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This talk presents initial outcomes from a novel, two-year pilot program for pre-service elementary teachers called Virtual Galápagos.The program’s primary goal is to enhance knowledge of geoscience and science pedagogy, while developing teaching skills including the use of digital teaching tools. Participants spend 10 weeks in a collaborative environment building an interactive website for elementary school children, designing learning activities and teacher resources, and engaging in science pedagogy workshops. To make complex science research more accessible, participants create standards-based curriculum that brings to life concepts such as natural selection through 360o panoramas, videos, and interactive activities.The Galápagos Islands were selected as the focus because it is a world-class site to study biodiversity and geologic landscapes. The website seeks to highlight scientific research in this region while engaging younger audiences and inviting the learner to participate in explorations that parallel actual fieldwork. Elementary learners are tasked with solving an authentic scientific mystery, for instance, why the islands house populations of both saddleback and dome-shaped shells in the Galápagos. As they explore the website, learners gather pertinent evidence about tortoise behavior, genetics, and ecological roles through inquiry-based, guided explorations that provide opportunities for students to make evidence-based claims. The development of designer STEM identities among participants will be studied to advance our current understanding.The program helps future teachers develop capacities at a critical juncture in their preparation that can result in the transfer of knowledge and skills to future scientists in elementary classrooms.
