Discovering Earth Science Workshop for teachers is back!
Our interactive teacher’s workshops offer educators the opportunity to learn about Earth Science in a hands-on, collaborative atmosphere that fosters deeper understanding of processes and concepts while building a supportive network of colleagues. By providing activity ideas and approaches that can be taken back into the classroom, as well as a comprehensive kit of teaching materials, participants build their confidence and knowledge to teach Earth Science concepts in their formal or informal setting.
2025 DESW Earth Science Educator Professional Training Workshop and Field Trip
The 13th edition of our DESW program will be held in conjunction with the annual Geological Association of Canada/Mineralogical Association of Canada/International Association of Hydrogeologists, Canadian National Chapter, allowing us to draw on the expertise of visiting geoscience educators to create an exceptional learning experience for those teaching Earth Science content in formal or informal settings.
The workshop will include a morning of in-class learning and sharing sessions, followed by an afternoon field trip to local sites where we can explore how great field explorations can be created in any environment. Each participant will receive a Teaching Resource Kit full of great resources including a curated rock/mineral/fossil collection, 4 Billion Years and Counting book, Beginners Guide to Minerals and Rocks and other field guides, geological tools, posters, laminated maps, digital lesson plans and resources and much more. Participants can also attend the conference Knowledge Special Session on Geoscience Education and Communication with a $25 reduced/subsidized one-day pass.
Date: May 10, 2025
Audience: K-12 formal and informal educators
Registration fee: $50 includes lunch, field trip and a FREE Teaching Resource Kit valued at $150
Optional: $25 subsidized one-day pass to the GAC conference to attend the Knowledge Special Session KSS02 Geoscience Education and Communication on Monday May 12
Registration Deadline: May 1, 2025 through the GAC/MAC/IAH-CNC conference portal
Spaces are limited
To Register, choose the K-12 Educator under Type of Registration here:
https://event.fourwaves.com/ottawa2025/registration
Questions? Contact beth [dot] mclartyhalfkenny
carleton [dot] ca
For more information and learn how to register contact:
Beth McLarty Halfkenny
Outreach Coordinator
Beth [dot] McLartyHalfkennycarleton [dot] ca
Tel: (613) 520-2600 ext. 8520
We have created many versions of this program over the years, whether a two-day workshop, a one-day field excursion or a week-long inquiry-based field experience, all designed to support educators and build community. More about these past programs can be found below.
Past DESW programs:
DESW Two-day workshop format begins with a light dinner and talk on Friday evening, followed by a day of in-class sessions on Saturday with topics such as Rock or Mineral investigations, Natural Hazards, Earth Resources including mineral and water resources, and concludes with a full day field trip on Sunday. This format is intended to provide educators with focussed time to learn and think about classroom delivery of the offered topics, and then an opportunity to see how field excursions enhance that understanding at places they could take their own students. Participants leave with an Earth Science Teaching Resource Kit containing mineral, rock and fossil specimens, maps, posters, and a USB containing digital resources ready for use in the classroom worth approximately $150. The two day workshop fee is typically $50 and includes Friday dinner and two lunches.
DESW Field Trip is a full day field trip to local geologically interesting sites chosen for both their educational and exploration value as well as their accessibility and safety. Some field trips have been to local Aggregate operations so that we can investigate the stone, sand and gravel pits and quarries in the local area, and learn about how they provide a glimpse into the geological history of the region, and see how vital they are to our everyday lives. Field trip fee includes lunch.
DESW Inquiry-based Field Experience for Teachers, first offered in July of 2017, is a week-long field excursion. The excursion is based out of one central location with daily visits to spots that help to illustrate geological concepts and processes. We look at modern environments to see how materials are being moved and shaped in the present, and look at ancient rocks to try to understand what has happened in the past. We use inquiry methods of investigation, building a team of learners that works together to solve geological puzzles. Our first attempt at this program was a great success (based on the reviews of our inaugural participants), and we will be offering it again July 5th to 11th, 2020. It will once again be based at Queen's University Biology Research Station. Participants will receive a learning resource kit with geological tools and sample collecting kits as well as maps, field guides and other resources as needed (approx. $200). Thanks to generous grants and committed funding from EdGEO and the Department of Earth Sciences Teacher Professional Development Fund, are able to keep participants fees low. This year the cost is $250 for the week, which includes accommodation, transportation to and from Carleton University, daily excursions and most meals.
This course is open to educators from K-12, in-service and pre-service, all levels of expertise and experience who teach science or physical geography. Space is limited to 10 participants.