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.
Common Ground is an award-winning documentary film, a movement to support soil health and regenerative agriculture, and now a K-12 curriculum!
This webinar will feature an introduction from the film directors followed by a panel conversation with several protagonists featured in Common Ground. Webinar participants will then be introduced to the free NGSS-aligned documentary-based materials. We will also reserve time to hear from the curriculum developer and a veteran soil educator who will share their perspectives on incorporating and inspiring students through a narrative-based approach to units on soil, regeneration, and climate.
About the Film:Common Ground (2023) is the sequel to, Kiss the Ground (2020) which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health. Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, Black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy. Educators will have full access to the free 45-min educational cut for this webinar.
Speaker Line-Up:
Josh and Rebecca Tickell, directors of Common Ground at Big Picture Ranch
Fran Sterling, Curriculum Developer at Blueshift Education
Miss Holzer, PhD, science curriculum designer & standards specialist
Explore the dynamic landscapes of the Polar Regions in our webinar, "Earth Science at the Poles." Delve into the intricate relationship between permafrost and climate change, uncovering how thawing permafrost influences global ecosystems and vice versa. Hear from educators who participated in the Polar STEAM program, sharing their firsthand experiences researching Arctic glacial systems and permafrost dynamics, and their plans to integrate this knowledge into classroom learning. Discover the Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET), which has unearthed over 23,000 meteorites from Antarctica's blue ice areas, offering invaluable insights into our Solar System's history. Join us as we discuss polar literacy, examining the profound impacts of climate change on these remote regions and efforts to conserve iconic species like the Adélie penguins. Don't miss this opportunity to journey into the heart of polar science and exploration.
Speaker Line-Up:
Miriam Jones, Research Geologist at the US. 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
Join us for "Impact Craters and Geologic Mapping on the Earth and Moon," where we explore the fascinating world of lunar analog sites and geologic mapping techniques crucial for understanding both Earth and extraterrestrial landscapes. Discover the legacy of the Cinder Lake crater fields in northern Arizona, essential training grounds for Apollo astronauts and instrumental in lunar mission preparations. Delve into the innovative adaptations of geological mapping methods for planetary exploration, blending Earth-based techniques with those suited for lunar missions under Artemis. Learn about the latest insights into low-angle lunar impacts and their implications for planetary science hypotheses, supported by experimental simulations and high-resolution lunar imaging. Additionally, explore NASA's Solar System Treks Portals, powerful tools enabling researchers, educators, and the public to visualize and analyze planetary data, fostering engagement and advancing our understanding of planetary surfaces across the Solar System. Join us to delve into the frontiers of planetary geology and exploration.
Speaker Line-Up:
Alexandra Huff, PhD Candidate at Arizona State University
Robert R. Herrick, Research Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
Amber Gullikson, Geologist at the U.S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Science Center
Brian Day, Staff Scientist at the NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute
Join us for "Plastics in the Environment and Human Health," a webinar exploring the pervasive impact of plastics in today's world. From the omnipresence of microplastics in our water and food chain to their profound influence on geological classifications in the Anthropocene, this session dives into the urgent need to reassess our relationship with synthetic materials. Experts will discuss the disruptive effects of plastics on sedimentary environments, soil composition, and pollution dynamics, highlighting the critical role of geoscientists in addressing these environmental challenges. Additionally, we will explore pathways towards a just transition to a circular economy for plastics, emphasizing the importance of sustainable product design and policy interventions. Join us to learn how you can contribute to mitigating the impacts of plastic pollution and promoting environmental justice through scientific innovation and advocacy.
Speaker Line-Up:
Aidan Charron, Director of End Plastic Initiatives at EARTHDAY.org
Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, geologist at the Universidad del Atlántico in Colombia
Grant Rodriguez Amlani, Enviornmental Justice & Recruitment Manager at the U.S. Plastics Pact
Tune in to the first webinar of Earth Science Week to explore how two NASA programs harness Earth observation data to promote global sustainability. Discover the power of satellite and ground systems in monitoring environmental and climate changes, and see how these technologies aid in wildlife conservation in South America, Africa, and Asia, as well as in tracking global mangrove health. Additionally, learn how K-12 educators can engage their students with Earth data through a five-day pacing guide focused on microplastics, including hands-on activities and the use of GLOBE protocols. This session will highlight the intersection of advanced Earth science technology and educational practices to foster a deeper understanding of our planet.
Speaker Line-Up:
Corena Pincham, Lola Fatoyinbo, and Laura Rogers from NASA
Lindsay Mossa, Education Specialist, AGI
Tracy Ostrom, GLOBE Program Coordinator at the University of California Berkeley
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Place your advance order for the 2024 Earth Science Week Toolkit today. As the premiere annual celebration of the geosciences, Earth Science Week (ESW) has become a major focal point for earth science education and outreach. The Toolkit contains a wealth of resources to support Earth Science Week (October 13-19), which celebrates the theme "Earth Science Everywhere." This year's toolkit includes:
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — As educators worldwide strive to make principles of sustainable development part of every young person's learning, Dr. Ed Robeck, Director of Education and Outreach at the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), will focus on advancing sustainability-relevant education as a Fulbright Specialist at the invitation of the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, through most of June 2024.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) invites students, educators, geoscience professionals, and others to participate in its "Breaking Down Microplastics" Earth Day Webinar and/or view recordings after the premiere on YouTube Live at 1:00-2:30 p.m. EDT, Friday, April 19, 2024.
The free webinar will offer insights into the challenges and solutions surrounding plastic pollution. Aimed at the general public and education community, the webinar will feature:
