Alexandria, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute is pleased to announce the availability of Aerial Geology: A High-Altitude Tour of North America’s Spectacular Volcanoes, Canyons, Glaciers, Lakes, Craters, and Peaks by Mary Caperton Morton. Geology and mountaineering go hand in hand. The higher you go, the more you see and the more you see, the more you learn. If mountaintops are fantastic classrooms, airplane window seats might be even better. In many ways, geology is best understood from the air. [Read More]

Alexandria, Va. — David De Costa of Alexandria, Virginia, won first place in the visual arts contest with a creative and colorful drawing of earth, water, air, and living things. Finalists were Ian Lee, Vinuth Sumanasiri, Daniel Chia, and Pranavi Chatrathi. Students in grades K-5 made two-dimensional artworks illustrating the theme “People and the Planet.” Roxie Khalili of Foster City, California, won first place in the photo contest with an image of human-built infrastructure surrounding the lagoon and its inhabitants. [Read More]

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) welcomes three new members to the AGI Executive Committee and congratulates Dr. Eve S. Sprunt as she takes office as AGI President. The new and departing members of the Executive Committee were recognized at the Friends of AGI Reception on October 23, 2017, in Seattle. AGI welcomed the following new members to the Executive Committee: Dr. Rodney C. Ewing (Stanford University) - President Elect Ms. Heidi L. [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The American Meteorological Society (AMS) has joined the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) as the AGI Federation’s 52nd Member Society. The admission of AMS to the AGI Federation was formally approved by the AGI Member Society Council on October 23, 2017, at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting in Seattle. “AMS brings significant professional and scientific credentials to the AGI Federation in the areas of atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrologic science,” said AGI Executive Director Allyson Anderson Book. [Read More]

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to recognize the recipients of its 2017 awards: Professor Iain S. Stewart with the AGI Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of the Geosciences Mr. Richard M. Powers with the William B. Heroy Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to AGI Mr. Russell G. Slayback with the AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences, its highest award All three awardees will be presented with their awards next week at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting in Seattle. [Read More]

Alexandria, Va. — How does your town celebrate Earth Science Week? The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) was pleased to support city-specific celebrations of its annual geoscience awareness campaign, Earth Science Week, which took place October 8-14, 2017. Major American cities such as Houston, Denver, and Washington, D.C., served as major centers of public awareness activities. In all these cities, AGI collaborated with geoscience organizations and public schools to extend and deepen the reach of the successful Earth Science Week campaign with special events, educational materials, online resources, and activities in schools and other settings. [Read More]

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is accepting applications for the 2018 Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in Earth Science Teaching. Given annually, this award is presented to one teacher of grades K-8 in the United States or Key Stages 1-3 in the United Kingdom each year. The award recognizes leadership and innovation in Earth science education. The winner of the Edward C. Roy Award will receive a cash prize and an additional travel grant to attend the National Science Teachers Association Annual Conference in Atlanta in March 2018. [Read More]

Celebrate the sixth annual Geologic Map Day! On October 13, as a part of the Earth Science Week 2017, leading geoscience organizations promote awareness of the importance of geologic mapping to society. Geologic maps are vital to education, science, business, and public policy concerns. Geologic Map Day will focus the attention of students, teachers, and the general public on the study, uses, and significance of these tools, by engaging audiences through educational activities, print materials, online resources, and public outreach opportunities. [Read More]

National Fossil Day is organized by the National Park Service as part of AGI’s Earth Science Week to promote public awareness and stewardship of fossils. The goal is to inspire the next generation of paleontologists and fossil enthusiasts. On National Fossil Day, scientists and park rangers will share fossil discoveries at special events nationwide and explain the importance of preserving fossils for future generations. National Fossil Day resources and activities celebrate the scientific and educational value of fossils, paleontology, and the importance of preserving fossils for future generations. [Read More]

Geoff Camphire, gac@americangeosciences.org, October 9, 2017 Alexandria, VA - Earth Science Week 2017 is making some noise about geoscience with the help of National Public Radio’s popular call-in talk show, Science Friday. Award-winning host Ira Flatow this month kicks off a Science Friday Science Club that invites listeners and geoscience enthusiasts to share their favorite rocks online in a “virtual rock collection” Neat Rock Challenge (https://www.sciencefriday.com/educational-resources/scifri-science-club/). Throughout October, AGI geoscientists and other experts will chat with people from across the country who share their #neatrock photos, delve into the rock’s story, and learn about the amazing world of geoscience. [Read More]