OrbWeaver Consulting
Cheryl L.B. Manning, Ph.D.
Earth System Science Education Research
Geo-STEM Learning Ecosystems | Broader Impacts | Co-Creation | Curriculum | Evaluation
Not Surprised, Just Disappointed...
The 2024 Climate Literacy Guide: Essential Principles for Understanding and Addressing Climate Change has been removed from NOAA's Climate.gov page. Luckily, I downloaded it when it was released. This represents three years of work by countless climate scientists at federal agencies with input from climate communicators, educators, and researchers in the private sector.
Combining educational experience, knowledge of the Earth sciences, and interests in social and environmental justice to cultivate diverse communities that value and respect Earth and work together to sustain the intricate relationships that make all life possible.
2023 Ph.D. - Geoscience Education - Earth, Atmosphere & Environment, Northern Illinois University
2022 AAAS Honorary Fellow
2018-2019 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, NSF-GEO
2011-2021 National Board Certified Teacher
1993 M.S. Earth Sciences - Geology, Montana State University
1989 B.S. Earth Sciences - Geology, Montana State University
The land I live and work on is the traditional homelands of the Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ.
Who I am
As a native Montanan and a first-generation college student, I was fortunate to learn Earth’s history by experiencing first-hand the geology of the Northern Rocky Mountains. Family, teachers, and geologists along the way encouraged my passion for the Earth sciences and I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees in Earth Science-Geology at Montana State University. For my M.S., I examined the development of extensional basins in the Basin and Range Province in the western United States.
Since 1995, I have been committed to helping learners of all ages and backgrounds appreciate the fundamental Earth processes that shape our planet and our lives. In December 2023, I earned my Ph.D. in Earth, Atmosphere and Environment at Northern Illinois University under the guidance of Dr. Nicole D. LaDue. I researched the state of Earth science teaching in Illinois and how Earth science teachers access Earth systems science resources. Prior to this, I taught secondary science for 25 years, focused on Earth and Environmental Sciences, and led efforts to develop a STEM capstone program. I have also worked as a curriculum designer and educational consultant, collaborating with diverse schools, organizations, and agencies to promote Earth systems science education.
What I do
My passion lies in bridging the gap between scientific research and public comprehension. I strive to generate Earth science educational experiences that enable individuals to make well-informed decisions regarding the environment, natural resources, and natural hazards. Learn more about my Projects & Publications.
Skill Set
Social Science Research applied to Earth systems science communities
Planning and managing broader/social impacts for Earth systems science education and outreach efforts (i.e., REUs, RETs)
Social Network Mapping and Analysis
Virtual and in-person workshop planning, design, and facilitation
Public Speaking
Research Project & Program Evaluation
Reviewing and summarizing literature
Survey design, administration, and analysis (from descriptive statistics to structural equation modeling)
Interview protocol design, administration, and analysis
Curriculum Development