Because
We Live on Earth
Nearly everything we do each day is connected in some way to
Earth: to its land, oceans, atmosphere, plants, and animals.
The food we eat, the water we drink, our homes and offices, the clothes we
wear, the energy we use, and the air we breathe are all grown in, taken from,
surround, or move through the planet.
By 2025, eight billion people will live on Earth. If we are to continue
extracting resources to maintain a high quality of life, then we, as individuals
and citizens, need to know more about our planet — its processes, its
resources, and its environment. And only through Earth science
education can students understand and appreciate our complex
planet.
To ensure a scientifically literate society, one that
maintains wise stewardship of Earth’s precious resources,
the American Geological Institute, in coordination with its
Member Societies, endorses the National Research
Council’s National Science Education Standards
(1996) and agrees that Earth science should be:
• Included as part of the science curriculum
at all grade levels
• Offered as a core credit science course
for high school graduation
• Assessed through state-mandated
science tests and exit exams.
Ultimately, however, the future lies
in the hands of students, parents,
grandparents, teachers, school
administrators, school board
officials, and politicians at all
levels of government. The
future of Earth science
literacy — indeed, the
future itself — lies in
your hands.
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“There hasn’t been a moment
when I had the chance to
look down on our planet from
orbit when I haven’t been
amazed at how geology has
played a significant role in the
development of humankind.”
Dr. James F. Reilly, Jr., NASA Astronaut/
Geologist, reflecting on his experience
working at the International Space Station.
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