February 3rd, 2010
The American Geological Institute (AGI) has released a new video entitled “This is AGI” available on the AGI website.
This eight minute video provides information on AGI’s mission, its history, and details the many services AGI provides to its Member Societies and the general public. “An organization as diverse asAGI with a mission reaching out to many constituencies is hard to describe in a few words. This video provides a genuine and full view of the institute,” says Richard Powers, AGI President.
View the video to learn about AGI’s role in building a strong geoscience workforce. See our involvement in ensuring America’s student s receive a quality earth science education in both K-12 anduniversity levels. Learn about the services we provide to the profession such as GeoRef, image and video archives. Plus, watch to see how AGI promotes the geosciences to policymakers through ourstrong and active Government Affairs Program.
To view “This is AGI” please visit http://www.agiweb.org/about.html.
Tags: Add new tag, AGI, Publications
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 3rd, 2010
The National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs (NAAMLP) is issuing a call for papers to be presented at their 32nd annual conference. The conference theme this year, “Their Legacy, Our Heritage, Everyone’s Future,” will highlight the nation’s rich mining heritage and accomplishments and discuss goals for the future.
The conference is scheduled for September 19-22, 2010 at the Hilton Hotel and COnverence Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania. For more information contact Eric Cavazz at 814 472-1844 or ecavazza@state.pa.us or visit the conference website: http://www.NAAMLP2010.com.
NAAMLP is a non-profit organizationwith members consisting of the 31 states and Indian Tribes conducting abandoned mine reclamation programs under the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.
Tags: Call for submissions, Current Events, Member Society
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 2nd, 2010
Geoscientists are invited to join organized groups of scientists and engineers for workshops and visits with congressional members and committees in April and September 2010. Decision makers need to hear from geoscientists. Become a citizen geoscientist and join many of your colleagues for a workshop at AGU headquarters followed by a day conducting visits with members of Congress or congressional staff on Capitol Hill to speak on the importance of geoscience research, development, and education.
April 28-29, 2010
Science-Engineering-Technology Congressional Visits Day (SET-CVD), a larger event for all the sciences. More information is available at: http://www.setcvd.org.
September 21-22, 2010
Geosciences Congressional Visits Day (GEO-CVD), an event specifically geared towards geoscientists. For a synopsis of last year’s event, go to the AGI event site: http://www.agiweb.org/gap/events/geocvd09/index.html.
Several geoscience societies, including AGI, AAPG, AGU and GSA, are involved in organizing these events. Please contact Linda Rowan, rowan@agiweb.org, Director of Government Affairs at AGI, or the public policy office of one of the other societies with any questions and to sign-up.
Tags: Add new tag, AGI, Current Events, Policy
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 2nd, 2010
The American Geological Institute’s Government Affairs Program seeks outstanding geoscience students (masters or undergraduate) with a strong interest in federal science policy for summer, fall, and spring internships. Interns will gain a first-hand understanding of the legislative process and the operation of executive branch agencies. They will also hone their writing and web publishing skills. Interns receive a stipend through the generous support of the American Institute of Professional Geologists Foundation, the American Geological Institute or the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.
The deadline for summer 2010 is March 15th and the deadlines for fall and spring are April 15 and October 15, respectively. For more information, and how to apply, go to: http://www.agiweb.org/gap/interns/index.html
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
January 29th, 2010
The American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) National Scholarship Program application is due February 15th.
The $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to eligible US students to assist tuition and/or room and board. Up to four scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate geological sciences majors sophomore year and above. Applicants must also be a student member of AIPG or must have applied for membership by the time their application is submitted.
Applicants must submit: a letter of interest with name, mail and email addresses, and telephone number; proof of enrollment in an eligible geological sciences program, transcripts; an original one-page essay on why the applicant wants to become a geologist; and a letter of support from a faculty member familiar with the applicant’s academic work. By accepting a scholarship, students also agree to prepare a 600 to 800 word article for publication in The Professional Geologist on a subject related to a timely professional issue. The application packet should be submitted to:
AIPG
Attn: Education Committee Chr.
