Earth Science Week 2005 - Geoscientists Explore the Earth

The week of October 9-15, 2005 was the eigth annual national celebration of Earth Science Week. The week was a time for geoscientists and organizations to encourage stewardship of the Earth and to share knowledge about the Earth and how it works. The week provides an opportunity to expand public awareness and understanding of geology and its role in water and land use decisions, ecological issues, resource issues, and hazard mitigation. Click here to see the Governor's Proclamation for Earth Science Week 2005.

Earth Science Week is a national project jointly sponsored by the Vermont Geological Society, Vermont Geological Survey at the Agency of Natural Resources, and the American Geological Institute. Numerous other individuals, organizations and businesses sponsor activities during the week. The Vermont Geological Survey focused on hosting and staffing Geologists-in-the-Parks. OMYA, Inc. hosted another successful Open House. The Vermont Marble Exhibit and OMYA were the main sponsors of the poster contest. The American Geological Institute sponsored national art contests. For a list of classroom activities and a planning kit for 2006, contact AGI, 4220 King St., Alexandria, VA 22302. AGI sponsors national art, photography and essay contests for grades K-8 and for adults.

and THE POSTER CONTEST WINNERS ARE......

Mt. Abraham Union High School, Grade 8

Sherburne Elementary School, Grade 3

Williston Central School, Grade 6

Richmond Elementary School, Grade 3

Williston Central School, Grade 8

Vermont Events 2005

EARTH SCIENCE WEEK POSTER CONTEST:
October 6, 2005 - Earth Science Week Posters Due
Host: OMYA Industries, Inc., Vermont Marble Museum, Vermont Geological Society, Vermont Geological Survey
Contact: Cathy Migliorie at (802) 770-7465 or Robert Pye at (802) 427-1396
E-mail: cathy.miglorie@omya.com or rpye@adelphia.net
Location: Vermont Marble Museum, Proctor, VT
Information: This year's theme is Geoscientists Explore the Earth. Geoscientists are curious about the Earth and the solar system. They try to answer questions such as : Is there life on other planets? What makes a continent move, a mountain form, or a volcano erupt? Why did dinosaurs become extinct? How is the global climate changing? For more information, download the entry form and release form, then send in your entries by October 6. The awards ceremony will be held at the Vermont Marble Museum on October 15, 2005 at 11 am. There are prizes for teachers and students.


GEOLOGISTS-IN-THE-PARKS:
October 9 - 15, 2005 - Earth Science Week
Host: Vermont Geological Survey and Vermont Geological Society
Contact: Marjorie Gale
Phone: 802-241-3608
E-mail: marjorie.gale@state.vt.us
Location: Various locations around the state
Information: Geologists will lead hikes at Mt. Philo and Little River State Parks. The parks charge 0.50 per person. Registration is required.


OMYA, INC. 5TH ANNUAL MARBLE QUARRY OPEN HOUSE:
October 15, 2005
Host: OMYA, Inc.
Contact: Alice Blount
Phone: 802-770-7267
E-mail: Alice.Blount@omya.com
Location: Middlebury, Vermont
Information: OMYA hosts their 5th annual quarry open house on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 am - 4 pm. The last quarry tour shuttle departs at 3 pm . Click here for more information.

October 9 - 15, 2005 - Earth Science Week National Contests
Host: AGI
Information: This year's theme is Geoscientists Explore the Earth. Earth Science Week is a national project jointly sponsored by the Vermont Geological Society, Vermont Geological Survey at the Agency of Natural Resources, and the American Geological Institute. For a list of classroom activities and a planning kit, contact AGI, 4220 King St., Alexandria, VA 22302.

Ongoing - Mercury in the Environment Guest Speakers
Host: Vermont Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Environmental Assistance Division
Contact: Karen Busshart
Phone: 802-241-3455
E-mail: karen.knaebel@state.vt.us
Location: Will visit your site
Information: The PowerPoint presentation includes information about mercury, where it comes from, how it gets into our environment, health effects, what products in our home contain mercury, and proper disposal. The presentation also includes a class participation activity on bioaccumulation in the food chain. Booklets "Good Sneakers and Mercury" and "Mercury in the Environment" are available on request. Classroom visits will be first come, first served and are recommended for grades 4-9.

Geology books recommended by the Vermont Geological Society members.