It’s Earth Science Week
EarthSky: Earth Science Week 2012 starts today. It’s a national and international event – organized by the American Geosciences Institute – designed to encourage people everywhere to explore the natural world and learn more about Earth science. Celebrate by learning 9 big ideas in Earth science.
This year’s event runs from October 14-20th, 2012.
Why Earth science? Earth science helps us to understand how our planet works. Earth scientists study natural processes in the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Their research is critical to improving our daily lives. Research by Earth scientists contributes directly to our ability to harness energy, ensure safe water, farm the land, prepare for natural disasters and build sustainable communities in both rural and urban areas.
What Are the 9 Big Ideas?
Big Idea 1: Earth scientists use repeatable observations and testable ideas to understand and explain our planet.
Big Idea 2: Earth is 4.6 billion years old.
Big Idea 3: Earth is a complex system of interacting rock, water, air and life.
Big Idea 4: Earth is continuously changing.
Big Idea 5: Earth is the water planet.
Big Idea 6: Life evolves on a dynamic Earth and continuously modifies Earth.
Big Idea 7: Humans depend on Earth for resources.
Big Idea 8: Natural hazards pose risks to humans.
Big Idea 9: Humans significantly alter the Earth.
By the way, the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is a nonprofit federation. Its stated mission: to increase awareness for the vital role that Earth science plays in our society’s use of natural resources, resilience to natural hazards and health of the environment. The organization was founded in 1948 and represents more than 250,000 scientists. The theme of this year’s Earth Science Week is Discovering Careers in the Earth Sciences.
