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As part of this year’s Earth Science Week (ESW) celebration, the 2024 ESW webinar series will explore various facets of Earth Science Everywhere. Topics will include how Earth observation data supports global sustainability, the impact of plastics on environmental and human health, geologic mapping of impact craters on Earth and the Moon, the dynamic processes in polar regions, and regenerative agriculture. Each webinar will offer insights into how these diverse areas of study are interlinked and provide educators with relevant materials to enhance classroom learning. 

We encourage you to register to attend the webinars or be informed about when the recordings are available.  

Webinar schedule: 

Oct 14, 1pm EDT. "Views from Above and Below: Supporting Sustainability with Earth Observations"

Join the first Earth Science Week webinar to discover how NASA's Earth observation data supports global sustainability. Learn about satellite and ground systems used in environmental monitoring and wildlife conservation and see how K-12 educators can use a five-day pacing guide on microplastics to engage students with Earth data. The webinar includes presentations from: 

• Corena Pincham, NASA 

• Lola Fatoyinbo, NASA 

• Laura Rogers, NASA 

• Tracy Ostrom, GLOBE Program Coordinator at the University of California Berkeley 

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Oct 15, 1pm EDT. "Plastics in the Environment and Human Health"    

Join us to explore the widespread impact of plastics, from microplastics in the water and food chain to their effects on geological classifications and pollution. Experts will discuss how plastics disrupt soil and sedimentary environments and will highlight pathways toward a circular economy and sustainable practices. Learn how you can contribute to addressing plastic pollution and advancing environmental justice.  

• Aidan Charron, Director of End Plastic Initiatives at EARTHDAY.org 

• Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, a Geologist at the Universidad del Atlántico (Colombia) 

• Grant Rodriguez Amlani, Environmental Justice & Recruitment Manager at the U.S. Plastics Pact 

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Oct 16, 1pm EDT. "Impact Craters and Geologic Mapping on the Earth and Moon"    

Tune in to explore lunar analog sites and geologic mapping techniques that illuminate both Earth and extraterrestrial landscapes. Discover the Cinder Lake crater fields' legacy in lunar mission preparation, innovative mapping methods for planetary exploration, and the latest insights into lunar impacts. Also, learn about NASA’s Solar System Treks Portals for visualizing and analyzing planetary data.  

• Alexandra Huff, PhD Candidate at Arizona State University   

• Robert R. Herrick, Research Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks 

• Amber Gullikson, Geologist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center 

• Brian Day, Staff Scientist at the NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute 

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Oct 17, 1pm EDT. "Earth Science at the Poles" 

Explore the Polar Regions in our webinar, "Earth Science at the Poles." Learn about the impact of thawing permafrost on global ecosystems, hear from educators about integrating Arctic research into classrooms, and discover the Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET) and its insights into our Solar System. Join us to understand the effects of climate change on polar regions and conservation efforts for species like the Adélie penguins.  

• Miriam Jones, Research Geologist at the U.S. Geological Survey 

• Waverly Ray, Professor of Geography at San Diego Mesa College 

• Lynn Brennan, High School Math Educator at the Putney School 

• James Karner, Research Associate Professor at the University of Utah  

• Megan Cimino, Researcher in the Institute of Marine Science at University of California Santa Cruz 

• Janice McDonnell, Faculty in the Department of Youth Development at Rutgers University 

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Oct 18, 1pm EDT. "Common Ground: Healing Our Soil, Feeding the Future" 

Before attending the webinar, watch the 45-minute educator’s cut of Common Ground, a film exploring regenerative agriculture. The webinar will begin with an introduction from the film’s directors, followed by a panel discussion featuring key figures from the film. Participants will also be introduced to NGSS-aligned educational materials designed to complement the film, and hear insights from Common Ground’s curriculum developer and a seasoned soil educator on how to inspire students with narrative-based lessons on soil, regeneration, and climate. 

• Josh and Rebecca Tickell, directors of Common Ground at Big Picture Ranch 

• Common Ground film protagonists 

• Fran Sterling, curriculum developer at Blueshift Education 

• Missy Holzer, science standards specialist at Great Minds PBCTM 

This webinar is generously sponsored by Common Ground / Big Picture Ranch.

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Contact lmossa@americangeosciences.org with any questions about the 2024 ESW webinar series.