Focus
Geoscience accessibility
Image credit: Iñigo Quintanilla / Thinkstock
Reforms in science education are aiming to teach scientists the skills they need for the twenty-first century, as documented in a Nature Special (nature.com/stem). It is important, too, to provide opportunities in the sciences for bright students from all backgrounds. In this web focus, we present a collection of opinion pieces that introduce a range of ideas for breaking down barriers to engaging in the geociences.
Editorial
All hands on deck - p575
doi:10.1038/ngeo2506
Reforms in science teaching are building a stronger, more flexible student population ready to face the challenges of the future. We must remove the barriers that prevent these talented students from entering the geosciences.
Full text - Information storage | PDF (220 KB) - Information storage
Correspondence
Games and climate literacy - p576
Megan K. Fung, Laura R. Tedesco & Miriam E. Katz
doi:10.1038/ngeo2499
Full text - Information storage | PDF (278 KB) - Information storage
Commentaries
From recruitment to retention - pp577-578
Rebecca Haacker
doi:10.1038/ngeo2501
Increased efforts in recruiting minority students have not proven to be enough to address the lack of diversity in the geosciences. A collaborative mentoring culture is needed to permanently change the make-up of our field.
Full text - Information storage | PDF (348 KB) - Information storage
Impact of inclusive field trips - pp579-580
Brett Gilley, Chris Atchison, Anthony Feig & Alison Stokes
doi:10.1038/ngeo2500
The geosciences benefit from diverse student perspectives and backgrounds, but the field-based learning requirements pose barriers to students with disabilities. If carefully designed, fieldwork can be made accessible while still meeting expectations of academic rigour.
Full text - Information storage | PDF (452 KB) - Information storage
News & Views
Education: Literacy from writing p584
Alicia Newton
doi:10.1038/ngeo2503
Full text - Information storage | PDF (303 KB) - Information storage
From the archives
Editorials
Globalize geoscience -
doi:10.1038/ngeo2485
Developing countries lag far behind, in terms of scientific — including geoscience — output. Failing to spread the know-how means that the world is missing out on great intellectual potential.
Full text - Information storage | PDF (367 KB) - Information storage
The beauty of balance -
doi:10.1038/ngeo122
US geoscience departments are still heavily weighted towards men, especially in the most senior ranks. All scientists, male or female, should work towards a more equal distribution.
Full text - Information storage | PDF (118 KB) - Information storage
Corrrespondence
Inclusive geoscience instruction -
Christopher Atchison & Jesus Martinez-Frias
doi:10.1038/ngeo1487
Full text - Information storage | PDF (49 KB) - Information storage
Closed ranks in oceanography -
LuAnne Thompson, Renellys C. Perez & Amelia E. Shevenell
doi:10.1038/ngeo1113
Full text - Information storage | PDF (159 KB) - Information storage
Commentary
To build capacity, build confidence -
Bruce Hewitson
doi:10.1038/ngeo2465
The history of attempts to spread scientific know-how beyond western centres of excellence is littered with failures. Capacity building needs long-term commitment, a critical mass of trainees, and a supportive home environment.
Full text - Information storage | PDF (385 KB) - Information storage
Features
Children's knowledge of the Earth -
Michael Siegal, Gavin Nobes & Georgia Panagiotaki
doi:10.1038/ngeo1094
Children everywhere are fascinated by the sky, stars and Sun. Emerging evidence from cultures throughout the world suggests that even young children can acquire knowledge of the Earth and its place in the Universe.
Full text - Information storage | PDF (250 KB) - Information storage
Gender imbalance in US geoscience academia -
Mary Anne Holmes, Suzanne O'Connell, Connie Frey & Lois Ongley
doi:10.1038/ngeo113
Geoscientists explain women's under-representation in our field along three dominant themes: the structure of academia, historically low numbers of women, and women's views and choices. Which factor they perceive as most important depends overwhelmingly on their gender.
Full text - Information storage | PDF (234 KB) - Information storage
News & Views
Sociology: Plugging the leaks -
Alicia Newton
doi:10.1038/ngeo1542
Full text - Information storage | PDF (145 KB) - Information storage
© 2018 Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature. All Rights Reserved.
