Please note that this year is the 125^th anniversary of GSA, and therefore the focus of these two sessions includes all historical perspectives of diversity.  If you, or someone you know, has conducted research or created resources aimed at broadening participation in the geosciences, or is interested in the future of geoscience workforce diversity should consider submitting an abstract to these sessions.

For more information, please feel free to contact any of the conveners listed below.

 
Technical Session #128: Historical Perspectives and Modern Approaches of Access and Inclusion in the Geosciences

Description:  Geoscience students and educators are encouraged to disseminate current and historical research findings and instructional experiences that promote the enhancement of diverse participation in the geosciences through increased access and inclusion.

Sponsors:  GSA Geoscience Education Division; International Association for Geoscience Diversity; National Earth Science Teachers Association; National Association of Geoscience Teachers; GSA Diversity in the Geosciences Committee

Conveners:  Christopher Atchison and Sharon Locke

Submit an abstract to this session

Technical Session #143. Geoscience Across Cultures and Communities: Benefits and Challenges of Diversity

Description:  The session is on people and practices that have contributed to our increasing understanding of the importance of the role of diversity in the geoscience profession.

Sponsors:  GSA Geology and Society Division; GSA Geoscience Education Division; GSA Diversity in the Geosciences Committee; National Association of Geoscience Teachers; Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG); National Association of Black Geologists and Geophysicists (NABGG)

Conveners:  Marilyn J. Suiter and Richard C. Berg

Submit an abstract to this session

The Geological Society of America (GSA) has posted 15+ new GeoCorps America positions for fall/winter 2013-2014 on the GeoCorps website! Applications can be submitted online from now through July 1, 2013 (noon, MST).

Once again, GeoCorps features paid geoscience projects in some of America’s most amazing public lands, which are managed by our partner agencies—the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. This round of projects features some of the nation’s premier public lands, such as Yosemite National Park (CA), Death Valley National Park (CA), Rocky Mountain National Park (CO), and the Klamath National Forest (CA). It also includes some extremely remote, wild places, like Kenai Fjords National Park (AK), as well as sites closer to an urban setting, such as Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (PA). This season, GeoCorps project areas cover a broad range of subjects, including geology, hydrology, paleontology, mapping , GIS (Geographic Information Systems), geo-hazards, education, and interpretation.

Benefits
These temporary, paid positions provide on-the-ground geoscience experience and include a stipend of $2,750 (or more), free housing (or a housing allowance), and in some cases, a travel allowance.

Eligibility
Geoscientists of all levels are eligible to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, undergraduate students, graduate students, post-docs, professionals, faculty members, teachers, and retirees. Past GeoCorps participants are eligible to apply for “Guest Scientist” positions and “GeoCorps Diversity Internships.”

Apply Now!
The GeoCorps website’s online application system is now open to receive applications, so get started on yours today! The final application deadline is July 1, 2013 (noon, MST). Apply here: www.geosociety.org/geocorps.

Summer Position Update
If you applied for summer GeoCorps positions, all positions have been filled, with a few exceptions listed below. For these positions, if they do move forward, they will start by contacting candidates who had already applied to those positions. If they have a need for additional candidates, GSA will provide candidates who already applied to other similar positions, or GSA may re-post the positions alongside the new fall/winter positions, and thus re-open them to new applications.
•NPS: The positions at Bryce Canyon National Park and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park are on-hold until further notice.
•BLM: Some of the positions that were marked “on-hold” may end up moving forward in the near future. However, many others are still on-hold and may not be filled at all this year.
•USFS: All positions were filled.

Quick Links
• GeoCorps Home Page
• Fall/Winter 2013-2014 Position Descriptions
• How to Apply
• Eligibility Requirements
• GeoCorps Diversity Internships
• GeoCorps American Indian Internships
• Poster to post for friends/colleagues

Other Opportunities from GSA and its Partners
• GSA GeoVentures – Geoscience field trips for students and others
• GSA/ExxonMobil Field Programs – Application periods open around February
• GSA Research Grants – Some application deadlines are in February
• GSA Employment Service Center – Online job and resume database, open year-round.
• GSA Meetings – Travel grant and volunteering opportunities are available.
• And more… – Now features a number of CURRENT geoscience job openings with the Forest Service and BLM, along with links to other geoscience programs with internships, research positions, grants, scholarships, etc.

