Earth Science Week 2005: Free Kit, New Resources, Emerging Trends

The American Geological Institute (AGI) is providing dozens of free, new educational resources to boost awareness about the geosciences and the many exciting career opportunities in the field for Earth Science Week 2005 (October 9-15).

Educators, parents, and interested citizens are invited to order a free Earth Science Week Kit (plus $4.95 shipping and handling), which includes posters, DVDs, CD-ROMs, maps, flyers, contest details, fun learning activities linked to the National Science Education Standards, information tailored for Spanish-speaking audiences, and much more. Order online at www.earthsciweek.org.

Also part of the kit is the Earth Science Week 2005-06 School-Year Calendar. This new resource features full-color photos, detailed learning activities, science event listings, famous dates in earth science history, and information on earth science careers. The calendar is just one of the many print and electronic resources offered by AGI.

During Earth Science Week, your community can explore how the Earth’s systems interact with your local natural and human environment. Such activities include sampling groundwater, monitoring the weather, visiting science centers, and conducting experiments in classrooms. The ability to make scientifically-informed decisions is vital to a healthy and productive environment and economy. Earth Science Week participation helps build science knowledge and skills at home, school, and the office.

The theme of Earth Science Week 2005 — “Geoscientists Explore the Earth” — focuses on career opportunities in the geosciences. The trend toward increasing demand for earth science professionals in the next decade is led by the Baby Boomers’ escalating retirements and new opportunities in energy and mineral resources and environmental stewardship.

AGI established Earth Science Week in 1998 to promote public awareness of the earth sciences and stewardship of the Earth. Last year, the Earth Science Week celebration included more than 1.7 million people worldwide — and this year’s event promises to reach even more. Resources and events are sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation, and the National Park Service, with additional support from NASA, NOAA, and many more organizations. To learn more, visit www.earthsciweek.org.