A workshop for

Science Teachers for Supporting the Need to Educate the
Next Generation of Earth Scientists
(based on the United States Experience)

The Science Teachers for Supporting the Need to Educate the Next Generation of Earth Scientists was organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Kanpur and Rosalyn A Pertzborn (Director, Office of Space Science Education) and Sanjay S Limaye (Senior Scientist, Space Science and Engineering Center) University of Wisconsin-Madison, with support from Dr. Vinod Tare and Dr. R P Singh, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and Dr. Munjal, Space Applications Center, Indian Space Research Organization during November 18, 2004 at IIT Kanpur.

The 21st Century promises to present humanity with the challenge of coping with global climate change with potentially drastic agricultural, economic, health and political impacts. These changes are anticipated from studies dealing with impact of increased consumption of fossil fuels by the developed and the rapidly developing countries. A better informed population regarding the science behind these issues is essential for making informed decisions that will impact the nations' welfare.

In the context of declining interest in effective science education in general, there is a growing need for promoting the awareness of science careers, its breadth and impact for the student population through enhancing the school curriculum to include connections to the environmental education through well tested programs such as GLOBE. A simple hand held Sun Photometer that can help determine atmospheric aerosols and water vapor is an example of a simple device that can be used by middle and high school students to "Learn Science" by "Doing Science". This workshop will present programs and ideas to promote this and will encourage discussion and solicit teacher inpur for future Professional Development/Training needs and adapting the curriculum.