Soil Science Workshop
AGI and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will host an immersive soils workshop for secondary science teachers on June 24-26 at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Teachers will engage with professionals, explore hands-on activities, and participate in a field excursion. Applications are now open!
Workshop Description
The Soil Science Workshop (SSW) aims to enhance participants’ understanding of soil science and its application within educational curricula. The workshop offers a comprehensive learning experience with presentations from leading soil scientists, interactive sessions with educators, and a full-day field excursion. In 2026, the workshop will include an additional focus on soil applications in stormwater management, including rain gardens and school-based green infrastructure projects. Participants will be provided with room and board for the duration of the workshop and will be reimbursed for up to $400 of their travel expenses.
Applications are now open! Review of applications will begin on March 20 and will continue until the workshop is full.
Who: Middle and high school teachers with an interest in learning more about soil
Where: Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana
When: The in-person workshop will take place June 24-June 26, 2026. There will be a short webinar the evening of June 10.
Contact outreach@americangeosciences.org with any questions.
2025 SSW - Corvallis, Oregon
Teachers from across the country gathered in Corvallis, OR for the Soil Science Workshop for science educators. During the workshop, attendees participated in hands-on soil labs and participated in a field excursion at sites around Corvallis. Throughout the workshop, the teachers interacted with soil scientists, gaining valuable insights and practical knowledge related to soil science.
Teacher Reviews of the 2025 SSW
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The best professional development experience of my career! Learning about soil science by working with, talking to and learning from experts in the classroom and out in the field was invaluable. I look at landscapes and soil with a fresh perspective.
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The soil science workshop was engaging, relevant, and inspiring. The classroom labs helped me feel prepared and excited to try these activities with my own students, and the fieldwork—especially exploring soil pits with expert guidance—deepened my understanding of how soil science is applied. I’m leaving with greater confidence in teaching soil science, new ideas for bringing geoscience careers into the classroom, and a stronger foundation in field techniques and resources.
2024 SSW - Platteville, Wisconsin
Teachers from across the country gathered in Platteville, WI for the Soil Science Workshop for science educators. During the workshop, attendees engaged in conference presentations, participated in hands-on soil labs, visited field sites, and interacted with soil scientists, gaining valuable insights and practical knowledge in soil science.
Teacher Reviews of the 2024 SSW
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Participating in the 2024 North Central Regional NCSS Conference as a high school teacher has ignited my interest in soil science! Working closely with a professor in the lab and professionals in the field was rejuvenating, as I acquired a great deal of new knowledge and passion. I will be bringing pertinent content, experiential methodology, and contagious excitement back to my classroom this fall. The collaboration between teachers and professionals is brilliant and benefits both parties; the enthusiasm that we teachers bring back to our classrooms will surely inspire the soil scientists of future generations. Excellent conference for educators!!
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This conference was the best way that I have found to collaborate with actual scientists working in the field. It gave me a chance to learn incredible curriculum while also observing experts in the field of soil science as they presented their research and discussed how they use science practices in their careers.