Programs and Services
Earth Science Education
The Idaho Geological Survey (IGS) helps promote education within the earth
sciences through partnerships with the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security and
other professional organizations. It also works with local communities and
schools
to increase
science literacy and public understanding of Idaho's geologic history.
Idaho Geological Survey staff members provide expertise to the University of Idaho, Boise State University, and Idaho State University by directing master's and doctoral research, teaching selected upper division courses in geology and earth science, participating in seminars, organizing and leading field trips, and facilitating K-12 teacher workshops.
In 1986 the Idaho Geological Survey provided an outdoor learning experience for a few local teachers. Since that inaugural year more teachers have asked to be included. By 1999, the popularity of these hands-on, minds-on outdoor classroom experiences had grown so much that the IGS was providing a learning experience for more than 60 teachers!
These week-long workshops encourage teachers to develop an earth science pedagogy that includes lessons outside the classroom. By "learning through inquiry," secondary and elementary teachers are provided information and support to help them develop activities for their local outdoor classrooms.
