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Virtual Classroom Visits (VcV): Bring a USGS Scientist into Your Classroom!

By Youth and Education in Science

The USGS’s Virtual Classroom Visits (VcV) program connects our scientists with classrooms across the Nation, through virtual meeting technology. VcV allows USGS scientists to pop in to schools that are not just around the corner. 

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K-12 Teachers,

Is your classroom studying Earth and curious about meeting real scientists? From volcanologists to oceanographers, from geographers to wildlife biologists, from computer scientists to hydrologists, the USGS has a wide array of STEM professionals working in fields that your students may not have been exposed to before.

Through the Virtual Classroom Visits (VcV) program, we provide an opportunity for your students to meet and interact with a USGS scientist. Topics and format will vary, but we encourage our scientists to include a personal narrative to connect with your students, such as learning about what (or who) inspired them to become scientists, how they got into STEM fields, and what a day in a life of a scientist is really like.

a scientists talks to students at a table with a bin of water and sand
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Dr. Legna Torres-Garcia conducts an erosion model activity at the LCC Day School in St. Petersburg, FL, to showcase how hurricane-force winds can cause damage to coastal environments.

Through the VcV program, we intend to

  • Showcase the wide array of STEM professions that exist, particularly in the USGS.
  • Share personal stories to show students all the twists and turns that are involved in becoming a scientist.
  • Provide an interactive, virtual opportunity that lets your students engage with a real scientist.
  • Support science lessons in your classroom.
  • Build relationships with you, your class, and your school.
  • Inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.

How it Works: Teachers request a Virtual Classroom Visit by filling out the form linked above. You'll be able to indicate what specialty you are looking for, grade level, and time frame. We'll connect you with a scientist with whom you can figure out a schedule. We'll use your virtual classroom technology. Afterwards, we'll send a brief survey so you can provide feedback to help us improve the program.

Virtual Classroom Visits are typically ~45 minutes. A conversation or email between teacher and scientists beforehand can help frame the presentation. There will be plenty of time for students to ask questions. We hope to see you on a shared screen soon!

For any questions or feedback, please email usgs_yes@usgs.gov.

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