Earthworks
Earth System Science for Secondary Teachers

Earthworks is a free one-week workshop for secondary science teachers from around the country. With the help of practicing Earth scientists, participants design and conduct a field-based interdisciplinary study.

The goals of the workshop are to: provide teachers with an introduction to Earth system science that will encourage and enable them to pursue learning about our planet with their students, guide teachers through a learner-centered experience in which they can develop an understanding of Earth systems and share that understanding with others, connect teachers with scientists who study Earth systems and develop an Earth system science learning community.

Format of the workshop: Our focus for the week is to conduct research projects in Earth system science topics. Equipment and resources are provided, and the diversity of the local environment provides a unique setting for investigations of soils, geology, wildlife, weather, water quality, aquatic life, and more.

Our schedule is flexible and is adjusted each day to meet participants' needs. In group discussions, we focus on practical strategies for classroom implementation, pedagogical ideas, and development of individual plans for the subsequent school year.

Who should attend: Earthworks is primarily designed for new teachers, those in their first three years of classroom teaching, but highly-experienced and mid-career teachers are also encouraged to apply.

Participants need no previous expertise in the Earth sciences.