Primary Convener:
Arghya Goswami, Northwest Missouri State University

Convener:
Alexander Taylor, Northwest Missouri State University

Chair:
Alexander Taylor, Northwest Missouri State University
Arghya Goswami, Northwest Missouri State University

Though often dismissed as mere 'dirt,' soils preserve vital records of Earth’s history, climate, and biological activity, including that of humans. This session invites educators, researchers, and outreach professionals to share innovative strategies for teaching and talking about soils and paleosols — from classroom modules, field experiences, and virtual labs to community workshops and informal conversational settings in a relevant and interdisciplinary context. We seek contributions that explore how soil education can be made accessible, engaging, and geologically meaningful across K-12 and undergraduate classrooms and public venues. Topics may include soil-based fieldwork, paleoenvironmental reconstructions, agricultural connections, climate education, and geoscience misconceptions. We particularly welcome submissions focusing on soil storytelling in indigenous science, public science, citizen science, and education research. This session will highlight how soil connects the lithosphere, biosphere, and human experience, and how teaching this complexity can enrich understanding of Earth systems and sustainability.

Index Terms
0810 Post-secondary education
0815 Informal education
0820 Curriculum and laboratory design
0850 Geoscience education research

Neighborhoods:
1. Science Nexus