AGI Geoscience Outreach Programs with the National Park Service

Transcription

1 AGI Geoscience Outreach Programs with the National Park Service M. RAY THOMASSON 1, JUDY GENIAC 2, ROBERT HIGGINS 2 1 -THOMASSON PARTNER ASSOCIATES, INC. 2 -NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

2 Every individual should have the opportunity to better appreciate the majesty of our planet s surface. This can best done if the public has a better understanding of the geologic processes that created this beauty.

3 AGI Mission Statement The American Geological Institute (founded in 1948) serves the geosciences by Providing geoscience information as services and products Presenting a focused voice on national science policy issues Developing curriculum materials that strengthen K-16 earth science education Increasing public awareness and understanding of geosciences and the environment

4 National Park Service 388 parks 400+ million visitors 370+ million virtual visitors

5 The Opportunity # % NATIONAL PARKS Primary reason: Geology Significant Geology Subtotal (geologic)

6 The NPS Need for Help # % Total Employees 21, Biologists 1, Geologists Geology Positions: 56% (58) -- based in parks 44% (46) -- based in central offices

7 AGI and NPS Meeting October 2, 2002 NPS Geoscience Mission: Help managers and staff understand the significance and key roles of geoscientists in the parks Help visitors discover the nation s geologic icons Facilitate research and resource management Improve public safety

8 AGI Projects in Association with National Parks Support for GSA s GeoCorps America Program Encourage development and teaching of Geology of National Parks in universities and colleges Encourage the creation of a series of interactive modules (CD-ROM/DVD) using 3-D visualization and animation Animation of the geologic history of specific parks (10 to 15 minutes) Animation of key geologic concepts that fit school requirements Adopt-A-Park Program by Local Geological Societies Children's books on Geology from the Cockpit

9 AGI QUESTIONAIRE: Geology of National Parks (Sent to 684 geology departments) Total Questionnaires Sent: 600 Total departments responding 209 Departments with NPS course 49 Percent departments with NPS course 23% Total Enrollments: Physical Geology 98,502 Environmental Geology 18,813 Geology of National Parks 3,583

10 Animations at National Parks Interactive Geology Project (Weimer CU) Colorado National Monument (complete) Grand Canyon National Park (in progress) Carlsbad Caverns National Park (planning) Guadalupe Mountains National Park (planning)

11 Education Modules at National Parks Individual Topic Geologic Modules (FOX-COLBURN) Exploit 3-D Visualization Techniques Capture examples from National Parks Examples: Rock Cycle Plate Tectonics Earthquakes and Faults Use in National Parks, Museums, Classrooms, Lifelong Learning Centers

12 Geologically Oriented NPS Localities Hawaii Vi. Is./Guam Puerto Rico

13 Geologically Oriented NPS Localities NPS localities Local Geological Societies Hawaii Vi. Is./Guam Puerto Rico

14 Adopt-A-Park Example #1 Grand Junction Geological Society (Bill and Sandra Hood) Interactive CD-ROM Electronic Ranger Colorado National Monument Guadalupe Mountains National Monument Fossil Butte National Monument Carlsbad Caverns National Park (in progress) Problems Encountered Park personnel mostly biologists Parks under funded

15

16

17

18 Adopt-A-Park Example #2 Rocky Mountain Assoc. of Geologists (Popular Geology Committee) Target Park: Great Sand Dunes Nat l Park Develop Resources for the park Document the partnership Create a HOW TO short guide to success Encourage other parks to participate

19 Children s Books Using National Parks by Dr. Michael Collier Subjects: 1) Mountains o In progress o Uses 8 National Parks 2) Seashores 3) Cliffs and Canyons 4) Rivers 5) Glaciers

20 Sheep-Mtn-Anticline,-WY

21 Split-Cinder-Cone,-Death-Valley

22 Shiprock - NM

23 Future Possibilities Poster Series on Geology in the Parks Intergenerational Parks Project Diversity Initiative