Pardee Keynote Symposia

Sessions

P1. Digital Learning Innovation in the Geosciences

Sunday, 1:30–5:30 p.m., Phoenix Convention Center, Hall A, Special Presentation Area

Cosponsors: GSA Geoscience Education Division; American Geophysical Union; National Association of Geoscience Teachers; National Earth Science Teachers Association

Disciplines: Geoscience Education

Advocates: Ariel D. Anbar; Carla McAuliffe; Brooks Hanson

New technologies for data visualization and discovery, and new education technologies, are transforming geoscience education, enabling active modes of discovery-based learning at scale. Interactive simulations, immersive and extended-reality environments, adaptive and personalized learning platforms, and digital tutoring are examples of technologies that enable rich, active learning experiences in and out of traditional classrooms. This symposium includes presentations, panel discussion, and a hands-on showcase to explore the state of the art and future frontier.

P2. Grand Ideas, Grand Events: Geoscience Research, Geoscience Education, and Human Connections to Grand Canyon at its Six Millionth, 150th, and 100th Anniversaries

Monday, 8 a.m.–noon, Phoenix Convention Center, North Ballroom 120D

Cosponsors: GSA History and Philosophy of Geology Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers; GSA Geoscience Education Division

Disciplines: History and Philosophy of Geology, Geoscience Education, Geoscience Information/Communication

Advocates: Steven Semken; Eleanour Snow; Karl E. Karlstrom; Laura J. Crossey

In commemoration of the concurrent 150th anniversary of John Wesley Powell’s first expedition and the 100th anniversary of Grand Canyon National Park this year, this symposium presents historical and modern perspectives on understanding and sustaining the iconic geological landscapes of Grand Canyon that encode nearly two billion years of earth history. Presenters will highlight the importance of Grand Canyon to the indigenous people who have long inhabited it, the generations of geoscientists who explore and study it, the expert interpreters and educators who teach from it, and the millions who visit to experience and learn from this singular place.

P3. Geoscience Communication in the Modern Age

Monday, 1:30–5:30 p.m., Phoenix Convention Center, North Ballroom 120D

Cosponsors: GSA Geology and Society Division; GSA History of Geology Division; National Association of Geoscience Teachers; GSA Geoscience Education Division

Disciplines: Geoscience Information/Communication, Geoscience Education, Geoscience and Public Policy

Advocates: Iain Stewart; Callan Bentley

Geoscience communication takes many forms, sharing information critical to society from scientist practitioners to decision makers and the public, as well as more creative interpretations by communicators seeking connection. This symposium celebrates excellence in several important domains of modern geoscience communication: popular writing (both fiction and nonfiction), visual art, photography, music, film, mainstream media, and social media, as well as research into effective science communication. We examine inspiring examples from accomplished communicators and gain insight how best to help society enjoy a sustainable future on planet Earth (and beyond!).

Click here for session schedule and details.

P4. Fostering an Inclusive Academic Culture for the 21st Century: Advancing Policies, Departments, and Supporting Faculty to Address the Needs and Challenges for Building a Healthy Geoscience Enterprise

Tuesday, 8 a.m.–noon, Phoenix Convention Center, North Ballroom 120D

Cosponsors: GSA Geology and Society Division; American Geophysical Union American Geosciences Institute

Disciplines: Geoscience and Public Policy, Geoscience Education

Advocates: Pranoti M. Asher; Christopher Keane; Lexi Shultz

As society increasingly relies on geoscientists for resources and hazards mitigation, the profession must remain on the leading edge of innovation to solve complex challenges. Geoscience departments and academic leaders play a critical role in recruiting and training these future innovative geoscientists, as well as promoting an inclusive culture to support the academic enterprise that extends beyond our departments. Panelists who have championed non-traditional policies for faculty advancement, bolstered inclusive departmental cultures, and initiated practices that highlight the successes of their departments will discuss their strategies and how to overcome common challenges.

P5. Extreme Impacts of Global Climate Change: Effective Communication for Geoscientists, Educators, Policy Makers, and the Press

Tuesday, 1:30–5:30 p.m., Phoenix Convention Center, North Ballroom 120D

Cosponsors: GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division; GSA Energy Geology Division; GSA Environmental Geology and Engineering Division; GSA Geology and Health Division; GSA Geology and Society Division; GSA History and Philosophy of Geology Division; GSA Hydrogeology Division; International Union for Quaternary Research (INQUA)

Disciplines: Geoscience Education, Geoscience Information/Communication, Geoscience and Public Policy

Advocates: Jennifer L. Pierce; George T. Stone

Fires, floods, and melting ice—can’t we talk about something nice? Scientific data overwhelmingly demonstrate recent global temperature increases– due largely to combustion of fossil fuels– disrupt Earth’s hydrologic, biologic, atmospheric, and geologic systems, thereby driving extreme impact events resulting in destruction of life and property. Despite this, effectively communicating the causes and risks of climate change and changing how people think about climate change remains a challenge. Why? In this interactive session, we combine up-to-date science on extreme events such as wildfires, hurricanes, sea-level rise, and arctic warming with compelling presentations on climate communication and education.

Speakers in this session include:

P6. Understanding the Neoproterozoic Earth-Life System

Wednesday, 8 a.m.–noon, Phoenix Convention Center, North Ballroom 120D

Cosponsor: GSA Sedimentary Geology Division

Disciplines: Paleontology, Paleoecology/Taphonomy, Geochemistry, Precambrian Geology

Advocates: Qing Tang; Huan Cui; Feifei Zhang

This session aims to boost discussion and interdisciplinary collaboration by bringing together a trans-disciplinary group of innovative thinkers to present advances on biological, geochemical, sedimentologic, and climatic evolution in the Neoproterozoic in order to better understand the Neoproterozoic Earth-life system.

Speakers in this session include: