Earth Science Literacy Initiative - Finally!

As a former educator, I have years of experience as an earth and space science educator. One of my chief complaints about the topic is that many schools treat the earth sciences, (especially at the high school level) as a second-rate science. For instance, I was always so offended when anyone would call the earth science courses 'rocks for jocks'. Now, it seems things are slowly taking a turn. Topics such as climate change, ozone depletion, and atmospheric pollution are making the mainstream news...and people are becoming more aware of the need to understand the earth sciences.

It is with great pleasure that I announce a new resource available from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Earth Science Literacy Initiative (ESLI) called Earth Science Literacy. The information in the free book was gathered to promote the understanding of Earth sciences. The book establishes the “Big Ideas” and supporting concepts that all Americans should know about Earth sciences. Future governmental legislation will be guided by the framework, and future national and state educational standards will be based upon it. For me, that is a big YAY! What do you think? Is earth science given enough attention in schools? Sound off in the comments section below and share your ideas.