Friday, September 23, 2005

Earth Science Week 10/9-10/15

Lucky for me astronomy is considered part of Earth Science or I would have to say I know nothing and have no interest in Earth Science. Well, that would have been true, until the last couple months. For no apparent reason, geology and weather (okay, there is a reason for that one) are becoming topics of discussion and investigation in our house. (See my fossil hunting post for more on that.) I still know very little but, here are some tidbits that are feeding my interest.

Blame it on the PA State Parks. They produce these short brochures about the geology about many of their parks. Ask when you get there, or download them before you go. For a more general overview of rocks, minerals and fossils, download educational guides on these topics specific to PA, here.

Wherever you live, you can celebrate Earth Science Week by doing the activities at this site. They've got a kit you may order as well with posters and informative brochures. There are a few contests and even some real live science to participate in (you have to jump through some hoops before you can submit your data though). Groups can order patches (like a scout patch) to commemorate their participation in ESW.

If you need resources to learn about hurricanes, I think the National Science Teacher's Association has found some great ones. Try the free Sci Guides about severe weather for high school age (or to brush up yourself!). Sci Links is another service they provide with information about storms for younger children, hurricanes for grades 5-8 and hurricane fundamentals and preparation for high school age kids.

One final note, don't forget to make cross-curricular connections by reading a bit about the people for whom the state parks are named. Gifford Pinchot and Samuel Lewis weren't Pennsylvanians I knew of before last month and it turns out they were pretty important people in regard to PA and US Forestry and Conservation.

Any interesting rocks near you?

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