This issue of the EXPLORER carries a poster for Earth Science Week, promoting a series of events Oct. 8-14 engaging students and the public in an effort to spread earth science literacy.
With a theme of “Be A Citizen Scientist,” Earth Science Week 2006 marks the ninth year AGI has sponsored this international event. Each year, local groups, educators and interested individuals organize activities to discover the Earth sciences and promote responsible stewardship of the Earth.
The AAPG Foundation provides funding support for materials and promotion of the celebration.
“Citizen science affords everyone an opportunity to investigate earth science questions,” said Ann E. Benbow, AGI’s director of education and outreach.
AAPG local societies also are involved, and past ESWs have been a platform for societies to hold public outreach activities. It is hoped the posters will find their way to a public location where teachers, students and others will know of the activities available.
Earth Science Week Toolkits also will be released in August, which include:
- A 12-month school-year activity calendar, suitable for hanging.
- The new Earth Science Week poster, including an activity.
- Up-to-date fact sheets and other materials from the U.S. Geological Survey.
- A park-views DVD from the National Park Service.
- A detailed climate change booklet from NOAA.
- An earth science education brochure and more from NASA.
- Posters from Scholastic, IRIS and EarthScope.
- A GeoCaching pamphlet from Geological Society of America.
- An Earth-science CD from ESRI.
- Materials for classroom and home.
In addition, copies of the careers-oriented 2005 Toolkit (“Geoscientists Explore the Earth”) and the natural hazards-focused 2004 Toolkit (“Living on a Restless Earth”) are available for order.
Orders outside of the United States will incur additional shipping charges. For special shipping, bulk orders and more information, visit the AGI Web site
Also, there are three national contests as part of Earth Science Week 2006. The photography, visual arts and essay contests offer opportunities for both students and the general public to participate in the celebration, learn about earth sciences and compete for prizes:
- The photography contest, open to all ages, focuses on “Using and Studying Earth’s Resources.”
- The visual arts contest is titled “Earth Science in Your Home Town.” Students in grades K-5 are encouraged to draw, paint or create a poster on any aspect of earth science that affects their local community.
- Students in grades 5-9 are eligible to enter the essay contest: “Be a Citizen Scientist!” Essays must be no longer than 500 words and should highlight the ways every person can contribute to a better understanding of our planet.
The first place prize for each contest is $300. To learn more about these contests, including how to enter, visit Earth Science Week