News Release, Kansas Geological Survey, Sept. 17, 2013
In support of Earth Science Week 2013, the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) is working with the American Geological Institute (AGI) to distribute Earth Science Week Toolkits to individuals and groups interested in holding their own Earth Science Week activities and programs. The toolkits contain information and resources for K-12 and college students as well as the general public and are available upon request.
Earth Science Week 2013 is October 13-19. It is an annual event organized by AGI to help the public gain a better understanding and appreciation of the Earth sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth. The theme this year is "Mapping Our World." Maps help show how the Earth's systems--geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere--interact. The theme highlights the ways that geoscientists use maps and mapping technologies to understand our planet and how humans interact with it.
Each toolkit includes a "Rite in the Rain" field notebook; a DVD of the acclaimed documentary "Switch" about future energy use; ExxonMobil's 2040 energy outlook; and LiDAR datasets, software and class exercises. The U.S. Geological Survey, NASA, the GIS technology company Esri, the National Park Service, and others also contributed educational materials about mapping technologies, satellite imaging, and digital GIS technology. Materials include posters, educational handouts, classroom activities, and multimedia lesson plans. Additional resources and activities that complement the toolkits are available at the Earth Science Week website: http://www.earthsciweek.org.
The Earth Science Week Toolkits are available from either the Kansas Geological Survey, 1930 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047-3724 (785-864-3965) or the KGS Wichita Well Sample Library, 4150 W. Monroe St., Wichita, KS 67209-2640 (316-943-2343).
Limited supplies are available free of charge, although shipping and handling will be charged for mailed orders. After KGS supplies are exhausted, copies may be purchased from AGI for $7.95, plus shipping and sales tax. More information about KGS books, maps, and other products is available at the KGS website: www.kgs.ku.edu.