Thank you for your interest in the GeoCorps program. We look forward to seeing your application for this GeoCorps season!

For More Information
To discuss accessible opportunities within the GeoCorps program, please contact contact Matthew Dawson at mdawson@geosociety.org or 303-357-1025 at the Geological Society of America (GSA), or Chris Atchison of the International Association of Geoscience Diversity (IAGD) at catchison@gsu.edu.

See the official GeoCorps website, follow the GeoCorps Facebook page, subscribe to the GeoCorps Twitter feed.

To view the Divisions and Associated Societies of GSA, please visit http://www.geosociety.org/divisions/.

For any questions, please contact info@theiagd.org.

T128. Historical Perspectives and Modern Approaches of Access and Inclusion in the Geosciences

Sponsors:  GSA Geoscience Education Division; International Advisory for Geoscience Diversity; National Earth Science Teachers Association; National Association of Geoscience Teachers; GSA Diversity in the Geosciences Committee

Presiding:  Christopher Atchison, Sharon Locke

Description:  Geoscience students and educators are encouraged to disseminate current and historical research findings and instructional experiences that promote the enhancement of diverse participation in the geosciences through increased access and inclusion.

Please visit the meeting homepage for more information:  http://community.geosociety.org/2013AnnualMeeting/Home

FSDG’s curriculum has a dual focus on both human geographical perspectives on the history of Deaf space, as well as on the theory and methods of human geography. The fundamental learning goals of the field school are to thoughtfully and critically engage with Human Geography from a Deaf cultural perspective, and to encourage the enthusiasm and efforts of new researchers at all levels of study in this exciting new area of research.

The FSDG Workshop will bring together those from around the world whose research – past and present – engages with the themes of Deaf Geographies. It will be structured as per the format of an academic conference during which professional researchers will present on a chosen aspect of their research in the field of Deaf Geographies. Further to this, the workshop will provide the students who have participated in the field school with the opportunity to present the findings from their research projects, and to collect feedback from the visiting academics.

The Workshop will provide an invaluable forum where all those interested can connect with the growing network of Deaf Geographies and appreciate the diversity of expertise that is emanating from a broad array of disciplinary perspectives in the humanities and social sciences. Critically, the workshop will afford participants the opportunity to participate in important discussions around the present contexts of Deaf Geographies and to generate important questions around the futures of the field.

Academics whose work intersects with Deaf Geographies are encouraged to submit abstracts for papers to be featured in the panel discussions of the Field School workshop. Abstracts are to be between 200 and 250 words, and are to be submitted to Mary Beth Kitzel, Field School Director by Friday 30th March 2013.

For more information, please visit this informational page.

Dear Sci-Dis Friends,

Please allow me to update you on several exciting sci-dis initiatives and opportunities (including relevant sessions in San Antonio!!):

