Judging Guidelines

Required Materials

  1. Cover sheet
  2. Teacher's philosophy of teaching
  3. Unit description
  4. Letter of recommendation from colleague
  5. Letter of recommendation from administrator

    Note: If any of these are missing, the application should not be accepted. If time permits, the chairman can contact the teacher to request the missing items.

Award Requirement

  1. Three years full-time teaching experience
  2. Teaches at least one unit per year on natural resources
  3. Unit fits definition of natural resources as stated in application

    Note: If any of these requirements are not met, the application can be rejected.

Content Guidelines

  1. Teaching should include:
    • scientific study of these resources
    • origin of resources
    • discovery of resource
    • extraction of resource
    • historic use and present use
    • conservation of resources
    • preservation of the environment
    • reclamation
    • use of earth science knowledge in informed decision making
  2. Unit will be evaluated on:
    • depth and breadth of concepts
    • creativity of presentation
    • balanced treatment of information regarding societal need and environmental issues
    • clarity and accuracy of expression
    • overall excellence in teaching

Additional Comments

  1. Since AAPG’s main focus is on energy resources development, teachers who include subjects in this area should receive special consideration.
  2. In concert with the 1996 National Science Education Standards, a teacher’s use of the inquiry approach in teaching should be given extra consideration.