Edward C. Roy, Jr. Award For Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching

Congratulations to our 2008 Edward C. Roy, Jr. Award winner, Michelle Brand Buchanan!

The purpose of this award is to honor the memory of Dr. Edward (Ed) C. Roy, Jr. Dr. Roy was a past president of the American Geological Institute (AGI), a professor at Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, and a recipient of both the Ian Campbell Medal and the Heroy Distinguished Service Award. He was a lifelong supporter of teachers and students from Kindergarten to grade 8 and served for a number of years as chair of the AGI Education Advisory Committee. The award is designed to recognize one teacher of grades K-8 each year for his or her leadership and innovation in Earth science education. The award consists of a $2,500.00 prize for the winning teacher and a grant of up to $1,000.00 to cover registration, travel, and lodging expenses associated with attendance at the Geological Society of America 2009 Joint Meeting at the close of Earth Science Week 2009 to accept the award. The teacher and his or her school each will receive a plaque of recognition.

To be eligible in 2009, an applicant must be a full-time U.S. classroom teacher who currently provides instruction in Earth science at the K-8 level with all the responsibilities of such a position. Each applicant must submit to AGI a package consisting of:

• Application form: Adobe pdf version | Word Document version
• Current curriculum vita or resume with complete contact information.
• Letter of recommendation from the teacher’s principal on school letterhead.
• Letters of recommendation (with contact information and on letterhead) from two other education professionals who have observed the applicant teaching Earth science (district science supervisor, teaching colleague, team leader, etc.).
• Exemplary Earth science lesson plan that emphasizes an inquiry-based approach (five pages maximum including handouts). The lesson plan must include instructional objectives, student outcomes, key concepts, materials used, safety guidelines, lesson procedure, and assessment methods.
• Essay (750 words maximum) describing the importance of teaching Earth science education to K-8 students and how the applicant inspires students to learn Earth science concepts. The essay should also include information on how the applicant augments his or her own Earth science understanding as an adult learner.

Applicants will be judged on their dedication to and enthusiasm for teaching Earth science, as well as their expertise in crafting and delivering Earth science instruction for their students. Applicants will also be judged on their demonstrated commitment to improving their own Earth science understanding as lifelong learners.

Application packets must be postmarked by May 31, 2009, and sent to:

Education Outreach
c/o American Geological Institute
4220 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
703-379-2480, Ext. 249

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