1. The content for the new NSTA Science for Students with Disabilities website has been submitted to NSTA. Many thanks to all of you who contributed to this exciting project. NSTA staff are now working on the website design phase; I’ll keep you posted as I receive updates;
2. The Science and Disability Glossary has been submitted to the NSTA publications staff who are reviewing it and considering options for its use. Again, thanks to all who contributed to this comprehensive and thoughtful document;
3. The NSTA journal article review has been submitted to NSTA publications staff. Special thanks to Kitchka Petrova for her hard work on this project. Although a special issue on science for students with special needs does not appear to be imminent, the journal editors are highly receptive to new articles on this topic. Please consider writing and submitting articles to NSTA Journals this year…and kindly keep me posted on your submissions.
4. If you are interested in serving as a reviewer for sci-dis articles submitted to NSTA journals, kindly send your C.V. directly to the journal editors for review. The contacts for the journals are:
   S&C – fro2@me.com
   Scope – zenisci8@aol.com
   TST – smetz@nsta.org
   JCST – acutler@nsta.org
5. Several wonderful sci-dis opportunities are available at NSTA’s upcoming conference in San Antonio:
   • Science Education for Students with Disabilities (SESD) Annual Pre-Conference – Wednesday, April 10, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. -Grand Hyatt Hotel, 600 E. Market St., San Antonio, TX – Please contact Patti Davidson (pdavidson@usi.edu) for registration information.
   • NSTA’s Special Needs Advisory Board Meeting – Thursday, April 11, 8:30-10:30 a.m. in the Goliad Room at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio, TX. Please let me know if you’d like to attend (samikahn@mail.usf.edu).
   • Numerous sessions on sci-dis including:
     • Thursday, April 11, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – First Steps in Meeting the Needs of Emotionally Impaired Students, Marriott Rivercenter, Salon J. – Carol Jones and colleagues;
     • Thursday, April 11, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Severe Science: Using Science Instruction for Students with Severe Disabilities, Gonzalez Convention Center, 201, Jenna Carlson and JT Taylor;
     • Thursday, April 11, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Using Purposeful Differentiated Instruction to Meet the Needs of Diverse Learners, Marriott Riverwalk, Alamo Salon F, Kristy Conkel and Sheila Clements;
     • Thursday, April 11, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – CESI Session: Special Ways of Teaching Science to Students with Special Needs, Gonzalez Convention Center, 212A, Mary Beth Katz
     • Friday, April 12, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Equal Access to Science: Universal Design and Students with Disabilities, Marriott Rivercenter, Salon M, Rachel Zimmerman-Brachman and Lyla Mae Crawford;
     • Friday, April 12, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Using a Strengths-Based Approach to Teaching Science to Students with Disabilities, Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Bowie B, Sami Kahn;
     • Friday, April 12, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Science + Writing = Learning, Gonzalez Convention Center, 217A, Julie Alexander;
     • Friday, April 12, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – STEM Comes to Preschool (a special education school), Gonzalez Convention Center, 201, Sally Moomaw;
     • Friday, April 12, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – What Every Science Educator Needs to Know About Students with Special Needs, Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Travis A, Jennifer-Purcell Coleman;
     • Friday, April 12, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. – A Tour for Your Inclusion Classes – How to Make it Work!, Gonzalez Convention Center, 006A, Adah Stock;
     • Friday, April 12, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Adapting Space Adventures: Using Real NASA Data to Engage Students with Special Needs, Gonzalez Convention Center, 201, Ellen Reilly and Kathy Costello;
     • Friday, April 12, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Bringing an Art Museum’s Forensic Science Experience into the Special Education Science Classroom, Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas Ballroom E, Diane Krzyaniak and Carol Jones;
     • Saturday, April 13, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Addressing the Unique Needs of Diverse Learners in Introductory Biology Curricula, Particularly Those with Learning Disabilities, Gonzalez Convention Center, 201, Abigail Littlefield;
     • Saturday, April 13, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – NMLSTA Sesson: Science and Special Education – How to Make it Work, Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Mission B, Kathleen Brooks;
     • Saturday, April 13, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Beyond Inquiry: How Big Ideas, Argumentation, and Visual Supports Help Students with Disabilities in Science Classrooms, Gonzalez Convention Center, 216B, JT Taylor and Jay Gorsh;
     • Saturday, April 13, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Active Engagement of All Students – ELL, Gifted, and Learning Disabled, Gonzalez Convention Center, 201, Mary Sue Pruitt;
     • Saturday, April 13, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Using Robotic Technology to Support Students Acquiring Language Through Science Inquiry, Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Lone Star Ballroom E, Kate Baird and Colleagues;
     • Saturday, April 13, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Using Case Study Analysis as a Tool for Differentiating Science Instruction for Students with Disabilities, Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Republic B, Gregory Borman and Colleagues;
     • Saturday, April 13, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Engaging Science Instruction for Special Needs Students, Gonzalez Convention Center, 201, Nicole Thomas and Colleagues;
     • Saturday, April 13, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. – NSELA Session: No Child Left Behind in the Inclusive Science Classroom: Successful Accommodation and Modification Strategies for Children with Unique Needs, Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Travis A, Eunyoung Lee and David Wojnowski;
     • Saturday, April 13, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – It’s About Time: Success for the “Time-challenged” Student, Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Crockett D, Bonnie Nelson and Kaitlyn Ruvel;
     • Sunday, April 14, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Including Children with Special Needs in Informal Science Learning Environments, Gonzalez Convention Center, 006B, Cathy Wissehr and Jennifer Purcell-Coleman.
6. This month’s Exceptional Children issue is dedicated to science for students with special needs. Congratulations to Sara Aronin and Maya Israel for editing this outstanding issue.
7. This month’s commentary in NSTA Press is co-authored by Sami Kahn and Sara Aronin and is a call for collaboration and training for sci-dis. Check it out!  http://www.nsta.org/publications/news/story.aspx?id=59873

