This Institute consists of 14 days of field-based activities conducted in and around the National Parks and Monuments of eastern Utah. The areas visited are internationally recognized for their outstanding geology. Using maps, compasses, rock and mineral identification, geomorphology, subsurface geology, and fossils, teachers will learn how climate, sea-level, and mountain building change the earth’s landscape through time, and how geologists recognize the record of change in rocks. Instructors model and demonstrate the effectiveness of several innovative teaching styles as they train participants to use a process-based approach in Earth Science. Recognizing that people have a variety of learning styles, this Institute tries to accommodate individuality rather than training everyone to fit into one mold. The Institute is mainly about geology, but it’s also about teaching and learning. Participants need no prior experience in Earth Science.

Cost: $1514 (Fellowships are available that can be applied toward the cost of the Institute.) This cost covers tuition and fees, transportation from MTU to Utah, travel during the Institute, camping and park entry fees, food, group camping equipment (including tents), textbooks, and technical equipment. Participants provide their personal clothing and camping gear.