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BY JON S. DUDLEY, P.GEOL.
GeoSciEd IV Publicity Chair
Members of earth science associations and societies are very
aware of the need to reach out to the public to help develop
an appreciation of the earth and how its study relates to
everyone's lives. Responding to this need for public outreach
has become common ground for all earth science groups, regardless
of the specific discipline or demographic they represent.
Most, if not all, groups have declared outreach as a priority
and have struck committees and developed programs to take
earth sciences to the community. As a result, networks of
earth scientists and educators have expanded around the world.
An exciting conference, Aug. 10-14 in Calgary, provides a
perfect opportunity for all professional geologists and professional
geophysicists to help in this vital cause. Earth Science for
the Global Community is the fourth International Geoscience
Education Organization GeoSciEd conference. IGEO is the outreach
arm of the International Union of Geological Sciences.
The conference is designed for earth science teachers from
elementary to university level to meet the earth scientists
who deliver outreach programs through communities, museums
and science centres.
The conference's purpose is to share ideas and concepts in
earth science education and in the development of programs
that lead to an integrated understanding of our planet. The
innovative technical program will include keynote addresses,
workshops, and oral and poster sessions.
Field trips will take conference participants to many world-renowned
sites of interest, including the Rocky Mountains, the Burgess
Shale, the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the Frank Slide and the Athabasca
Glacier.
Every professional geologist and professional geophysicist
can help. A huge part of the success of this conference depends
on getting the word out to earth scientists and educators
around the world. You can help by taking a moment to visit
the conference website to find a printable conference poster.
It's legible in black and white as well as colour.
Print copies and give them to any teachers or geoscientists
you know. E-mail the website address. Have your children
take copies of the poster to their science teachers.
We must talk to our youth about the earth and our appreciation
of it. Our profession and everyone's quality of life depend
on it.
Presenting a paper would be ideal. But even if you can't do
that, you can make a critical contribution. Help by passing
on the word of this great chance for geoscientists and educators
to meet.
MORE INFORMATION
www.geoscied.org
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