Teacher Field Experience Program
Educators, don’t miss your chance to elevate your science teaching and inspire lifelong learning about the wonders of geoscience! Work with a geoscientist through the TFE program. After signing up, AGI will connect you with a local geoscientist for an enlightening day out in the field and/or laboratory.
Upcoming Teacher Field Experiences
April 17: U.S. Gypsum Company in Fort Dodge, IA
Join the United States Gypsum Company and the American Geosciences Institute on April 17, 2025 for a half-day teacher field experience exploring the fascinating world of mining. This unique opportunity offers an inside look at a working mine, featuring guided tours, hands-on sample analysis, and direct engagement with industry professionals.
Fall 2025: Citizens Energy Group in Indianapolis, IN
Join Citizens Energy Group and the American Geosciences Institute for a teacher field experience highlighting real-world geoscience and engineering. This unique opportunity provides teachers insight into a major infrastructure project in Indianapolis – modernizing the city’s sewer system with six deep rock tunnels and a new pump station for improved wastewater management. Check back in August for specific details, including the date.
Program Details
Express your interest in joining a geoscientist out in the field by filling out this form. You will have the opportunity to select a field of geoscience you are interested in learning more about, such as soil science, hydrology, geology, and more.
Participating teachers will:
- Select a geoscience topic to explore, and be connected with a geoscientist.
- Prepare for the field experience with guidance from AGI.
- Share your experiences and insights with your students and/or colleagues.
- Implement a related lesson and/or unit, documenting students’ work and engagement.
- Receive a stipend for preparation and contributions outside of instructional time, along with reimbursements for materials and mileage.
The program is currently being piloted in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Reach out to lbrase@americangeosciences.org express interest in expanding the program to your area.
Geoscience Professionals
Are you a geoscience professional or organization looking to engage in outreach? Reach out to us at outreach@americangeosciences.org to express your interest in connecting with local educators. We can match you with teachers who are eager to learn more about your work and/or assist in organizing workshops that align with your expertise.
Read more about the Teacher Field Experience Program and why your geoscience organization should get involved!
Express interest in facilitating a TFE by filling out this form.
Middle & High School Teachers
Are you a middle or high school teacher interested in engaging with geoscience professionals to deepen your knowledge and bring new experiences to your students? Reach out to us at outreach@americangeosciences.org to express your interest in our Teacher Field Experience (TFE) Program. We can connect you with geoscience professionals eager to share their expertise, provide hands-on experiences, and introduce exciting real-world applications of geoscience.
Express interest in attending a TFE by filling out this form.
TFE Gallery
Danda Forest Preserve, IL
Outreach specialists from the DuPage County Forest Preserve worked with NRCS soil scientists on assessing soil throughout Danda Forest Preserve. They participated in collecting samples with the Giddings soil probe and assessing the soil health, along with a lively discussion about the soil across the forest preserve and outreach ideas.
Our staff absolutely loved it! We were able to pick brains about potential soil activities to do while students are on field trips with us. We have already begun incorporating some geoscience into programs we offer. Such a wealth of knowledge and so friendly. It was a highlight for our staff this fall for sure!
Crystal Lake, IL
Outreach specialists from the DuPage County Forest Preserve teamed up with NRCS soil scientists to assess soil conditions throughout Danda Forest Preserve. Participants engaged in hands-on soil sampling using the Giddings soil probe, evaluated soil health through observations and tests in the field, and took part in dynamic discussions on soil variability across the preserve and innovative outreach strategies.
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