Earth Science Week 1999
By Genie Howell

Geoscientists worldwide are preparing for the second annual Earth Science Week (ESW), an earth science public outreach event October 10-16. Geoscientists provide the resources that heat and light and provide water for our homes, fuel our vehicles, build our cities, support industry and modern life, and alert us to natural hazards.

Earth Science Week began last year as a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the American Geological Institute (AGI) to draw public attention to
earth science. Earth Science Week  was celebrated in all 50 states and in four foreign countries. Thirty-nine governors issued proclamations (including Governor Hull), and President Clinton urged all citizens to participate.

This year, Earth Science Week in Arizona is coordinated statewide by volunteers from the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Dr. Larry McBiles of theArizona Mining Association is sponsoring 23 briefings statewide in early September to help teachers to plan school activities. The City of Mesa issued a Proclamation in August.

The Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum and The Foundation are sponsoring Family Day/Earth Science Day on Saturday, October 16, 1999, from 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m. at the Museum.  Happenings include the Foundation mineral sale and visiting mineral dealers, hands-on jewelry-making, lapidary, bead-stringing, faceting, and
sphere-making machine demonstrations, and the Arizona Prospectors Association gold-panning demonstrations. The A.L. Flagg Mineral Gallery,
Morenci Mine antique train engine, and the Boris (Bisbee) headframe will be accessible to the public. Lectures at 11 and 2 will be on "How to Identify
Minerals....Is It Gold or Is It Pyrite?"

Foundation member Raymond Grant of Mesa Community College will hold a Geology Open House, Tuesday, October 12, 7-9 p.m. It will be in Physical Science Building 3N. The College is located at Southern & Dobson. Demonstrations and activities will be related to volcanos, minerals, mining, fossils and other earth science subjects. These will be of particular interest to teachers for activities they can use in their classes. Samples are free for teachers and students. Contact Raymond Grant at (480)461-7008 for more information.

Other events in the Phoenix-area will be sponsored

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