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Bredesen proclaims Oct. 11-17 Earth Science Week in Tennessee

Earth Science Week Toolkits Available to Teachers Across the State

eswNashville – Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed Oct. 11-17 as Earth Science Week in Tennessee, promoting the important role that geology and other earth sciences play in Tennessee’s safety, health, welfare and economy.

As part of Earth Science Week, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Division of Geology, in partnership with the American Geological Institute, has a limited number of Earth Science Week toolkits to distribute to earth science teachers across the state. This year’s toolkits include posters, calendars, resources and reading materials, field notebooks, and CDs and DVDs, with an emphasis on understanding climate and climate change.

“Earth Science Week provides an opportunity for Tennesseans to seek a greater understanding of the value of research and an appreciation for the importance of finding and conserving mineral, energy and water resources important to the state’s continuing prosperity,” said Bredesen. “I’m pleased we can offer educational tools to earth science teachers to help continue their efforts to raise awareness in the classroom.”

In addition to distributing toolkits, Environment and Conservation’s Division of Geology will work one-on-one with East Tennessee middle and high school students at the 10th Annual Earth Science Week Fair, to be held at the University of Tennessee Department of Earth Planetary Sciences in Knoxville on Oct. 15. The event is free and typically attracts more than 600 students and teachers each year. The Knoxville Division of Geology’s exhibit covers the natural hazards and mineral resources of Tennessee. In addition to posters, rock samples and displays, the exhibit features hands-on activities involving the geology behind sinkhole development, landslide activity, and oil and gas exploration. The Division also will take part in an exhibit on gold panning.

“The earth sciences contribute to the Department of Environment and Conservation’s daily role,” said Commissioner Jim Fyke. “The department’s Division of Geology serves as a great example and works hard on issues critical to environmental health – from water quality to waste disposal.”

This year, approximately 20 governors across the United States will join Governor Bredesen in issuing proclamations that support Earth Science Week, reaching more than 20 million people across the country. As in years past, individuals and groups will celebrate Earth Science Week 2009 by participating in events in all 50 states and 18 countries around the world.

Educators interested in receiving an Earth Science Week toolkit may contact Ron Zurawski at Ronald.Zurawski@tn.gov or (615) 532-1502. The toolkits are free of charge while supplies last.

For more information about Earth Science Week, please visit www.earthsciweek.org.

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