Earth Science Education and Engagement Post 2020

Many people fondly remember assembling their first rock collection or exploding a baking soda volcano as a child. These experiences can be a great gateway into the Earth sciences, but a more tailored and modern approach will ensure future generations are geoscience-literate and eventually able to contribute to the workforce.
In this presentation, the speakers:

1. Use the Geoscience Australia Education Program as a case study of changing approaches to Earth science education and engagement, particularly after the global pandemic;

2. Discuss four key challenges facing geoscience education and engagement; and

3. Apply these challenges to efforts to promote Earth science to students in later high school, including summarising some of the broader data surrounding the attitudes and priorities of this demographic.

We hope that this presentation will help guide the discussion on how we can most effectively ignite the interest of the next generation in pursuing Earth Science.

About the Speakers:

Shona is the Education Manager at Geoscience Australia, with qualifications and experience in formal and informal education and a degree in geology. She regularly delivers virtual and in-person training and presentations for students and teachers.

Rachel is the Director of the Discovery & Engagement program at Geoscience Australia and a marine scientist. She is currently working to engage more Australians to understand the value and diversity of geoscience.

Kate is an Earth scientist at Macquarie University specialising in the composition and structure of the crust and upper mantle. She is an alum of the Superstars of STEM program and is passionate about engaging the next generation of geoscientists.