Reading the Rocks: The Geology of National Parks as a Platform for Climate Change Education

In this case study we describe the integration of climate change education into a college-level General Education course entitled The Geology of National Parks at California State University, Fullerton. By focusing on developing student observation and interpretation skills in the examination of national park rocks and landscapes, the assignment structure guides students to understand and contrast the longevity of geological processes with that of recent, rapid, anthropogenic change. Through a series of scaffolded writing exercises, including observational analysis, creation of interpretive signage, and analysis of satellite imagery, students learn to distinguish between observations and interpretations, connect geological processes to past climate conditions, and recognize evidence of rapid, human-induced climate change. This approach fosters critical thinking and scientific literacy while engaging students with America’s national parks, including (but not limited to) Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Glacier. This case study serves as a guide for others who would like to incorporate similar assignments into their own courses and includes instructions for these activities that other instructors can use or adapt for their own context.