Project GEO provides a support network, requisite concepts, and curriculum materials so that middle grade teachers from six rural northern Vermont communities will improve their teaching of earth science. The project addresses the special needs of this group of teachers, many of whom lack training in science and who, due to location, have limited opportunities for professional development. Participating teachers will attend a graduate-level Earth Science/Curriculum Development workshop which will provide earth science concepts, hands-on activities, field trips, and instructional techniques. Particiapnts will receive: (1) a general rock and mineral collection; (2) regionally-specific rock and mineral specimens; (3) local geologic and topographic maps and field trip guides; (4) field collecting equipment; (5) Earth Science Handbook; and (6) Curriculum Guide, all locally developed by the staff of the project. Lecture, discussion, laboratory work and field trips will be scheduled throughout the workshop. Principals will join teachers for the orientation and the first two days of instruction so that they will be familiar with the material covered. This involvement by principals should facilitate the curricular changes that will result as a consequence of this program and provide the administrative support for the development of a good earth science course complete with laboratory activities and field trips. During the year following the course, teachers will receive three follow-up visits at their schools from thje Project GEO Support Network. This Network consists of Johnsons State College faculty in Science and Education, VT Department of Education, State Geologist's Office, VT Natural Resources Council, VT Geological Society and VT Institute of Natural Science. Reunion conferences in the winter and spring will allow participants to share their experiences and provide feedback.
