Earth Sciences Week is a yearly event run by the American Geosciences Institute to promote understanding of Earth science and stewardship of the planet. It is typically held in the second full week of October. The events are partially funded and sponsored by the USGS, the National Park Service, and the NASA, as well as additional geoscience-oriented agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private corporations.
To remind people that Earth science is all around us.
To encourage Earth stewardship through understanding.
To motivate geoscientists to share their knowledge and enthusiasm about the Earth.
Web resources
The is updated regularly to reflect the new theme, contests, proclamations, events, and classroom activities for each year’s Earth Science Week.
Events
The Earth Science Week website maintains a listing of groups in the Earth Science Week network, as well as a state-by-state listing of Earth Science Week events. These events are sponsored by AGI member societies, state geological surveys, colleges and universities, public and private schools, museums, parks, and other organizations and businesses with interests in Earth science.
Toolkits
Earth Science Week Toolkits feature AGI’s traditional event poster and school-year calendar showcasing geoscience careers, classroom investigations, and important dates of Earth science events. Also typically included are posters, flyers, electronic disks, bookmarks, and activities from AGI and its member societies and sponsors. Toolkits are distributed to state geological surveys, aGI member societies, and others. Toolkits may be ordered through the program website.
National contests
AGI holds national contests in connection with Earth Science Week. The photo contests are designed to encourage K-12 students, teachers, and the general public to get involved in the celebration by exploring artistic and academic applications of Earth science. There are four mediums in which contests are held: Photography, Video, Visual Arts, and Essay. Each contest explores a new theme every year.
Official proclamations
AGI works with state geological surveys to secure gubernatorial proclamations to be made for each year's Earth Science Week. Seven states have issued perpetual proclamations: Alaska, Delaware, Illinois, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
Earth Science Week releases a monthly Update Newsletter to teacher, student, and geoscientist subscribers. This electronic newsletter keeps planners and participants up-to-date on Earth Science Week planning at the national level and encourages participation in local areas.
