NAGT Sessions and Activities at the 2025 AGU Fall Meeting

NAGT is pleased to sponsor a variety of geoscience education sessions planned for the Fall 2025 AGU meeting held in New Orleans, Louisiana. from December 15-19, 2025.

Jump down to: Sessions

Exhibit Hall

NAGT will not be operating a booth in the exhibit hall this year. But don't worry--our friends from the Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College will be present and have some NAGT materials on hand. As always, the booth in the exhibit hall is a great place to meet up and connect with other Earth educators, so be sure to stop by! You can find SERC at booth #717.

NAGT-Sponsored Sessions

ED11B - Polar Science Education: Broadening Engagement I Oral Session

Monday, 15 December 2025, 8:30am-10:00am

Melissa Barker, Oregon State University, Polar STEAM, Corvallis, United States, Jami Ivory, Oregon State University, Polar STEAM, Corvallis, OR, United States, Kari O'Connell, Oregon State University, STEM Research Center, Corvallis, United States and Holli Grant, Lake Worth ISD/POLAR STEAM, Lake Worth, United States

The Arctic and Antarctic regions hold a unique sense of wonder and intrigue, though most people will never have the opportunity to experience them firsthand. These remote and extreme environments are undergoing rapid change, with far-reaching consequences both locally and across the globe. As polar ice melts and ecosystems shift, understanding the dynamics of these regions becomes not only fascinating but essential for addressing global environmental challenges. This session will highlight effective strategies to engage and broaden the participation in Polar Science. We invite educators, researchers, Indigenous community members, and others to share their experience and pedagogies that utilize STEAM and STEM learning to promote understanding of critical polar science and places. We hope to share a wide variety of examples such as curriculum designed for formal and informal learning spaces, community-based participatory projects, continued professional learning, and integration of Indigenous Knowledge.

ED11C - Arctic Education and Outreach: Effective Ways of Engaging Diverse Learners in Arctic Science I Poster Session

Monday, 15 December 2025, 8:30am-12:00pm

Anne U Gold^1,2, Katie Spellman³, Elena B Sparrow³ and Malinda J Chase⁴, (1)Organization Not Listed, Washington, DC, United States(2)University of Colorado Boulder, Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation; Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, Boulder, United States(3)University of Alaska Fairbanks, International Arctic Research Center, Fairbanks, AK, United States(4)Association of Interior Native Educators, Fairbanks, United States

The changing polar environments have created important scientific and societal concerns in high and lower latitudes. In this session, we will share effective approaches, frameworks and examples of how to promote a broad understanding and awareness of the changing Arctic and the related societal implications. The session will highlight effective strategies to inspire learners in both formal and informal learning contexts as well as communities. We also invite papers on effective ways of community engagement, co-design of educational and outreach activities, and fostering intergenerational or cross-cultural learning through Arctic Indigenous knowledge, science, and observation.

ED12B - Polar Science Education: Broadening Engagement II Oral Session

Monday, 15 December 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Melissa Barker, Oregon State University, Polar STEAM, Corvallis, United States, Jami Ivory, Oregon State University, Polar STEAM, Corvallis, OR, United States, Kari O'Connell, Oregon State University, STEM Research Center, Corvallis, United States and Brittney Elizabeth Stoneburg, Western Science Center, San Jacinto, CA, UNITED STATES

The Arctic and Antarctic regions hold a unique sense of wonder and intrigue, though most people will never have the opportunity to experience them firsthand. These remote and extreme environments are undergoing rapid change, with far-reaching consequences both locally and across the globe. As polar ice melts and ecosystems shift, understanding the dynamics of these regions becomes not only fascinating but essential for addressing global environmental challenges. This session will highlight effective strategies to engage and broaden the participation in Polar Science. We invite educators, researchers, Indigenous community members, and others to share their experience and pedagogies that utilize STEAM and STEM learning to promote understanding of critical polar science and places. We hope to share a wide variety of examples such as curriculum designed for formal and informal learning spaces, community-based participatory projects, continued professional learning, and integration of Indigenous Knowledge.

ED13A - Arctic Education and Outreach: Effective Ways of Engaging Diverse Learners in Arctic Science II Oral Session

Monday, 15 December 2025, 2:15pm-3:45pm
Anne U Gold^1,2, Katie Spellman³, Elena B Sparrow³ and Malinda J Chase⁴, (1)Organization Not Listed, Washington, DC, United States(2)University of Colorado Boulder, Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation; Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, Boulder, United States(3)University of Alaska Fairbanks, International Arctic Research Center, Fairbanks, AK, United States(4)Association of Interior Native Educators, Fairbanks, United States

The changing polar environments have created important scientific and societal concerns in high and lower latitudes. In this session, we will share effective approaches, frameworks and examples of how to promote a broad understanding and awareness of the changing Arctic and the related societal implications. The session will highlight effective strategies to inspire learners in both formal and informal learning contexts as well as communities. We also invite papers on effective ways of community engagement, co-design of educational and outreach activities, and fostering intergenerational or cross-cultural learning through Arctic Indigenous knowledge, science, and observation.

