Does someone you know teach Earth science to students between kindergarten and eighth grade? Do they excel in their teaching through leadership and innovation, bringing new ideas and approaches to teaching about our planet? If so, they may be eligible for the Edward C. Roy Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching. Given annually, this award recognizes one classroom teacher nationwide for his or her leadership and innovation in Earth science education.

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) now offers free videos and other electronic resources to help students, educators, and others explore the big ideas of Earth science during Earth Science Week 2011 (9-15 October) and throughout the year.

The universe is repulsive, but in a good way. In 2008, while studying bursts of light emitted from exploding stars, newly named Nobel Laureates Adam Riess, Saul Perlmutter and Brian P. Schmidt discovered one of the most mysterious, yet prevalent, components of our universe: dark energy. The three were using the brightness and color from supernovae to determine the speed with which the universe expanded in the past, versus how fast it is expanding now. What they discovered completely transformed how astronomers view the evolution of space. The growth of our universe through time is accelerating. The culprit? Dark energy.

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce Dr. Wayne D. Pennington as its new President. He will be inducted at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

As EARTH explores in Cold Case Files: Forging Forensic Isoscapes," the potential usefulness of isoscapes is wide-ranging and thrilling: By measuring the isotopic ratios in anything from bones to hair to plants to gems, and then comparing those values (perhaps even changing over time, as bones, plants and teeth grow) with an isoscape, it might be possible to track human geographic origins, identify the source of illicit drugs, detect counterfeit food products and follow the migration of wildlife."

The American Geological Institute (AGI) is announcing that as of October 1, 2011 it is formally adopting the name the American Geosciences Institute.

The American Geological Institute (AGI) welcomes three new Executive Committee members: Sharon Mosher, President-Elect; Michael D. Lawless, Treasurer; and John G. Parrish, Member-at-Large.

Harrison H. Schmitt has been named the 30th recipient of the Medal in honor of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences. Schmitt will be presented this prestigious award at the Geological Society of America Presidential Address Ceremony in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on October 9, 2011.

The American Geological Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce Dr. Ian D. MacGregor as the 2011 recipient of the William B. Heroy Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to AGI. The Distinguished Service Award is presented in honor of William B. Heroy, Jr., who advanced the use of geophysics in petroleum exploration and in geologic research worldwide. Recipients of this award are measured against his exemplary career and in recognition of outstanding service to the Institute and to the geoscience profession.

The American Geological Institute (AGI) and the National Park Service (NPS) are collaborating on the second annual National Fossil Day - October 12, 2011 - during Earth Science Week (October 9-15).