AGI Announces Release of 2006 Earth Science Week Toolkit

Alexandria, VA - In support of Earth Science Week 2006 (October 8-14), the American Geological Institute (AGI), working with government agencies and other scientific and educational organizations, has developed the 2006 Toolkit for grades K-12 and beyond focusing on “Be a Citizen Scientist”.

This year AGI has published a new edition of its popular Earth Science Calendar filled with activities and important geoscientific dates, which is included in the Toolkit. These activities, supplied by AGI member societies and other organizations, engage students in learning about the earth sciences while they collect data throughout the year for ongoing research projects. The Toolkits also include a factsheet on citizen science programs from the U.S. Geological Survey, a DVD entitled “Views of the National Parks” from the National Parks Service, and a lithograph about ozone and a cloud chart from NASA.

The Smithsonian Institution has developed “Earth from Space”, a new web resource for teachers that compliments the traveling exhibition by the same name that will be launching in time for Earth Science Week 2006. The Toolkit includes more information about this interactive website that uses satellite images and features downloadable lessons based on the National Standards. The “Earth from Space” exhibit begins its national tour in November 2006 at the National Air and Space Museum.

In addition, the Toolkit contains an activity-rich poster for grades K-5 from Scholastic, posters from IRIS and EarthScope, and materials from the Geological Society of America, plus much more.

Pre-order now, shipping will begin in late July. Individual kits are available for $4.95 to cover the cost of shipping and handling. Bulk pricing is available. Visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/materials/ to order the 2006 Earth Science Week Toolkit.

Earth Science Week is an annual event held the second week of October to promote an understanding and appreciation of the earth sciences. It is coordinated by the American Geological Institute with generous support from the U.S. Geological Survey, the AAPG Foundation, and the National Park Service. To learn more about this event, please visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/.