103 Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Evolving Geoscience Curricula for a Changing World (Posters)
This session examines geoscience curricula balancing traditional foundations and innovative, interdisciplinary approaches. We invite abstracts exploring how programs address evolving societal challenges while preparing students for licensure exams and diverse career pathways.
Monday, 20 October 2025
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, Hall 1
Sequencing Cooperative Activities for Multi-layered Experiential Learning: Hawaiian Volcanoes and Hazards Education Summer Program
Paper number: 103-12
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Authors
Abstract
A series of highly-interactive, cooperative learning activities on Hawaiian volcanoes and hazards have been used to develop higher order thinking skills, practice strong communication habits and motivate intentional learners for lifelong learning. We developed and directed a summer program over several years with the long-term goal to increase the number and diversity of local college students in the natural sciences by exposing them the profound impact Earth processes have on the Hawaiian Islands and people (e.g., volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami, landslides, and flooding) and to the exciting range of local geoscience careers.
A five-day paid summer program on the geology and natural hazards of the Hawaiian Islands and Hawaiian-Emperor Chain for local high school and community college students included: (1) An overview of Hawaiian volcanism and hazards with map activity, video clips, rock samples and introduction to Emperor Seamounts (3 hrs); (2) Life and Death of Hawaiian Volcanoes jigsaw activity (3 hrs; 25 ft map of Hawaiian Ridge); (3) Two days of southeast and northeast Oahu field trips with activities (8 hrs each); (4) Natural Hazards on the Island of Hawaii jigsaw activity (3 hrs); (5) Volcanic Disasters and Reducing Risk introductory activity (1 hr); (6) Living on Active Volcanoes Learning Game activity on the Island of Hawaii (3 hrs); (7) A Volcanic Crisis Role-Play Simulation and Training Activity on the 2018 Kīlauea Eruption (4 hrs); and (8) Sharing with Others—Talk Story on Education and Careers (2 hrs). Four of these activities are available at the Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College. This intensive five-day sequence of cooperative learning activities promoted higher order thinking skills without the use of technology (comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation). Discussions with students and post-program debriefing and assessment indicated an appreciation for the high level of engagement and teamwork in cooperative learning activities and an overwhelming positive impact on the students’ attitudes about learning.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6
doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-414788
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