1. Evaluation Approach Data Collection Strategies
A Multi-Site Collective Impact Evaluation: Engaging Local Communities in Geoscience
Evaluators: Ellen Iverson, Science Education Resource Center, Carleton College (Internal Evaluator); Karen Peterman, Karen Peterman Consulting, Co. (External Evaluator) - NSF INCLUDES Pathway Pilot
PIs: Cathryn A. Manduca, Carleton College; Donna Charlevoix, UNAVCO; Anne Egger, Central Washington University; Barbara Nagle, University of California, Berkeley; Rajul Pandya, American Geophysical Union; Founding Partners: Felicia Davis, Clark Atlanta University; Kathy Ellins, University of Texas, Austin; Garry Harris, Center for Sustainable Communities; Sally McGill, California State University, San Bernardino; Norma Neely, University of Oklahoma, Mark Benthien, University of Southern California; John Taber, Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology
Project Shared Vision
To develop a diverse geoscience workforce, the EarthConnections collective impact alliance is developing regionally focused, Earth education pathways. These pathways support and guide students from engagement in relevant, Earth-related science at an early age through the many steps and transitions to geoscience-related careers. Rooted in existing regional activities, pathways are developed using a process that engages regional stakeholders and community members with EarthConnections partners. Together they connect, sequence, and create multiple learning opportunities that link geoscience education and community service to address one or more local geoscience issues. By intertwining Earth education with local community service we aspire to increase the resilience of communities in the face of environmental hazards and limited Earth resources.
Regional Alliances
San Bernardino Alliance
This region faces some of the highest possible shaking hazards from earthquakes. In addition, it is facing severe drought, ground water pollution, and is home to Superfund sites. Founding Partners: California State University, San Bernardino, where active earthquake research will engage K-12 teachers and undergraduate students extending into the local community.
Oklahoma Tribal Nations Alliance
Understanding the relationship of earthquakes to energy industry practices, and the resulting implications for energy production and energy-related jobs in Oklahoma, is particularly important to American Indians in the region. Founding Partners: American Indian Institute (AII), University of Oklahoma promotes and supports Indian education and tribal leadership and organizational development. Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas, Austin, brings experience with statewide K-12 curriculum development and teacher professional development.
Atlanta Alliance
This diverse region faces some of the highest shortage of available fresh water. Founding partners: Building Green Initiative (BGI) at Clark Atlanta University is leading the campus-wide sustainability efforts at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Center for Sustainable Communities based in the Atlanta region is working with many stakeholders.
Logic Model
In the first two years, the alliance will address two objectives:
Develop, test, and refine elements of our collective impact alliance through work on three regional pilots that capitalize on our
collective expertise and resources.
Test the ability of the alliance to attract new partners and implement a scalable system to support locally customized pathways.
The logic model illustrates our planned approach for meeting these objectives. Items in italics can only be addressed beyond the two-year scope of the current project.
Project Partners
UNAVCO, the NSF Geodetic Facility
Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley.
American Geophysical Union. The Thriving Earth Exchange (TEX) helps communities leverage relevant science
Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) the NSF seismology facility
InTeGrate, the NSF STEP Center in the Geosciences supports learning about the Earth in the context of societal issues
Evaluation Approach Data Collection Strategies