Resolved The Earth and space sciences community must reflect, serve, and educate a diverse population. If the Earth and space sciences community is truly committed to improving the quality of undergraduate education, it must recognize and address issues related to diversity. One of the major goals of undergraduate Earth and space science education reform is to educate and meet the needs of all students. In order to achieve this goal, the entire academic community must work harder to attract minorities, women, and disabled students. In addition, scientists and educators should recognize research and integration of science and science education with other aspects of human culture as appropriate scholarly activity.
Natural environment is related to culture.
However, a significant number of institutions that serve large populations of underrepresented students do not have easy access to oceans, mountains, or other natural environments. Limited funding frequently precludes this access, as well as the introduction of nontraditional or interdisciplinary sciences. Providing such experiences requires access to technology. Many two-year colleges and other undergraduate institutions do not have adequate access to, or resource support for, technology. Few teachers are trained to use technology effectively to enhance student learning.