Earth Science Week

October 14-20, 2007

"The Pulse of Earth Science "

This year marks the tenth annual Earth Science Week. With this theme, Earth Science Week activities will promote public and professional awareness of the status of earth science in education and society. The theme will also focus attention on geoscience research, such as that associated with the International Polar Year (IPY) and the International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE). Through these major initiatives, Earth Science Week will help spread understanding of the impact the earth sciences have on society.

Earth Science Week begins again this year with International EarthCache™ Day on Sunday, 14 October 2007. Whether you’re a teacher, a student, or just someone who enjoys experiencing Earth science firsthand, EarthCaching provides a great way to kick off the celebration.

EarthCaching is a variation of a recreational activity known as geocaching. Typically, a geocache organizer posts latitude and longitude coordinates on the Internet to advertise a “cache,” or scavenger-hunt destination, which geocachers locate by using GPS devices. Today, more than 270,000 caches are active in over 200 countries, according to Geocaching.com. The activity has attracted over one million participants worldwide.

EarthCachers recently have added an educational dimension to the activity. When you visit an EarthCache site, you learn something special about Earth science, the geology of the location, or how the Earth’s resources and environment are managed there. EarthCaching has been developed by The Geological Society of America™ — a major Earth Science Week partner — in association with Groundspeak, Inc., and the geocaching community.

You are invited to visit or establish an EarthCache site in your area on the second annual International EarthCache Day, 14 October. To learn more, visit www.earthcache.org/.

Find more ideas at the official Earth Science Week Web site.

Pre-order your 2007 Earth Science Week Tookit! Now Available! Click here for ordering information.

What is Earth Science Week?

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.

Read the message from President Clinton (2000) 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 GSA is a member.

GSA urges each of you to set aside at least one day during Earth Science Week to reach out to your community and promote the creation of a conscientious society committed to the responsible use of Earth and its resources. Write to your Elected Officials! GSA member participation in Earth Science Week activities will help implement GSA's goal to support geoscience in the service of society. This site provides information and ideas to assist you in planning your Earth Science Week activities.

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