Earth Science Week 2024 Webinar Series: Register Now
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Earth science students, educators, professionals, and enthusiasts are invited by the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) and Earth Science Week program partners to participate in the “Earth Science Everywhere” Webinar Series as part of this year’s Earth Science Week celebration, October 13-19, 2024.
The webinar series will highlight various facets of the celebration’s 2024 theme, “Earth Science Everywhere.” Topics will include how Earth observation data supports global sustainability, effects of plastics on environmental and human health, geologic mapping of impact craters on Earth and the Moon, the dynamic processes in polar regions, and regenerative agriculture. Each webinar will offer insights into how these diverse areas of study are interlinked and provide educators with relevant materials to enhance classroom learning.
Webinar schedule:
- “Views from Above and Below: Supporting Sustainability with Earth Observations,” October 14, 1 p.m. EDT. Discover how NASA’s Earth observation data support global sustainability. Learn about satellite and ground systems used in environmental monitoring and wildlife conservation and see how K-12 educators can use a five-day pacing guide on microplastics to engage students with Earth data. Speakers: Corena Pincham, NASA; Lola Fatoyinbo, NASA; Laura Rogers, NASA; and Tracy Ostrom, GLOBE Program Coordinator at the University of California Berkeley.
- “Plastics in the Environment and Human Health,” October 15, 1 p.m. EDT. Explore the widespread impact of plastics, from microplastics in the water and food chain to their effects on geological classifications and pollution. Experts discuss how plastics disrupt soil and sedimentary environments and will discuss paths to a circular economy and sustainable practices. Learn how you can contribute to addressing plastic pollution and advancing environmental justice. Speakers: Aidan Charron, Director of End Plastic Initiatives at EARTHDAY.org; Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, a Geologist at the Universidad del Atlantico (Colombia); and Grant Rodriguez Amlani, Environmental Justice & Recruitment Manager at the U.S. Plastics Pact.
- “Impact Craters and Geologic Mapping on the Earth and Moon,” October 16, 1 p.m. EDT. Learn about lunar analog sites and geologic mapping techniques that illuminate both Earth and extraterrestrial landscapes. Discover the Cinder Lake crater field’s legacy in lunar mission preparation, innovative mapping methods in planetary science, and the latest insights into lunar impacts. Also, learn about NASA’s Solar System Treks Portals for visualizing and analyzing planetary data. Speakers: Alexandra Huff, PhD Candidate at Arizona State University; Robert R. Herrick, Research Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks; Amber Gullikson, Geologist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center; and Brian Day, Staff Scientist at the NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute.
- “Earth Science at the Poles,” October 17, 1 p.m. EDT. Explore the Polar Regions. Learn about the impact of thawing permafrost on global ecosystems, hear from educators about integrating Arctic research into classrooms, and discover the Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET) and its insights into our Solar System. Understand the effects of climate change on polar regions and conservation efforts for species like the Adelie penguins. Speakers: Miriam Jones, Research Geologist at the U.S. Geological Survey; Waverly Ray, Professor of Geography at San Diego Mesa College; Lynn Brennan, High School Math Educator at the Putney School; James Karner, Research Associate Professor at the University of Utah; Megan Cimino, Researcher in the Institute of Marine Science at University of California Santa Cruz; and Janice McDonnell, Faculty in the Department of Youth Development at Rutgers University.
- “Common Ground: Healing Our Soil, Feeding the Future,” October 18, 1 p.m. EDT. Before the webinar, watch the 45-minute educator’s cut of Common Ground, a film describing regenerative agriculture. The webinar begins with an introduction from the film’s directors, followed by a panel discussion featuring key figures from the film. Participants are introduced to education materials aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards that are designed to complement the film. Hear insights from Common Ground’s curriculum developer and a seasoned soil educator on how to inspire students with narrative-based lessons on soil, regeneration, and climate. Speakers: Josh and Rebecca Tickell, directors of Common Ground at Big Picture Ranch; Common Ground film protagonists; Fran Sterling, curriculum developer at Blueshift Education; and Missy Holzer, science standards specialist at Great Minds PBCTM. This webinar is generously sponsored by Common Ground / Big Picture Ranch.
You are encouraged to register to attend the webinars and to be informed about when recordings are available. For more information, visit Earth Science Week Webinar Series. Contact lmossa@americangeosciences.org with any questions about the webinar series.
About AGI
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional organizations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the geoscience needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.
AGI Contact:
Geoff Camphire, Communications
gac@americangeosciences.org