Alexandria, VA — Leila Gonzales, AGI Geoscience Workforce analyst will present a Betty Vetter Research Seminar on October 22, 2008. Gonzales’ presentation “Tracking the Dynamics of the Geoscience Workforce” will focus on: Earth science education requirements in grades K-12 nationwide Enrollment trends in the geosciences at U.S. colleges and universities Career and salary paths of those with geoscience degrees Diversity issues Increased demand in geosciences workforce versus stagnant growth in the number of students majoring in the geosciences The seminar will be held at the American Association for the Advancement of Science building, located in Washington, D. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — The American Geological Institute (AGI), in conjunction with its Member Societies, is announcing the release of “Critical Needs for the Twenty First Century: The Role of the Geosciences.” This concise document suggests policy directions for the next President, his administration, federal agencies and the United States Congress. The document identifies seven national issues and the role geosciences can play in addressing them: energy and climate, water, waste disposal, natural hazards, infrastructure, raw materials, and workforce and education needs. [Read More]

Scientists from the American Geological Institute (AGI) and the U.S. Geological Survey will lead students at Langston Hughes Middle School in Reston, Va., in a hands-on exploration of earth science on No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Day, October 14, 2008. Department of Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and USGS Director Mark Myers are expected to participate in the activities at nearby Beaver Pond. The activities will engage students in “learning stations” on topics such as water chemistry and biological diversity. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — Historians have spent decades analyzing the military actions of the Civil War. Now geologists are having their say. Geologists are investigating how geological forces millions of years ago sculpted the terrain of Civil War battlefields — bringing a new perspective to the war’s events. Read November’s EARTH magazine and learn how igneous rock foiled the Confederates at Gettysburg, how powdery glacial sediments sealed Vicksburg’s fate and why limestone was the soldiers’ real enemy at Antietam. [Read More]

The American Geological Institute is pleased to announce Dr. Peter A. Scholle as its new President. He will be inducted on October 7, 2008 at the Geological Society of America annual meeting in Houston. Scholle, the current State Geologist of New Mexico received his B.S. in geology from Yale University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in geology from Princeton University. He was the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship and attended the University of Munich and also spent time at the University of Texas at Austin. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — The American Geological Institute (AGI) is pleased to offer “Over the Rivers” by Michael Collier, one of America’s premier aerial photographers. “Over the Rivers” (ISBN: 1-9314-1421-1) is the second volume in the exciting Aerial View of Geology series (the first was the highly praised Over the Mountains also available through AGI). A geologist, gifted science writer, and photographer Michael Collier presents these spectacular landscapes and stunning aerial photographs that vividly demonstrate geological processes. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) has joined the American Geological Institute (AGI) as the Federation’s 45th Member Society. AGI Executive Director, P. Patrick Leahy says of the addition, “AGI welcomes the National Ground Water Association as our 45th member society. NGWA brings a strong professional and scientific credential to the AGI federation in the ground-water resource area. Societal concerns about the availability and quality of water resources will be paramount for the foreseeable future. [Read More]

The American Geological Institute (AGI) is sponsoring a new contest in conjunction with both Earth Science Week and The International Year of Planet Earth. In addition to the Photo, Essay, and Visual Art contests offered each year as part of Earth Science Week, a new global photography contest, “Exploring Earth Science Around the World,” has been developed. This competition is open to anyone worldwide with images eligible from anywhere around the world, all in celebration of The International Year of Planet Earth. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — The key educational support product for Earth Science Week 2008 (October 12-18) is the Toolkit that enables teachers, students, and the public to explore this year’s theme “No Child Left Inside.” The 2008 edition of this resource is now available through the American Geological Institute (AGI). The 2008 Toolkit contains several resources developed by AGI, including the new editions of the Earth Science Week Activity Calendar and classroom poster with activities suitable for all ages provided by AGI, its Member Societies and other organizations. [Read More]

Alexandria, VA — Geotimes magazine, the flagship publication of the American Geological Institute (AGI), will become EARTH magazine beginning with the September 2008 issue. Geotimes has delivered the earth science news to the professional community for over 52 years. Since 1999, the magazine has been transformed to become the voice of the geosciences for the general public, while still covering the latest developments within the geosciences. The content and news coverage Geotimes readers have come to enjoy is expanding. [Read More]