The Geoscience-Teachers-in-the-Park internship: A model for engaging local teachers in hands-on research within the National Parks

Background/Question/Methods

The Geoscience-Teachers-in-the-Park (GTIP) internship program began in 2006 as a collaboration between the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), Mammoth Cave National Park (MCNP), and the Mammoth Cave International Center for Science and Learning (MCICSL). The purpose of the GTIP internship is to provide local K-12 teachers with the opportunity to work alongside professional scientists at MCNP. Through this hands-on work the teachers gain: 1) an appreciation and understanding of the diverse types of research occurring at the park, 2) an appreciation and understanding of the diversity of scientific careers and scientists, 3) increased knowledge of and experience using scientific techniques and conducting scientific research, and 4) a better understanding of the sciences involved in karst land management. The teachers also develop educational tools based on their experiences that they can use in their classrooms and give two community programs on their work at MCNP.

Results/Conclusions

Between 2006 and 2011, 16 teachers participated in the internship at MCNP. The majority of those teachers have continued to be actively involved in park activities and to serve as park ambassadors to their communities for years after completing their internships. In 2012, NAGT is expanding the GTIP program to include Mount Rainier National Park. The experiences at MCNP serve as a model for Mount Rainier  and any additional parks joining the program. This poster will provide an overview of the program; participating teachers’ impressions of the internship; lessons learned along the way; and how the GTIP program has resulted in benefits to MCNP, the teachers, and their students that transcend the length of an individual teacher’s internship.