NSF NCAR Education, Engagement & Early-Career Development (EdEC) and the UCAR Center for Science Education (SciEd) are convening a number of education-related sessions at the upcoming AMS Meeting in Denver, January 10-14, 2027. Please see the session titles and descriptions below, and feel free to distribute them to your own networks as well! The deadline to submit an abstract is August 11.
Innovative approaches to education and engagement in the Earth system sciences
As new technology, including AI-ready datasets, digital storytelling tools, and multimedia platforms, reshape research in the Earth system sciences, these technologies also create new opportunities for education, training, and public engagement. This session explores how new tools strengthen learning and community engagement for a variety of audiences across Earth system science communication - from formal classroom instruction to informal learning and public engagement, and from Kindergarten students to retirees. Approaches may include projects working to incorporate AI-ready atmospheric data into classrooms, training and mentoring activities in partnership with technical schools or certification programs to broaden the reach of Earth system science, co-producing and storytelling with communities to make locally relevant materials, and multimedia projects to reach larger audiences and foster trust in the atmospheric sciences with the public. We encourage practitioners across the full spectrum of learning and education to share their innovative strategies and projects to share with students and the general public about our quickly evolving field of Earth system sciences.
From Wonder to Workforce: Integrating Play, Passion, and Purpose in STEM Career Pathways
Think back to the moment or moments that first sparked your interest in science-even before middle or high school. What early experiences, relationships, or environments helped ignite your curiosity? Was it an engaging teacher, a family member who encouraged exploration, or a memorable hands-on activity? By drawing on these foundational experiences, we can better understand how to build strong pathways for STEM careers through age-appropriate activities that begin in early childhood and continue through high school and beyond. In this out-of-the-box session, both speakers and attendees will reflect on their earliest scientific inspirations and share strategies for fostering a love of science from a young age. Speakers will highlight innovative approaches and practical ideas for nurturing curiosity and building career connections throughout the entire learning continuum, underscoring the importance of starting early to ensure students persist and thrive on their STEM journeys.
Making Science Magic: Innovative Science Communication and Public Engagement to Ignite Curiosity, Wonder, and Connection
Engaging and effective public outreach and science communication play an important role in building public trust, informing policy, building community resilience, and inspiring the next generation of atmospheric and Earth systems science STEM professionals. While scientists and researchers are usually well-trained in experimental design, data analysis, and technical writing, they do not always receive the same training or opportunities to practice science communication to non-expert audiences. In this session, presenters will host "mini-workshops" on science communication techniques, effective strategies, and activities designed for non-expert audiences. Each twenty-minute "mini-workshop" will feature hands-on, interactive ways for attendees to learn about and practice science communication skills. Live science demos (pending safety review and approval) are encouraged. Whether it's learning how to create exciting demos, craft key messages, connect with public audiences, write a science skit, spice up your outreach booth, or overcome outreach obstacles, get ready for practical, engaging, and hands-on opportunities building the skills to ignite curiosity, wonder, and connection in the general public.
Resilience Education: Empowering People to Build Thriving Communities
What is the role of education in helping communities become more resilient in the face of changing environments, hazards, resources, and technologies? Our learning ecosystems foster strength and innovation, and encompass much more than formal education. What does resilience education look like across various spheres, including informal and non-formal learning environments, workforce development, outreach, professional development and training, capacity building, and community engagement? Speakers will share their experiences, offering successful approaches to engaging communities and lessons learned to empower communities to thrive by leveraging the strengths of their members. Program descriptions, research on strategies, and evaluation assessments will provide important knowledge sharing to apply to other educational initiatives.
------------------------------
Auliya McCauley-Hartner
Program Specialist
UCAR, UCP and NSF NCAR
------------------------------