Collaborations for Building Michigan Geology Talent

The increase in the number and quality of high school science courses and the establishment of more dual enrollment courses provides the geosciences with a new opportunity to elevate the stature of the science and potentially reach a new generation of students, increase the number of students selecting geoscience careers, and broaden diversity within our workforce. This proposal details a comprehensive program to model how the geosciences can capitalize on this opportunity. The proposed project will:

• Train teachers from throughout Michigan to teach the High School Advanced Geology (HSAG) course developed by Mattox and high school teacher Chris Bolhuis at the 12th grade level, and

• Develop a consortium of universities who will agree to give college credit to students who take the course from a trained instructor and who pass an approved test that will be graded by faculty at the participating universities.

High schools will be provided with an opportunity to teach an AP-like HSAG class on their own sites for credit at several universities in Michigan. The teachers will be supported with content knowledge, guidance on pedagogy, and the equipment needed to properly teach the class. Participating teachers will have the opportunity to earn graduate credit and a Master’s degree in Earth Science Education as part of the process.