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Importance and History
The Importance of Earth Science
and the History of the National Earth Science Teachers
Association
K-12 Earth Science plays a unique and essential role
in today's rapidly changing world. It is an integrated
study of the Earth's history, composition and structure,
its atmosphere and oceans, and its environment in space.
A knowledge of Earth Science is important because most
human activities are related to interaction with the
planet Earth.
Basic knowledge about the Earth, then, is the key
to development of an informed citizenry. The reasons
for teaching Earth Science are numerous: it offers
experience in a diverse range of interrelated scientific
disciplines; it is closely related to the students'
natural surroundings; and offers students subject matter
which has direct application to their lives and the
world around them. They need only step outdoors to
observe and find relevance in concepts learned in the
Earth Science classroom. Because it offers many opportunities
to collect data, hypothesize, experiment, and draw
conclusions, both within school and outside environments,
Earth Science is a laboratory and activity oriented
course. Earth Science integrates many principles of
both physical and life sciences. It incorporates and
presents concepts often not emphasized in other parts
of the science curriculum, such as geologic time and
the vastness of space.
The teaching of Earth Science allows all students
to have a better science background with pertinent
information about their surroundings. Daily, society
is faced with environmental and economic concerns such
as acid rain, water supply, the greenhouse effect,
and waste disposal. Civilization is absolutely dependent
upon utilization of Earth's energy, mineral, and human
resource. Awareness of natural phenomena such as floods,
tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanoes, and earthquakes also
requires a knowledge of Earth Science.
Students who study Earth Science are better prepared
to discuss issues and make informed, responsible decisions.
The interdisciplinary curriculum of Earth Science develops
and builds on skills learned in earlier grades and
closely relates to the students' everyday experiences.
It develops attitudes and problem-solving skills that
will be useful throughout life. If tomorrow's adults
are to make wise decisions about Earth and environmental
issues, it is vital that today's students be given
the opportunity to study Earth Science at all levels
as an integral part of their education as well as an
invaluable part of their high school experience.
Approved by National Earth Science Teachers Association
-- March 28, 1987
Endorsed by National Science Teachers Association -- July 29, 1987
Endorsed by Council for Elementary Science International -- October 17, 1987
Endorsed by National Association of Geology Teachers -- October 27, 1987
Endorsed by American Geological Institute -- October 28, 1987
Endorsed by American Geophysical Union -- May 17, 1988
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Date |
President |
President-Elect |
Secretary |
Treasurer |
| 1983-86 |
Jan Woerner |
Sharon Stroud |
Marilyn Miles |
Rod Cranson |
| 1986-88 |
Sharon Stroud |
Charles Gaides* Frank Ireton |
Carolyn Brockway |
Rod Cranson |
| 1988-90 |
Frank Ireton |
Mike Burton |
Len Sharp |
Rod Cranson |
| 1990-92 |
Mike Burton |
Len Sharp |
Leslie Gordon |
Rod Cranson |
| 1992-94 |
Len Sharp |
Linda Knight |
Michael Smith |
Bruce Hall |
| 1994-96 |
Linda Knight |
Howard Dimmick |
Michelle Barlett |
Bruce Hall |
| 1996-98 |
Howard Dimmick |
Linda Selvig |
Michelle Bartlett |
Bruce Hall |
| 1998-2000 |
Linda Selvig |
Tom Ervin |
Michelle Bartlett |
Bruce Hall |
| 2000-02 |
Tom Ervin |
Karl Katsu |
Linda Selvig |
Bruce Hall |
| 2002-04 |
Karl Katsu |
Maury Harris* |
Linda Selvig |
Bruce Hall |
| 2004-06 |
Tom Ervin |
Thomas McGuire* Parker Pennington IV |
Linda Selvig |
Bruce Hall |
2006-08 |
Parker Pennington |
Michael Passow |
Missy Holzer |
Bruce Hall |
*Resigned
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