1400 W. 122nd Avenue, Suite 250
Westminster, CO 80234
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
January 29th, 2010
Geoscience Currents #28 reviews the trends in the highest degrees (type and discipline) of K-12 teachers at specific instructional levels (pre-kindergarten/kindergarten, elementary school, and secondary school) between 1993 and 2006. Examination of these trends indicates a low representation of teachers with geoscience degrees. Considering that earth science education requirements are met by the majority of students in grades 6-8, the low representation of elementary school teachers with geoscience degrees is cause for concern in regards to the preparation of elementary students for mandatory earth science curriculum in the middle grades, and for priming their interest to take earth science courses in the higher grades. Furthermore, K-12 education provides an important formative stage in a student’s education, and the coursework to which students are exposed during this period (especially during high school) influences choices they make in regards to college majors. Read more in Geoscience Currents #28, and register for the Geoscience Currents Discussion.
Posted in Workforce | No Comments »
January 26th, 2010
The Society for Organic Petrology (TSOP) invites applications for graduate student research grants, the Spackman Award. The purpose of the grants is to foster research in organic petrology (which includes coal petrology, kerogen petrology, organic geochemistry and related disciplines) by providing support to graduate students from around the world, who demonstrate the application of organic petrology concepts to research problems.
Monetary awards up to a maximum of $1,000.00 US will be granted. TSOP will also provide Merit Awards, in the form of certificates redeemable for TSOP publications, to top-ranking applicants not receiving grants.
TSOP Spackman Award application deadline is May 15, 2010. Grants will be awarded in September, 2010.
Detailed information and an application form are on the TSOP web site: www.tsop.org/grants.htm or applications may be obtained from:
Prof Colin Ward
Chair, TSOP Research Committee
School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences
University of New South Wales
Sydney, NSW, 2052
Australia
E-mail: c.ward@unsw.edu.au
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
January 12th, 2010
Due to inclement weather, February 3rds Lecture has been canceled.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Title: Passing Strange
By Dr. Martha Sandweiss, Author
Noted author Martha Sandweiss will share the amazing story of the secret life of Clarence King, the first USGS director. While he was well-known as a brilliant scientist and architect of the great surveys that mapped the West after the Civil War, he held a deep secret that was not revealed until decades later. Come hear this fascinating account of a man who by day socialized with the upper reaches of society and by night lived secretly as a black man. Not even his family knew his secret.
Wednesday March 3, 2010, 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Title: Extreme Science: Understanding our Earth
By Dr. Marcia McNutt
USGS Director Marcia McNutt will outline exciting new directions for cutting-edge science at the 130-year old agency. From astrogeology and Earth-observing satellites, to exploring gas hydrates and deep coral reefs, learn how USGS scientists employ highly innovative techniques and perspectives to develop a more complete understanding of how our Earth works.
The USGS Public Lecture Series: Science in Action is free and open to the public. Lectures are held at the USGS Dallas L. Peck Memorial Auditorium, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192. For more information on the monthly lecture series, visit the USGS website at http://www.usgs.gov/public_lecture_series/
Media contact: Diane Noserale, (703) 648-4333 (dnoseral@usgs.gov)
General information: Judy Salvo (703) 648-5645 (jfsalvo@usgs.gov)
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
January 6th, 2010
Next week, AGI will host a web conference to facilitate discussion among its Member Societies. The discussion will respond to the recent Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) request for input (RFI) regarding enhancing public access to archived publications from research funded by Federal science and technology agencies. This RFI will likely impact most AGI Member Societies. The initial comment period for the RFI will wrap up on January 7, 2010, and will be followed by a two-week discussion extension.
The AGI Webinar will take place on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at 1:00 EDT. AGI encourages Member Society members and all elected leadership to join the event. Please register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/468062824.
Posted in In Memorium, Uncategorized | No Comments »
January 6th, 2010
Alexandria, VA – 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 winner will receive a prize of $2,500 and an additional grant of $1,000 to enable the recipient to attend the 2010 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Annual Conference. To be eligible for this year’s competition, applications must be postmarked by February 1, 2010. Please note that this deadline is earlier than in 2009, so start preparing your application packet today.
The award is named in honor of Dr. Edward C. Roy, Jr., who was a strong and dedicated supporter of earth science education. He served as President of AGI, chaired the AGI Education Advisory Committee, and received both the Ian Campbell Medal and the Heroy Distinguished Service award. In addition, he served as the Gertrude and Walter Pyron Distinguished Professor of Geology at Trinity University, as Dean of the Division of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering, and as Vice President for Academic Affairs. Roy was also appointed Chair of the Texas Earth Science Task Force by the Commissioner of the Texas Education Agency.
To learn more about competition requirements, application procedures, and deadlines, visit
http://www.agiweb.org/education/awards/ed-roy/.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »