Department of Geological Sciences Explorer’s Club

The Departments of Psychology and Geological Sciences have developed an outreach activity for Native American children called Science Explorer’s Club.  Dr. Eleanora (Norrie) Robbins, biogeologist and Geological Sciences adjunct faculty, runs the program monthly on 11 reservations in the County for Kumeyaay, Luiseno, Cupeno, and Cahuilla Indian youngsters.  As many as 400 students, primarily ages 6-12 attend annually.  Activities include participating in large events such as the Great Southern California Shakeout and World Water Monitoring Day, and smaller programs such as discover where your rocks come from, pan for gold and crystals, and dig for water.  The program is funded by National Science Foundation (NSF) through their Diversity in the Geosciences Directorate.  Both our department and NSF have the same objective: to attract these students to consider becoming Earth Scientists.

Photograph of Dr. Norrie Robbins (white hat) at Mesa Grande Reservation with student participants and Education Director Cindy Rivera.

Barona 2012