Earth Science Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Geoff Camphire (gac@americangeosciences.org) December 12, 2017 Earth Science Week 2018 Theme Announced: 'Earth as Inspiration' ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce that the theme of Earth Science Week 2018 will be "Earth as Inspiration." The coming year's event will emphasize artistic expression as a unique, powerful opportunity for geoscience education and understanding in the 21st century. Earth Science Week 2018 learning resources and activities will engage young people and others in exploring the relationship between the arts and Earth systems. The coming year's theme will promote public understanding and stewardship of the planet, especially in terms of the ways art relates to geoscience principles and issues as diverse as energy, climate change, the environment, natural disasters, technology, industry, agriculture, recreation, and the economy. “A longtime provider of top-quality curricula and teacher training, AGI supports the Next Generation Science Standards, which emphasize what is known as three-dimensional teaching, including introducing students to ‘cross-cutting concepts’ that help students see connections across the sciences,” says Geoff Camphire, AGI's Manager of Outreach. “Through instruction based on these standards, students can find ways to combine the arts, sciences, and other subjects. Such educational strategies find a welcome environment in schools nationwide, where STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) has become an organizing principle of cross-curricular cooperation among educators and students.” Creativity, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills are as important to the arts as they are to the Earth sciences. Consider an artist making silk screen prints, for example. The artist thinks in terms of layers added in a specific sequence. This process relies on similar thinking skills to those used by scientists interpreting geological samples, such as cores, trackways, and rock strata. Professional geoscientists themselves innovatively combine sciences such as chemistry, physics, and biology to understand the interactions of Earth systems including the geosphere (earth), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air), and biosphere (living things). People of all ages are invited during Earth Science Week 2018 to join in this creative endeavor. Reaching over 50 million people annually, AGI leads Earth Science Week in cooperation with its sponsors and the geoscience community as a service to the public. Each October, community groups, educators, and interested citizens organize celebratory events. Earth Science Week offers opportunities to discover the Earth sciences and engage in responsible stewardship of the Earth. Earth Science Week is supported by many organizations, including the U.S. Geological Survey; the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation; National Park Service; NASA; Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration; Geological Society of America; American Geophysical Union; Association of American State Geologists; AmericaView; Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and Archaeological Institute of America. About AGI The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is a nonprofit federation of 52 scientific and professional associations that represents more than 260,000 geoscientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and interaction with the environment. AGI is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia. The American Geosciences Institute represents and serves the geoscience community by providing collaborative leadership and information to connect Earth, science, and people.

Hello Earth Science Week Partner!

We are very pleased to let you know that we now have a vibrant new promotional video for Earth Science Week. While it’s primarily about Earth Science Week, its message is much more broadly about the importance of Earth science in everyone’s life.

The video can be seen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJIZK6ncJrM. It also can be viewed on the Earth Science Week website at http://www.earthsciweek.org/videos/promotional-video.

Please share this video with all those interested in helping to promote geoscience awareness. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or if AGI can be of service.

Best wishes,
Ed Robeck
Director, Education and Outreach
American Geosciences Institute
703-379-2480 ext. 245
ecrobeck@agiweb.org

THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington

October 4, 2005

I send greetings to those celebrating Earth Science Week 2005, sponsored by the American Geological Institute.

The desire to explore and understand is part of our Nation's character, and we have a rich history of scientific achievement. Across our country, geologists, geophysicists, and other earth and environmental scientists are expanding our knowledge of the world around us and showing us innovative ways to care for the environment. Their curiosity and passion for discovery reflect the spirit of America.

I salute the geoscience community for helping us appreciate the wonders of our natural surroundings. I also appreciate parents and teachers for working together to educate our Nation's young people about the Earth.
Your efforts inspire future generations of scientists and remind us of our responsibility to be good stewards of the environment.

Laura and I send our best wishes.

George W. Bush

THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington

October 10, 2003

I send greetings to those celebrating Earth Science Week 2003, sponsored by the American Geological Institute. Earth Science Week provides an opportunity to recognize our progress in conservation through environmental stewardship and the contributions of geologists, geophysicists, and other environmental scientists. These professionals help preserve our natural resources, protect our health, keep us safe from natural disasters, and increase our appreciation for the Earth's beauty.

This year's theme, "Eyes on Planet Earth," highlights the importance of monitoring the environment and caring for it wisely. On July 31, 2003, the United States hosted the first-ever Earth Observation Summit in Washington, D.C., where participants discussed a 10-year goal of creating an international, integrated, comprehensive, and coordinated Earth observation system.

I applaud dedicated scientists and students in Earth science and technology for their efforts to learn more about this important field. I also commend educators, parents, and all those who help raise awareness about our planet. Your efforts help us become better stewards of our precious natural resources.

Laura joins me in sending our best wishes.

George W. Bush

Earth Science Week Proclaimed Across the Nation

On October 6, 2000, President Clinton issued a message recognizing Earth Science Week and the contributions geoscientists make toward "stewardship of Earth's fragile and precious environment" and "on such present concerns as global climate patterns, natural disasters, and the conservation of our natural resources." The President's message joins more than 25 proclamations from state governors and city mayors across the nation. Earth Science Week is celebrated annually during the second week of October to increase public awareness and understanding of the earth sciences and to give people of all ages the opportunity to discover the connection between their lives and the Earth.

Join the US Geological Survey in Celebrating Earth Science Week

The US Geological Survey is sponsoring many Earth Science Week activities in locations throughout the US. Find out what's happening in your area by visiting the USGS Earth Science Week web site.

Earth Science Week, the second full week in October, is an annual celebration of the contribution geoscience makes to society. The resolution to establish Earth Science Week was initiated by the Association of American State Geologists and was read into the Congressional Record in July 1998 by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon. President Clinton followed this proclamation in October with a message encouraging all Americans to participate in Earth Science Week activities. The promotion of Earth Science Week is one of the 50th anniversary initiatives of the American Geological Institute (AGI), of which AIPG is a member.

Earth Science Week web site:
http://www.earthsciweek.org

Other sites that are participating in Earth Science Week:
http://www.AzMinfun.com/html/esw99/overview.html
http://www.hgs.org/esw.htm

Australia
http://www.agso.gov.au/education/