EarthScope Workshop for Park and Museum Educators in the New Madrid–Central U. S. Region
Fogelman Executive Conference Center
Memphis, Tennessee
March 17-20, 2011

What?

The central U.S. region is a prime target area to investigate intra-continental earthquakes as well as the deep structure and tectonic evolution of the North America continent. This workshop coincides with the 200th Anniversary of large earthquakes that struck the New Madrid, Missouri area, as well as passage of the EarthScope array of seismometers across the region. Interpretive professionals in parks, museums, and science learning centers thus have the unique opportunity to engage the public on the historical and societal implications of scientific discoveries as they are being made. EarthScope presents a 3-day workshop that features presentations by prominent scientists and interpretive professionals to help convey the story of the landscape and geological hazards of the Central United States. Participants will learn how to use basic geologic information and EarthScope science results, and will develop and present actual interpretive programs and exhibits during the workshop. Access to digitally-archived and real-time, web-accessible geologic information will provide a key source of information for such programs.

Sponsored by:

EarthScope National Office at Oregon State University, Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) at the University of Memphis, and Department of Geology-Geography at Illinois State University. EarthScope is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Who should attend?

Informal educators from museums, science learning centers, the National Park Service, U. S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state parks, the U. S. Geological Survey, state geological surveys, as well as other individuals who engage the public in natural and cultural history in the Central United States are encouraged to apply. Participants do not have to be geologists, but they should have some knowledge of Earth science and experience incorporating geological information into interpretive programs or exhibits. We also welcome applications from K-12 Earth science teachers who interact with interpretive specialists in parks or museums, as well as from college faculty involved in informal education programs in the region.

Funding:

Participants or their organizations provide travel costs to and from the workshop. The NSF EarthScope Program, through a grant to the EarthScope National Office (ESNO) provides food, lodging, materials, and field trip travel while at the workshop. DVDs, printed handouts, and other workshop materials will be provided by ESNO at no cost to participants.

Lodging:

Rooms have been reserved at the Fogelman Executive Conference Center and Hotel, adjacent to the University of Memphis. The EarthScope National Office will pay double occupancy rates for participants. Single rooms are available for participants who wish to pay ½ of the single room cost (ESNO pays the other half).

Commitment:

Participants must commit to all three days of the workshop (from 6:00 PM Thursday, March 17 to 12:00 Noon Sunday, March 20). Each participant and their supervisor must commit to providing follow-up training to their staff members on how EarthScope data, science results, and societal implications can be incorporated into interpretive programs and exhibits.

Instructors:

• Bob Lillie (Prof. Geology, Oregon State Univ.; Certified Interp. Trainer; EarthScope Education/Outreach Manager)
• Skip Nelson (Prof. Geology, Illinois State University; Director of Illinois EarthScope Teacher Training Program)
• Jer Ming Chiu (Professor, Center for Earthquake Research and Information, University of Memphis)
• Bob de Groot (Education Programs Manager, Southern California Earthquake Center)
• Chuck Langston (Director, Center for Earthquake Research and Information, University of Memphis)
• Beatrice Magnani (Assoc Research Prof, Center for Earthquake Research and Information, University of Memphis)
• Patrick McQuillan (Education and Outreach Specialist, Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology)
• Kent Moran (Historian and Research Assoc, Center for Earthquake Research and Information, Univ of Memphis)
• Shelley Olds (Science Education Specialist at UNAVCO, Inc.)
• Christine Powell (Professor, Center for Earthquake Research and Information, University of Memphis)
• Roy Van Arsdale (Professor, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Memphis)
• Suzan van der Lee (Seismologist and Associate Professor, Northwestern University)

To Apply:

Please complete the Online Application Form. Preference will be given to those who apply by February 14, 2011.