Thursday, Jun 13, 2013
Dr. Steve Carson, adjunct professor in the Department of Geological, Environmental and Marine Sciences, was selected by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers.
by Sean Ramsden
Dr. Steve Carson, adjunct professor in the Department of Geological, Environmental and Marine Sciences (GEMS) at Rider, was selected as this year’s recipient of the New Jersey Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award. The award, sponsored by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), was presented on June 1 sat the organization’s annual awards dinner in Lock Haven, Pa. Carson was also nominated for the Eastern Section Award.
The award recognizes “exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the pre-college level,” according to the NAGT website. Any teacher or other K-12 educator who covers a significant amount of earth science content with their students is eligible. Carson, who typically teaches a course in oceanography at Rider during Summer Session II, is a full-time teacher at John Witherspoon Middle School in Princeton. His classes there include astronomy, weather and climate, earth science and oceanography.
Carson was honored by the recognition, and said the credit could be evenly spread.
“What makes it all possible for me are my outstanding colleagues, students, parents and educationally focused community,” he said.
Carson is also an instructor in the QUEST program, an inquiry-based summer institute in science and mathematics for K-12 teachers held in a partnership between Rider and Princeton University. QUEST offers a unique opportunity for elementary and middle school teachers to enhance their knowledge of science, math and technology by engaging in laboratory experiments and field experiences led by the faculty and staff of Princeton University and scientists from neighboring institutions.