Diversifying Earth System Science education-the undergraduate research model

The truly interdisciplinary nature of Earth System Science lends itself to the creation of research teams comprised of people with different scientific and technical backgrounds. In the annals of Earth System Science (ESS) education, the lack of an academic major in the discipline might be seen as a barrier to the involvement of undergraduates in the overall ESS enterprise. This issue is further compounded at minority serving institutions by the rarity of departments dedicated to atmospheric science, oceanography or even the geosciences. At Norfolk State University, a historically black college, a six week, NASA-supported, summer undergraduate research program (REESS-Research Experience in Earth System Science) is creating a model that involves students with majors in diverse scientific disciplines in authentic ESS research coupled with a structured education program. The project is part of a wider effort at the University to enhance undergraduate education by identifying specific areas of student weaknesses regarding the content and process of science. A pre- and post-assessment test, which is focused on some fundamental topics in global climate change, is given to all participants as part of the evaluation of the program. Student attitudes towards the subject and the program´s approach are also surveyed at the end of the research experience