An earth science community consensus-building initiative to define what all Americans should know about earth science

Organizing Committee, et al. Michael Wysession - Washington University David Budd - University of Colorado Karen Campbell - National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics Martha Conklin - University of California, Merced Nicole LaDue, Jill Karsten, Lina Patino - NSF Gary Lewis - GSA Robert Raynolds - Denver Museum of Science and Nature Robert W. Ridky - USGS Robert Ross - PRI John Taber - IRIS Barbara Tewksbury - Hamilton College Peter Tuddenham, Tina Bishop, William Bragg - College of Exploration

Background It is anticipated that from 2006 – 2016, the number of geoscience jobs will grow by 22%. This is much faster than the projected 10% increase for all occupations. Bureau of Labor and Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook

Background From 1996 – 2006, the number of high school and middle school science teachers has increased 20-30%. Only 9.5% of those teachers are teaching Earth science. Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), 2007: State Indicators of Science and Mathematics Education 2007

Background Past Literacy Efforts: Ocean Literacy (2005) NOAA, National Geographic Society, National Marine Educators, COSSE Climate Literacy (2007) NOAA, NSF, AAAS Atmospheric Science Literacy (2008) NSF, NOAA, NAGT, NESTA, AGU, UCAR, CIRES

Ocean Literacy Seven Essential Principles: 1. Earth has one big ocean with many features. 2. The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth. 3. The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate. 4. The ocean makes Earth habitable. 5. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems. 6. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected. 7. The ocean is largely unexplored.

Ocean Literacy 2. The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth. a.Many earth materials and geochemical cycles originate in the ocean. Many of the sedimentary rocks now exposed on land were formed in the ocean. Ocean life laid down the vast volume of siliceous and carbonate rocks. b. Sea level changes over time have expanded and contracted continental shelves, created and destroyed inland seas, and shaped the surface of land.

Climate Literacy Seven Essential Principles: 1. Life on earth has been shaped by, depends on, and affects climate 2. We increase our understanding of the climate system through observation and modeling 3. The sun is the primary source of energy for the climate system 4. Earth’s weather and climate systems are the result of complex interactions 5. Earth’s weather and climate vary over time and space 6. Evidence indicates human activities are impacting the climate system 7. Earth’s climate system is influenced by complex human decisions involving economic costs and social values

Atmospheric Science Seven Essential Principles: 1. The Earth has a thin atmosphere that sustains life 2. Energy from the Sun drives atmospheric processes 3. Atmospheric circulations transport matter and energy 4. Earth’s atmosphere changes over time and space, giving rise to weather and climate 5. Earth’s atmosphere continuously interacts with the other components of the Earth system 6. We seek to understand the past, present, and future behavior of Earth’s atmosphere through scientific observation and reasoning 7. Earth’s atmosphere and humans are inextricably linked.

Process What has not been addressed in previous efforts? Mineralogy Petrology Economic Geology Sedimentology/Stratigraphy Paleontology Tectonics Geophysics Geomorphology Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry Continental Dynamics Volcanology Geohazards Freshwater Hydrologic Sciences

Process Organizing Committee Chair: Michael Wysession, Washington University Chair: John Taber, IRIS David Budd, University of Colorado Karen Campbell, National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics Martha Conklin, University of California, Merced Nicole LaDue, NSF Gary Lewis, GSA Robert Raynolds, Denver Museum of Science and Nature Robert W. Ridky, USGS Robert Ross, PRI Barbara Tewksbury, Hamilton College

Process Two-week asynchronous online workshop May 11-23, 2008 ~150 invited scientist participants ~200 scientist and educator observers

Process Writing Workshop July 21-23, 2008 Washington University, St. Louis MO 35 scientists and educators from academia, K-12, agencies

Earth Science Literacy Eight Essential Principles: 1. Earth is 4.6 billion years old and the rock record contains its history 2. Earth is a complex system of interactions between rock, water, air and life 3. Earth is a continuously changing planet 4. Earth is the water planet 5. Life evolves on a dynamic Earth and continuously modifies Earth 6. Humans depend on Earth for resources 7. Earth science reduces the impacts of natural hazards 8. Humans have become a significant agent of change on Earth

Process August / September – Committee/July participants comment on draft document October - December – Community comment on draft document

Next Steps Website open for public comment at Town Halls, talks, posters at GSA and AGU Two draft periods: –1 st Draft Comment Period closes October 31 st, 2008 – 2 nd Draft Comment Period closes late December January: alignment to NSES and final editing for first printing

Process Questions for the community: 1)How do we get broad scientific community involvement with Earth Science Literacy? 2)How can this document make the greatest positive public impact? 3)How can ESLI be coordinated with other Earth Science E&O efforts? 4)How should the different scientific communities proceed with literacy efforts?

Contacts Nicole LaDue Geoscience Education and Diversity Programs National Science Foundation Michael Wysession Washington University St. Louis, MO