ED13B - Polar Science Education: Broadening Engagement III Poster Session

Monday, 15 December 2025, 2:15-5:45pm
Melissa Barker, Oregon State University, Polar STEAM, Corvallis, United States, Jami Ivory, Oregon State University, Polar STEAM, Corvallis, OR, United States, Kari O'Connell, Oregon State University, STEM Research Center, Corvallis, United States and Prof. Janice Ledgerwood, MFA, Clovis Community College, Art, Fresno, United States

The Arctic and Antarctic regions hold a unique sense of wonder and intrigue, though most people will never have the opportunity to experience them firsthand. These remote and extreme environments are undergoing rapid change, with far-reaching consequences both locally and across the globe. As polar ice melts and ecosystems shift, understanding the dynamics of these regions becomes not only fascinating but essential for addressing global environmental challenges. This session will highlight effective strategies to engage and broaden the participation in Polar Science. We invite educators, researchers, Indigenous community members, and others to share their experience and pedagogies that utilize STEAM and STEM learning to promote understanding of critical polar science and places. We hope to share a wide variety of examples such as curriculum designed for formal and informal learning spaces, community-based participatory projects, continued professional learning, and integration of Indigenous Knowledge.

ED21B - Bridging Learning and Research: Self-Reflections and Best Practices from Students and Faculty in Earth Science Undergraduate Research Programs, Including Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs) and Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) Poster Session

Tuesday, 16 December 2025, 8:30am-12:00pm 
Martha Whitaker¹, Kimberly Takagi², James Deemy³ and Damian Elmore², (1)University of Arizona, Department of Hydrology & Atmospheric Sciences, Tucson, AZ, United States(2)College of Coastal Georgia, Department of Natural Sciences, Brunswick, United States(3)College of Coastal Georgia, Department of Natural Sciences, Brunswick, GA, United States

Academic institutions are increasingly encouraged to engage undergraduates in meaningful research experiences. Vertically-Integrated Projects (VIPs) offer undergraduates the opportunity to conduct research within the framework of a research team with vertically-integrated mentoring provided by faculty, graduate students, and upper-class undergraduates, and Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) provide undergraduates with democratized access to an authentic research experience embedded into a course. This poster session offers undergraduates and faculty the opportunity to share best practices of undergraduate research programs, reflect on the impact of those practices and experiences, as well as present their research findings. It offers faculty an opportunity to share insights about their programs and students an opportunity to present their research at an international conference. Together, these reflections illustrate the transformative impact of bridging undergraduate research with learning and mentorship, embodying the theme: "Where Science Connects Us."

ED33C - Climate Empowerment: Climate Education Initiatives Poster Session

Wednesday, 17 December 2025, 2:15pm-5:45pm

Gina Fiorile Desranleau, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, Education & Outreach, Boulder, CO, United States, Anne U Gold, University of Colorado Boulder, Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation; Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, Boulder, United States, Patrick Chandler, University of Colorado at Boulder, Environmental Studies, Boulder, United States and Frank Niepold III, NOAA Washington DC, Climate Program Office, Washington, United States

Reducing vulnerability to climate and preparing for just transitions to a low-carbon economy are critical for societies across the world, particularly in frontline communities. Coordinated systems of education, communication, and outreach can support learning to enhance the adaptability of our cities and create stronger communities, empowering people to address climate change. Improving learning about Earth's complex climate and energy system is fundamental to support development of mitigation and adaptation strategies. The CLEAN Network is committed to improving climate and energy education locally, regionally, nationally, and globally and brings together a professionally diverse community of over 700 members and programs. This session provides opportunities for CLEAN Network partners to showcase their work and share information, models, and new program designs in order to support session participants in taking action within their own communities and organizations. We also invite abstracts from other climate-centered learning programs, projects, initiatives, and efforts.

TH35ISZ4D: Steady Progress in Shifting Landscapes Town Hall

Wednesday, 17 December 2025, 3:00pm-4:00pm

Anaïs Férot, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States, Emily Brodsky, University of California Santa Cruz, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Santa Cruz, United States, Diana C. Roman, Carnegie Science, Earth and Planets Laboratory, Washington, DC, United States and Jeffrey Todd Freymueller, Michigan State University, Earth and Environmental Sciences, East Lansing, MI, United States

SZ4D (Subduction Zones in Four Dimensions) is a growing, community-driven initiative aimed at transforming our understanding of subduction zone geohazards—including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and cascading surface processes—through interdisciplinary research and capacity building. Now entering a critical phase of project development, SZ4D is advancing proposals for major infrastructure deployments, including field arrays in the Andean subduction zone, and expanding collaborative modeling, laboratory, and data integration efforts.Community engagement remains central to SZ4D's mission. The initiative continues to broaden participation through workshops, webinars, working groups, and an annual open call for volunteers to help shape science, infrastructure, and other activities. International partnerships, through SZNet and other avenues, are fostering global collaboration.At this Town Hall, representatives from the SZ4D leadership will present updates on recent milestones, funding strategies, and upcoming opportunities for participation. This session will offer an open forum for questions, feedback, and scientific input to guide the next stages of SZ4D development. All interested researchers and students are encouraged to attend and help drive the future of subduction zone science.

U13CWe Need a Hero! We Need Effective Communication with the Public! Oral

Monday, 15 December 2025, 2:15-5:45pm

Adam Ianno, Pennsylvania Geological Survey, Middletown, United States and Kyle Rybacki, Pennsylvania Geological Survey, Middletown, United States

Earth science is facing a critical disconnect from the public, reflected in declining interest, college department closures, eroding trust in scientific knowledge, and a difficulty in linking earth science discoveries to everyday life. This session brings together researchers, educators, and communicators to share tested, actionable strategies that reconnect Earth and space science with students, communities, and broader audiences. Presentations will focus on innovative, interdisciplinary approaches spanning science communication, education, outreach, and media that demonstrably and will successfully build understanding, curiosity, and trust – presenters will highlight what works and why. As a united scientific community, we must all embrace the ability to communicate our science to folks that want to understand it but don't know it at our level. Let us showcase how purposeful, creative connections between science and society can reverse disinterest and inaccessibility and inspire growth and understanding.