Geoscience Education

The Geoscience Education (GeoEd) Program is part of a portfolio of programs within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) that seeks to increase public understanding of Earth system science and foster recruitment, training and retention of a diverse and skilled geoscience workforce for the future.  The program achieves these goals by supporting innovative or transformative projects that improve the quality and effectiveness of formal and informal geoscience education at all educational levels, increase the number of students pursuing geoscience education and career paths, broaden participation of traditionally underrepresented groups in the geosciences, and promote public engagement in Earth system science. 

In FY 2010 and FY 2012, the GeoEd program invites proposals in four main areas:

• advancing public Earth system science literacy, particularly through strengthening geoscience education in grades K-14 and informal education settings;
• fostering development and training of the diverse scientific and technical workforce required for 21st century geoscience careers;
• utilizing modern technologies to facilitate and increase access to geoscience education and/or develop innovative approaches for using geoscience research activities and data for educational purposes; and,
• establishing regional networks and alliances that bring together scientists, formal and informal science educators, as well as other stakeholders, in support of improving Earth system science education and broadening participation in the geosciences. 

Proposals focused on basic research that might catalyze discovery and innovation at the frontiers of geoscience learning, education, and evaluation will be considered by the GeoEd Program, but are not viewed as a priority in this solicitation.  However, the GeoEd Program expects all proposed project activities to be grounded in current understanding of how students learn and effective STEM education practices.  Proposals must include an appropriate evaluation or assessment plan that will help to document project effectiveness and/or impact.

The GeoEd Program accepts proposals for pilot or proof-of-concept projects (Track 1) and integrative collaborations (Track 2) , as well as for conferences or workshops related to the mission of the program.