EGU announces the 2024 Field Schools for Teachers and Geoscience Education Events awards
10 September 2024
The European Geosciences Union (EGU) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Field Schools for Teachers and Geoscience Education Events awards. These awards, designed to support and enhance education in Earth, planetary, and space sciences, provide financial assistance to initiatives that promote geoscience learning at various educational levels.
This year, four outstanding programs from four different countries have been selected to receive these prestigious grants. Below are brief summaries of the awarded programs:
Corinth Rift Laboratory (CRL) School (6-10 September 2024, Greece)
For nearly 30 years, the Gulf of Corinth in Greece has been a focal point for multidisciplinary geophysical research by European teams. The CRL School, held annually in Nafpaktos and at the University of Patras, offers participants hands-on experience in various geophysical disciplines, including seismology, geodesy, tectonics, and geology. Since 2016, the program has expanded to include site visits, geological studies, and educational activities tailored for university students, secondary education teachers, and pupils. Highlights include seismograph demonstrations and immersive, experiential learning opportunities.
This field school is dedicated to increasing awareness among primary and secondary educators about the unique geology and geodiversity of the Canary Islands, a prime example of intraplate volcanic activity. The program, hosted at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, combines field trips with introductory lectures and hands-on activities. It also serves as a platform for connecting local teachers with their international counterparts, fostering collaboration and the exchange of teaching strategies related to volcanism among educators from Spain, Portugal, and across Europe.
MSciTeh 2024 is a multidisciplinary summer school that emphasizes the intersection of science and technology. Organized in partnership with research institutes, universities, and NGOs, the program features a wide range of research projects and lectures. The teacher-focused component of the program aims to elevate the profile of geosciences among high school STEM educators and early-career teachers. Participants will engage in fieldwork, practical sessions, and seminars, benefiting from a collaboration that includes national research institutes, universities, and UNESCO Geoparks, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of geoscience topics.
Educational Mediterranean Observatory Teacher’s Workshop 2024 (21-23 October 2024, France)
The Educational Mediterranean Observatory Teacher’s Workshop 2024 is designed to enhance geoscience and sustainable development education by connecting primary and secondary teachers with leading scientists, researchers, and PhD students. The workshop will cover key areas such as seismology, meteorology, hydrogeology, and oceanography, with a focus on addressing contemporary societal challenges. Participants will benefit from scientific conferences, practical hands-on sessions led by Geoscience Education Field Officers from France and Italy, field trips, and a poster session. The workshop will also facilitate cross-border collaboration between French and Italian educators, enriching geoscience teaching methodologies and contributing to the development of a robust training program.