Earth Science Week is Oct. 12-18 in Tennessee
Sunday, October 05, 2008 | 07:00pm
NASHVILLE - Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed Oct. 12-18 as Earth Science Week in Tennessee to recognize the importance of the earth sciences to Tennessee’s safety, health, welfare and economy.
As part of Earth Science Week, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Division of Geology, in partnership with the American Geological Institute, has a limited number of Earth Science Week toolkits to distribute to earth science teachers across the state.
“Earth sciences are integral to finding and conserving mineral, energy and water resources important to our state’s continuing prosperity,” said Bredesen. “I’m pleased we’re able to help provide educational tools for earth science teachers and awareness for all Tennesseans.”
The toolkits include posters, reading materials and several CDs with information on earth observations from space, GIS technology and activities, EarthCaching, and our national parks. In addition to distributing toolkits, Environment and Conservation’s Division of Geology will work one-on-one with middle and high school students and teachers at the University of Tennessee’s 9th Annual Earth Science Fair on Oct. 10. The Division of Geology’s exhibit covers the natural hazards and mineral resources of Tennessee. In addition to posters, rock samples and displays, the exhibit features hands-on activities involving the geology behind sinkhole development, landslide activity, and oil and gas exploration. The Division also will take part in an exhibit on gold panning.
“The earth sciences play an important role in the Department of Environment and Conservation’s mission,” said Commissioner Jim Fyke. “Earth sciences, such as geology, are critical to environmental issues from water quality to waste disposal, and they provide the basis for protecting Tennesseans from natural hazards such as indoor radon, sinkholes, floods and earthquakes.”
Educators interested in receiving an Earth Science Week toolkit may contact Ron Zurawski at Ronald.Zurawski@state.tn.us or (615) 532-1502. The toolkits are free of charge while supplies last.
For more information on Earth Science Week, visit www.earthsciweek.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2008
Contact: Tisha Calabrese-Benton (865) 594-5442