Outreach
Serving the state
Current outreach focus areas:
- ensuring all webpages and Indiana Journal of Earth Sciences (IJES) publications comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
- providing open-access availability of publications;
- increasing internal and external author and reviewer contributions for IJES;
- increasing event and service promotion via social media, newsletters, and other platforms;
- providing annual public exhibitions that meet or exceed ADA standards;
- evaluating how IGWS resources are accessed; and
- actively engaging with underrepresented, underserved, and nontraditional communities through targeted programming such as outreach events, showcased fieldwork, internship and volunteer opportunities, and community forums.
Yes! We welcome visitors of all ages and abilities to visit the Learning Lab to explore our collections and participate in science. For groups larger than 10, please submit a group visit request.
To contact a specific staff member, please see the Staff Listing page.
To contact a specific staff member, please see the Staff Listing page.
If you have an artifact, such as an arrowhead or stone tool, please contact the IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. If you have a modern animal bone, please contact the William R. Adams Zooarchaeology Laboratory.
If you have a rock, mineral, or fossil from Indiana, we may be able to help. Please email us a description of the object, where it was found, and two to three well-lit, sharply focused photographs. Specimens cannot be identified over the phone. Please limit identification requests to no more than five objects per year.
Please note that the IGWS does not authenticate suspected meteorites.
If you have a rock, mineral, or fossil from Indiana, we may be able to help. Please email us a description of the object, where it was found, and two to three well-lit, sharply focused photographs. Specimens cannot be identified over the phone. Please limit identification requests to no more than five objects per year.
Please note that the IGWS does not authenticate suspected meteorites.
We offer many special events to the general public throughout the year. Programs developed for families, youth, and adults are hosted in the IGWS Learning Lab or at external parks and museums through partnerships around the state.
To see what's coming up, please visit our Events page.
To see what's coming up, please visit our Events page.
The IGWS accepts volunteers on a case-by-case basis. Please email us with details on your interests and availability.
The IGWS offers the Paul Edwin Potter summer internship program for high school, college, or post-graduate master's students interested in Indiana geology. Individuals from non-traditional backgrounds or historically marginalized or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. More information about the internship program is available here.
We also offer internships during the academic school year on a case-by-case basis. Please email us with details on your availability and course requirements.
We also offer internships during the academic school year on a case-by-case basis. Please email us with details on your availability and course requirements.
We are committed to providing free educational resources related to Indiana's natural resources, geologic hazards, and geoheritage. Educators can download, share, and adapt all IGWS materials for noncommercial use.
To learn more about upcoming teacher workshops, please see our Events page or email us.
To find lesson plans, posters, or other reference materials, please visit our Educational Resources page.
To reserve a classroom kit of earth science materials, please visit our Discovery Trunks page.
To schedule a field trip to the Learning Lab, please submit a group visit request.
To learn more about upcoming teacher workshops, please see our Events page or email us.
To find lesson plans, posters, or other reference materials, please visit our Educational Resources page.
To reserve a classroom kit of earth science materials, please visit our Discovery Trunks page.
To schedule a field trip to the Learning Lab, please submit a group visit request.
The IGWS store offers a unique selection of geology-themed books and gifts. Visit our onsite store in the Learning Lab or shop our online store at store.igws.indiana.edu. The onsite and online stores accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa, and Discover.
Geoscience is an intellectually challenging, diverse, and wide-ranging career. It offers the opportunity to work in a variety of settings.
Geoscientists must possess a strong interest in science and a college degree. High school courses related to Earth science, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology can prepare aspiring students for their college education. College students can gain practical experience by assisting a professor or geological survey with a research project. Field camps offer opportunities to learn basic field mapping skills. Communication, critical-thinking, and geographic information system (GIS) skills are essential for geoscientists.
More information on the types of geoscientists and helpful organizations is available in our Careers in Geoscience brochure.
Geoscientists must possess a strong interest in science and a college degree. High school courses related to Earth science, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology can prepare aspiring students for their college education. College students can gain practical experience by assisting a professor or geological survey with a research project. Field camps offer opportunities to learn basic field mapping skills. Communication, critical-thinking, and geographic information system (GIS) skills are essential for geoscientists.
More information on the types of geoscientists and helpful organizations is available in our Careers in Geoscience brochure.