GIFT Workshop for Teachers at AGU Fall Meeting, 2016. Credit: Maya Bakerman

Geophysical Information for Teachers (GIFT) Workshops allow science teachers to hear about the latest geoscience research from the scientists making the discoveries, explore new classroom resources for their students, and visit exhibits and technical sessions of the American Geophysical Union 2016 Fall Meeting for free.

At the GIFT Workshop on Monday, Dec. 12, CosmoQuest partners Whitney Cobb and Sanlyn Buxner led teachers through a hands on activity comparing the Earth and Moon. The workshop was attended by 30 elementary, middle school and high school teachers from local California schools.

An example of the “Art in the Cosmic Connection” project, conducted at GIFT workshop. Credit: Maya Bakerman

Dr. Britney Schmidt, Assistant Professor of Space & Planetary Science and Geophysics at Georgia Tech, gave a presentation on the Dawn mission and it’s findings.

Whitney and Sanlyn, joined by facilitators Jake Noel-Storr and Theresa Summer, then led the teachers through the activity Art & the Cosmic Connection where educators explored different moons and planets in the Solar System and created pastel images while exploring the geologic stories told by each mysterious world.

One of the local teachers participating in the GIFT workshop at AGU 2016 Fall Meeting. Credit: Maya Bakerman.