Today we finishing out Earth Science Week by celebrating International Archaeology Day.
Consider exploring with archaeologists in field by touring at their dig sites at locations such as Pompeii, Italy or Achill Island, Ireland.
Participate in the ArchaeoDoodles Contest by choosing one of 15 archaeological terms and create a graphic or doodle based on the term
Visit the Earth Science Week website for additional activities and resources.
Today we are celebrating Geologic Map Day, to promote awareness of geologic mapping and its importance to society.
Here is a map of the Bedrock Geologic Map of Iowa created by a team at the Iowa Geological and Water Survey. For details about each of the geologic regions click here to read the report.
Which landform region are you living in?
Find your place on the map and learn more about each of the Iowa Landforms.
Visit the Iowa Landforms Revealed by Gregg Hadish. These images were featured in a series of blog posts on the IowaView website last fall.
Visit the official Geologic Map Day site for learning activities and resources.
Today we celebrate that the geosciences are for everyone.
Below are links to organizations focused on encouraging all people to get involved in the geosciences.
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG)
Earth Science Women’s Network (ESWN)
International Association for Geoscience Diversity (IAGD)
National Association of Black Geoscientists (NABG)
National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP)
Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
Women in Coastal Geoscience & Engineering
Today we are celebrating National Fossil Day!
Check out this cool coloring book as well as bonus pages. Learn about ancient plants and creatures as you color your way through this booklet. What is your favorite creature?
Have you ever been fossil hunting? If you are interested in collecting fossils, you should plan an adventure to the Fossil and Prairie Park Preserve in Rockford, Iowa. It gives you a chance to find your own fossils.
Did you know that Iowa is only one of a handful of state’s that doesn’t have a state fossil? There is currently a proposal for the Crinoid to become Iowa’s State Fossil. Crinoids are a class of animals called echinoderms that first appears on the earth about 500 million years ago. They have two form, sea lilies (stalked form attached to the sea floor) and feather stars (free-living.) Learn more about the Crinoid at the Cedar Valley Rocks and Mineral Society website.
Happy Earth Observation Day!
Today we are celebrating remote sensing, the study of the earth using secondary observations from instruments such as planes, kites, drones, satellites as an exciting and powerful educational tool to help us show changes over time.
This year the AmericaView/NASA team has put together a fun and beautiful educational poster!
Get outside today. Take a kid outside and enjoy the beautiful world around us.
Here are a list of suggested activities to help celebrate this day:
Check out the Earth Science Week No Child Left Inside webpage for additional resources and details.
Today think about how you use minerals in your daily life.
Join the Earth Science Week team in raising awareness of and appreciation for minerals and mineralogy among the general public as well as K-12 and higher education students and teachers in both formal and informal educational settings.
Check out the Earth Science Week Minerals Day webpage for more resources.
Explore the world with this GPS scavenger hunt!
Earthcache is a special type of geocache designed to teach you about the geology of the area.
To get started check out the instructions provided by the The Geological Society of America.
Earth Science Week is happy to announce special days focusing on specific themes during the week-long celebration, October 11 – 17, 2020.
Sunday, October 11
International Earthcache Day. Explore the world with this GPS scavenger hunt!
Monday, October 12
Minerals Day. Join us in raising awareness of and appreciation for minerals and mineralogy!
Tuesday, October 13
Earth Observation Day. Engage students and teachers in remote sensing as an exciting and powerful educational tool.
No Child Left Inside Day. NCLI Day encourages students to go outside and research Earth science in the field like a professional geoscientist.
Wednesday, October 14
National Fossil Day. The annually held National Fossil Day celebration is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of fossils.
Thursday, October 15
Geoscience for Everyone Day. Do your part to help young people from underrepresented communities explore exciting careers in the geosciences.
Friday, October 16
Geologic Map Day. Hosted by the U.S. Geological Survey, Association of American State Geologists, National Park Service, Geological Society of America, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in partnership with AGI, this special event promotes awareness of the study, uses, importance of geologic mapping for education, science, business, and a variety of public policy concerns.
Saturday, October 17
International Archaeology Day. Hosted by the Archaeological Institute of America, this special event is a celebration of archaeology and the thrill of discovery.
Webinars
For more information, visit https://www.earthsciweek.org/webinars.
Next week is Earth Science Week. This year the theme is Earth Materials in Our Lives. Throughout the week we will be exploring different aspects of earth sciences, finding ways to connect to the earth, and looking at careers and organizations that are devoted to the study of our earth.
Check back all week for daily updates and ways to celebrate!
