GeoSpectrum

Want to discuss global climate with a Smithsonian researcher or curator? Take part in the Smithsonian Online Education Conference on Climate Change from September 29 through October 1, just in time for Earth Science Week 2009, which celebrates the theme “Understanding Climate.”

In addition to interacting with Smithsonian experts in both general interest sessions and sessions designed especially for teachers, you can explore Smithsonian research and collections related to the evidence, impact, and response to climate change. Alongside Smithsonian scientists and curators, you also can look at issues surrounding climate change from the perspectives of science, history, and art.

Registration is free and open to everyone. Conference sessions are recorded and archived so you can replay them at any time. To learn more or register, please visit http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/professional_development/conference/2009/climate_change/index.html.

Alexandria, VA— No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Day — Tuesday October 13, 2009 — will be the focal point of Earth Science Week.

On the first NCLI Day, held during Earth Science Week 2008, teachers and earth scientists led students outdoors to sample water, interact with earth systems, and observation the natural world in action. This day proved to be a popular event for schools, youth organizations, government agencies and others interested in promoting outdoor educational activities.

Now, to encourage even broader participation, AGI has developed an educator’s guide for organizing NCLI Day in local schools and communities. This online resource provides 10 outdoor activities, information on how to plan your NCLI Day event, and classroom follow up activities. Download a copy of the NCLI Day educator’s guide through the Earth Science Week website at http://www.earthsciweek.org/ncli/.

Earth Science Week is an annual celebration of the geosciences held the second week of October to promote an understanding and appreciation of the earth sciences. Since 1998 Earth Science Week has been organized by AGI with support from a number of other geoscience organizations, including the U.S. Geological Survey, NASA, National Park Service, U.S. Department of Energy, ExxonMobil and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation. To learn more, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/.