GeoSpectrum

Jason Pittman, lead science resource teacher at Hollin Meadows Science and Math Focus School in Alexandria, VA, has been named the 2010 recipient of the Edward C. Roy, Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching.

Mr. Pittman started his career as a top designer in an internet development company and went on to become president of his own internet design studio. He developed a desire to give back and serve. This desire eventually inspired him to earn a Master of Arts degree in education in 2003 from James Madison University. From there he began his science teaching career at Hollin Meadows, where he has focused on engaging students with inquiry-based, hands-on learning in the earth sciences.

Jon Gates, principal of Hollin Meadows, says “what makes Mr. Pittman truly outstanding… is his ability to turn students on to science. His caring attitude and superior knowledge of the subject make him effective with students from kindergarten to sixth grades and at all levels of ability. He is especially diligent with students who historically have had major difficulties in science.”

Prior to taking on the role as Hollin Measows’ lead science teacher, Mr. Pittman worked for four years as a self-contained classroom teacher for grades 4, 5, and 6. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Pittman served as the PTA Vice President from 2004-2006. Colleagues praise his work as an advocate for earth science education at the school board level, through science and technology conferences, and by presenting to other schools interested in employing Hollin Meadows’s science teaching model.

Given annually, the Edward C. Roy, Jr. Award recognizes one classroom teacher from kindergarten to eighth grade for his or her leadership and innovation in earth science education. This award is named in honor of Dr. Edward C. Roy, Jr., who was a strong and dedicated supporter of earth science education. Mr. Pittman will be presented with the Edward C. Roy, Jr. Award at the 2010 National Science Teachers Association National Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Other finalists for the 2010 award are Greer Lynn Harvell of Clifford C. Meigs Middle School in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and John Schaefers of Ingomar Middle School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Geoscience Currents #29 delves into the mega-trends in the Australian mining industry including commodities, ore grades, waste rock, and economic mineral resources. Collectively, these trends point to significant environmental challenges for the future of mining and mineral processing, such as potentially increased unit energy, pollutant, waste and water costs, and subsequently higher production costs. This will impact not only the demand for minerals and metals, but also drive the search for alternative technologies across exploration, mining, milling, smelting and refining. In the long term, it will increase the need for greater material efficiency and recycling. Read more in Geoscience Currents #29.

Participate in the Geoscience Currents Discussion webinar for Geoscience Currents#29.

This webinar is co-sponsored by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc. (SME) and the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG).

Participation in AGI’s Geoscience Currents Discussion webinars is free.

Missed one of AGI’s GeoWebinars? We’ve just posted three more webinars online:

• Currents 25:  Earth Science Outreach Program Recruits New Majors
• Currents 28:  K-12 Teachers and Geoscience Degrees
• January’s GeoConnection Webinar: Linking AP Courses and Earth Science Literacy with Departmental Sustainability

Visit AGI’s GeoWebinar page to view them.

Extreme Science: Understanding Our Earth, by Dr. Marcia McNutt, Director, USGS
Wed., March 3, 2010 - 7:00 - 8:00 pm
USGS, Dallas L. Peck Memorial Auditorium
12201 Sunrise Valley Dr.
Reston, VA 20192
Contact:  Barbara Strait - bstrait@usgs.gov - 703-648-6559
http://www.usgs.gov/public_lecture_series

Wandering Wildlife: Tracking Movement, Migrations and Mileage, from Wolves to Wading Birds, by Robert Gill and Dr. L. David Mech, USGS
Wed., April 7, 2010 - 7:00 - 8:00 pm
USGS, Dallas L. Peck Memorial Auditorium
12201 Sunrise Valley Dr.
Reston, VA 20192
Contact: Judy Salvo - jfsalvo@usgs.gov - 703-648-5645
http://www.usgs.gov/public_lecture_series

The American Geological Institute’s Government Affairs Program seeks outstanding geoscience students (masters or undergraduate) with a strong interest in federal science policy for summer, fall, and spring internships. Interns will gain a first-hand understanding of the legislative process and the operation of executive branch agencies. They will also hone their writing and web publishing skills. Interns receive a stipend through the generous support of the American Institute of Professional Geologists Foundation, the American Geological Institute or the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

The deadline for summer 2010 is March 15th and the deadlines for fall and spring are April 15 and October 15, respectively. For more information, and how to apply, go to: http://www.agiweb.org/gap/interns/index.html