Finally, thanks so much for the time, energy, and expertise you’ve given to these and other endeavors to support science for all students this year. It is always a pleasure working with you and I look forward to continued collaborations. I hope you’ll join me in supporting Zena Johnston, the incoming SNAB Chair who will begin her term on June 1, as well as new committee members, Cheryl White, Jennifer Purcell-Coleman, and Melissa Sleeper in the continued efforts of this committee.

See you in San Antonio!!

Sami
–
Sami Kahn
Chair, NSTA Special Needs Advisory Board
Presidential Doctoral Fellow in Science Education
University of South Florida, College of Education
4202 E. Fowler Ave.
Tampa, FL 33620
Phone: (646) 732-5389

AGU Fellows Program
Now is the time to make sure your colleagues receive the recognition they deserve by nominating them to be an AGU Fellow. Primary criteria for selecting AGU Fellows include:

•Major breakthrough or discovery
•Research that leads to a paradigm shift
•Sustained impact on a given field of research

To learn more about the AGU Fellows Program, visit http://sites.agu.org/honors/fellows/frequently-asked-questions/

Union Awards, Medals, and Prize
Nominations are being accepted for several of AGU’s Union Awards, Medals, and Prize. Please take this opportunity to nominate a colleague for their outstanding work. For detailed information on the Union Awards, Medals, and Prize that are presented in 2013, please visit http://sites.agu.org/honors/frequently-asked-questions/.

Meeting Agenda:

• Announcements
• GSA wrap-up
• Bylaws
• Executive committee roles
• Branding
• Foundation update
• Newsletter items

Presentation slides

Audio Recording

Transcript to Audio Recording

Important notice:  The deadlines for feedback and nominations, originally discussed in the General Meeting webinar, have been moved to January 4^th, in hopes of a higher number of responses after the holidays.

An email will then be sent out on January 7^th with a survey link to vote on all Executive Committee nominations, organizational name and the Bylaw approval.  This survey link will go out to the IAGD membership only, so if you are not listed on the network membership (i.e. if you are not listed on the website), please email us soon!!  Remember there are no membership dues or fees!

The IAGD is seeking nominations for the following Executive Committee positions.   The open positions are:

• Executive Director
• Executive Secretary
• Director of Marketing and Promotion
• Director of Membership and Community Engagement
• Chief Technology Officer
• Director of Foundations
• Executive Counselor (seeking 2 for this year)

The position descriptions can be found starting on page 5 in the draft bylaws document (link below).  If you are interested in one or more of these positions, or you know someone you think would do well in one of these roles please email your nomination to info@theiagd.org by Friday, January 4^th.

A modification of the current organization name is being considered.  A change from the International Advisory for Geoscience Diversity to one which reflects our focus on access to the geosciences for students and professionals with disabilities (rather than the larger umbrella of diversity).  If everyone feels that a name change is needed, we are open to suggestions.  Although it would be best if we could keep the current acronym (IAGD), this is not necessary.  We do need to come to a conclusion on our branding now, since we are quickly expanding the network.

Three suggestions that have been made so far:

• International Association for Geoscience Diverse-Abilities
• International Association for Diverse-Abilities in the Geosciences (IADAG)
• Increasing Access to the Geosciences for Diverse-Abilities

If you have other suggestions for names send them to info@theiagd.org by Friday, January 4^th. We will be voting on the organizational branding starting January 7^th.

Finally, the IAGD Bylaws Draft is available for you to comment on.  At this time, corrections based on all comments are being made.  The final version will be sent to the membership for approval.  To make comments on areas that need to be changed, follow this link:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QH5jtkOZL8d9we6AbC_Z-0qTPyW4YmEqwMSL8ITdfDI/edit

Please have a look. If you have suggestions to improve this document, please make comments directly in the document.  The deadline for comments and suggested changes is Friday, January 4^th.