research in the natural sciences. Engagement with local educators is a mutually beneficial approach to honor that commitment while also helping usher in American energy dominance and providing the resources necessary for educators to teach and inspire future geoscientists.  

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 1

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026SE-411606

© Copyright 2026 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.