Alexandria, VA – The California State Mining and Geology Board has recognized the American Geological Institute (AGI) for its role in promoting earth science education and outreach in the state of California. AGI was officially honored at the December 14, 2006 State Mining and Geology Board meeting in Riverside, California, which included the presentation of a plaque citing the Mining and Geology Board's appreciation for providing the tools and resources necessary to accomplish both the Board's and AGI's common goals of promoting earth science education.
The State Mining and Geology Board stresses that students need an earth science education to make informed decisions about living with geologic hazards; to understand the natural resources of the state; and to understand the environmental issues that effect all Californians.
AGI was recognized for its leadership in developing several programs that have strengthened earth science education in California. Over 140,000 copies of the brochure "Why Earth Science?" in both English and Spanish have been distributed to schools, colleges, AGI member societies and interested individuals. These brochures highlight the importance of making earth science part of a required curriculum. Also, AGI has developed inquiry-based earth science curriculum for both middle and high school students and is currently pilot testing a high school environmental text book.
In addition to providing teaching materials, AGI has developed K-5 Geosource, an online educator training program in the geosciences for elementary teachers. AGI has also partnered with ChevronTexaco and the Los Angeles Unified School District to develop a teacher training program that has provided professional development for over 600 ninth grade teachers.
To learn more about AGI's educational and outreach programs please visit http://www.agiweb.org/geoeducation.html.
The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 44 scientific and professional associations that represent more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in our profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in mankind's use of resources and interaction with the environment. More information about AGI can be found at http://www.agiweb.org. The Institute also provides a public-outreach web site, http://www.earthscienceworld.org.