Governor Strickland, ODNR Encourage Celebration of Earth Science Week in Ohio

 
COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has declared October 11-17 as Earth Science Week in Ohio to help raise awareness of how earth sciences impact Ohioans’ daily lives and to stimulate interest in related fields of scientific study. The governor’s proclamation is in conjunction with National Earth Science Week.
 
“Governor Strickland recognizes that earth sciences, including geology, are vital to the development and conservation of water, minerals and energy resources,” said Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Geological Survey Chief Larry Wickstrom. “The more we can learn about and understand earth sciences the more capable we will be to maintain a balance as we interact with our planet and its resources.”
 
The Earth Science Week proclamation also encourages Ohio science educators to undertake lessons and activities with their students directed toward the study of earth sciences. Teachers can use resources available at www.ohiodnr.com/geosurvey to supplement their teaching plans, including the division’s Compilation of Planning Resources for Geologic Field Trips in Ohio. It lists locations such as waterfalls, caves and caverns by geologic age and feature type. The downloadable publication contains more than 120 web links to other free resources about special geological features and locations in Ohio.
 
Several earth science events will be held throughout the state to celebrate Earth Science Week. For example, the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus will conduct a fossil tour on October 16; Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton will host a series of Earth Science Week events from October 11–17 and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History will celebrate Earth Science Day on October 17. Staff of the ODNR Division of Geological Survey also will participate in the Annual Earth Science Day at Highbanks Metro Park in Lewis Center on October 11 from 1 to 4 p.m.
 
Earth Science Week is a national event sponsored by the American Geological Institute, which produces education tool kits for earth science teachers and promotes geoscience research on topics such as how polar ecosystems affect oceans and the atmosphere. More details about Earth Science Week events and the field trip report are available by clicking on the Earth Science Week link at www.ohiodnr.com.
 
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.  

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