To give students a better sense of the importance of geological factors in human affairs and to lend a more interdisciplinary flavor to earth science classes, we are working to compile a database of topics and examples that students and teachers can use to relate geology to historical and cultural events. To begin compiling this information a request was sent out over the internet seeking ideas and examples of how geology has influenced human history from the Pleistocene until the present. As educators, we are attempting to promote an awareness in our high school students that geology has had a tremendous impact on historical and cultural events and is very relevant to their lives and the other subjects they are studying in school. Once students discover the links between different disciplines learning becomes more meaningful.
Connections lead to reinforcement and can enhance important critical thinking skills.
We emphasize that this effort is a work in progress and we hope that other educators and scientists will continue to contribute examples of geology's place in human history.