Earth's History and Global Change

The Smithsonian Science Education Academy for Teachers (SSEAT) on Earth’s History and Global Change is a week-long professional development that teachers learn about the topics of earth’s history and global change, including the origin of the solar system, the history of the Earth, plate tectonics, seismology, stratigraphy, paleobiology, isotopes and mantle research, human origins, natural hazards, and climate change. During the academy, participants meet and discuss with experts in the field and visit science research centers and explore behind the scenes of the Smithsonian museums.

Goals of the Earth’s History and Global Change SSEAT

• Increase content knowledge around Earth’s history and global change.
• Form rich connections through dialogue and shared experiences with a cadre of scientists and educators.
• Experience and learn pedagogical techniques that facilitate a hands-on, inquiry-based, integrated approach to teaching.

What to Expect

Every year’s SSEAT is a unique experience. Previous years of the Earth’s History and Global Change SSEAT program featured:

Behind the Scenes of the Smithsonian

During the Earth’s History and Global Change SSEAT, teachers have opportunities to explore behind the scenes of the Smithsonian museums, such as Meteorite Vault Tour. Teachers accessed the meteorite collection of the Smithsonian and learned about various meteorites.

“Once in a lifetime experience!” - 2018 Participant

“I was able to the specimens up close!” - 2018 Participant

Hands-on Activities

Earth’s History and Global Change SSEAT includes inquiry based hands-on activities that teachers can bring to their class, such as tectonic map puzzle activity and fossil search activity.

“I loved the 'digging' for fossils and will do with my kids at school.” - 2018 Participant

Field Trips to Science Centers

Earth’s History and Global Change SSEAT includes field trips to several science centers and labs, such as National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Carnegie Institution for Science, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

“I appreciate and loved the opportunity to go to Carnegie and work with scientists and equipment!” - 2018 Participant

Meeting Experts in Education and Earth History Science

During the week of Earth’s History and Global Change SSEAT, teachers meet educators and scientists who are the experts in the field. It provides the opportunity for teachers to network with the experts and to get resources for their classrooms.

“Love being able to connect with STEM careers!” - 2018 Participant