Press Release
July 7, 2009
Educators from across the state participate in Iowa Geology Camp
O’My Iowa Geology-Loving Outdoor Learning (OMIG-LOL) creates hands-on learning opportunities for Iowa teachers through a collaboration between Iowa universities and industries
Science teachers from around the state took part in a week-long summer camp on the University of Northern Iowa campus as part of a competitive grant to promote sustainable education opportunities and hands-on research of Iowa’s geology.
Twenty four middle and high school teachers worked with UNI faculty and visited local businesses and outdoor areas to learn more about environmental sustainability and natural resource management. The camp was part of a collaborative effort between the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa, the Iowa Geological and Water Survey (IGWS), the Iowa Limestone Producers Association (ILPA), and the Iowa Math and Science Education Partnership (IMSEP).
"The more people we can get involved in this, the better. In return, it gets both teachers and students tuned in to what affects them in the natural world," said Chad Heinzel, assistant professor of earth science at the University of Northern Iowa. "We would like teachers, students and parents alike to come away with an understanding of local natural resources and the science that helps us understand our environment."
Teachers toured local quarries and landfills to explore the human impact on the environment and to discuss ideas for encouraging Iowans to think about their own part in environmental sustainability. Participants collected soil and water samples to contribute to the development of an interactive website that will provide detailed information on Iowa geology for use in classrooms.
Participants were encouraged to share their experience at the camp with each other and their students to inspire a passion for lifelong scientific inquiry.
IMSEP Director Jeff Weld remarked, "Projects such as Chad’s give IMSEP the opportunity to expand our reach and impact throughout the state in order to support our goal of improving the performance of Iowa students in math and science." Furthermore, Weld states, "Environmental impact and sustainability, in particular, is regarded as the modern Sputnik to some, and a challenge that IMSEP is proud to address."
O’My Iowa Geology Camp attendees included:
| TEACHER | SCHOOL | CITY |
|---|---|---|
| Nicole Chambers | Monticello High School | Monticello, IA |
| Shannon Dunn | Corse Elementary | Burlington, IA |
| Jeff Etringer | Jesup Middle School | Jesup, IA |
| Elizabeth Foelske | Janesville Middle School | Janesville, IA |
| Michelle Griffen | Riverside Elementary | Oakland, IA |
| Audrey Halverson | West Lyon High School | Inwood, IA |
| Cathy Hones | Pella High School | Pella, IA |
| Lisa Johnson | Holmes Jr. High | Cedar Falls, IA |
| Sue Meggers | Interstate 35 School | Truro, IA |
| Kate Nefzger | Clear Creek Amana Middle School | Middle Amana, IA |
| Matthew Oliphant | Thomas Jefferson High School | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| Steven Petersen | Jesup Community School | Jesup, IA |
| Angie Richards | Grinnell Middle School | Grinnell, IA |
| Dean Rigdon | Don Bosco High School | Gilbertville, IA |
| Ariane Schmidt | Meeker Elementary | Ames, IA |
| Stacey Snyder | Tripoli Elem/MS/HS | Tripoli, IA |
| Martha Stone | Valley Lutheran Middle & High School | Cedar Falls, IA |
| Jessica Vasquez | Harding Middle School | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| Keith Weber | Dubuque Senior High School | Dubuque, IA |
| Elizabeth White | Prairie High School | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| Wendy White | Corse Elementary | Burlington, IA |
| Teri Wiese | Davenport North High School | Davenport, IA |
| Rochelle Wilkins | Grinnell High School | Grinnell, IA |
| Melissa Woods | Des Moines County Extension | Burlington, IA |
Launched as an ambitious plan for repositioning Iowa as a leader in science and math education, the Iowa Math and Science Education Partnership (IMSEP) is a collaboration of the state’s three public universities charged with improving mathematics and science performance of Iowa students while preparing more high quality mathematics and science teachers for Iowa’s schools.