April 7–10, 2008 - Mount Rainier National Park Education Center, Tahoma Woods, Washington

What?
Earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis reveal the power of Earth’s forces that form the spectacular landscape of the Pacific Northwest. EarthScope is a nationwide effort that applies the latest science and technology to explore the structure and evolution of the North American continent and understand processes that cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions (www.earthscope.org). Interpretive professionals in the Pacific Northwest have the unique opportunity to engage the public on the relevance of EarthScope discoveries as they are being made. This 3-day workshop will combine presentations by EarthScope scientists with interpretive methods to convey the story of the ongoing deformation of the edge of the North American continent. Participants will learn how to use EarthScope data and science results, and will develop and present actual programs and exhibits during the workshop. The goal is to help interpreters create opportunities for the public to form their own intellectual and emotional connections to the dynamic landscape of the Pacific Northwest.

When?
April 7–10, 2008.

Where?
Mount Rainier National Park Education Center, Tahoma Woods, Washington.

Sponsored by:
EarthScope National Office.

Who should attend?
Interpretive professionals from the National Park Service, U. S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, state parks, museums, state geological surveys, and other agencies that engage the public on geological features and processes in the Pacific Northwest. Participants do not have to be geologists, but they should have some knowledge of the geology and tectonics of the Pacific Northwest and experience incorporating geological information into interpretive programs or exhibits. There is also room for a few K-12 Earth science teachers who interact with interpretive specialists in parks or museums.

Funding:
Participants’ organizations provide travel costs to and from the workshop. The EarthScope National Office (ESNO) provides food, lodging, materials, and field trip travel while at the workshop. ESNO will cover accommodation in Mt. Rainier National Park housing. Housing is apartment-style with bedrooms. Participants must bring their own sheets, blankets, towels, sleeping bags, or other bedding. Arrangements can be made if this is a problem for any participants. CD’s, printed handouts, and other workshop materials will be provided by the ESNO at no cost to participants.

Commitment:
Participants are required to attend the full three days of the workshop (from 6:00 PM Monday, April 7 to 1:00 PM Thursday, April 10). Each participant and their supervisor must commit to providing follow-up training to their staff members on how EarthScope data, scientific results, and societal implications can be incorporated into interpretive programs at their site.

Application:
An online application form is available at www.earthscope.org/workshops/mt_rainier/apply. Space is limited to 25 participants. One to three participants per park/museum may attend. Applicants must include statements of education and experience in geology, background in interpretation (informal education), and vision for incorporating EarthScope into park/museum interpretive programs or exhibits.

Instructors, Presenters, and Facilitators:
Dr. Bob Lillie (Professor of Geology at Oregon State University and EarthScope Education/Outreach Manager).
Dr. Anne Trehu (Professor of Geophysics at Oregon State University and Director of the EarthScope National Office).
Anne Doherty (Education Program Manager, Mt. Rainier National Park).
Dr. Bob Butler (Professor of Geology, University of Portland and geoscience education expert).
Carolyn Driedger (Education/Outreach Specialists, USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory).
Dr. John Lahr (Emeritus Seismologist, U.S. Geological Survey and developer of hands-on teaching materials on seismology).
Dr. Tim Melbourne (Associate Professor of Geology, Central Washington Univ. and Director, PANGA Geodesy Laboratory).
Dr. Seth Moran (Geophysicist, U. S. Geological Survey and specialist on volcano monitoring).
Dr. Steve Malone (Professor, University of Washington and researcher on earthquake hazards in the Pacific Northwest).
Dr. Charlotte Goddard (Research Associate, Oregon State Univ. and Education/Outreach Specialist for EarthScope Nat. Office).