Living on a Restless Earth

Earth Science Week Message
Chip Groat
USGS Director

Earth Science Week is a time when earth scientists around the world share their enthusiasm and knowledge of earth science with their communities. With activities now being held in all fifty states and in more than nine countries around the world, this event has become one of the premier outreach opportunities to raise public awareness of the contributions that the earth sciences make to society. The theme for Earth Science Week 2004 is "Living on a Restless Earth," with related activities being held from October 10-16. I'm pleased that our USGS Open House themed "125 Years of Science for America," being held on October 9th at our National Center, will serve as a suitable and timely kickoff for the week's activities.

The USGS is proud to be the principal sponsor of and contributor to the event, which is organized and managed by the American Geological Institute. This year, more than 15,000 educational information kits are being distributed throughout the nation. Earth Science Week educational packets contain numerous hands-on activities, teacher guides, upper high school/college level USGS data-based investigations, informative posters, topical fact sheets and a wide-array of other information useful throughout the year. Earth Science Week gives the USGS, and the broader earth and natural science community, unprecedented opportunities to provide teachers, students of all ages, and other interested parties a better understanding of earth processes and how they interact to shape the health, safety, and well-being of the world around us.

The USGS has an upfront and noticeable presence in Earth Science Week due to your many contributions and continuing interest. Because of growing interest, and celebration of our 125th anniversary, an increased number of packets are being sent to our major centers. I hope that many in our GS community that have students in school or are active with our science and science education associations will avail themselves to this resource. I encourage all centers and programs to contribute to the activities of the week and would be delighted to learn of any activities you may be conducting in support of this national event.