November 2005

AGI announces winners of Earth Science Week 2005 contests

Alexandria, VA - The American Geological Institute (AGI) is proud to announce the 2005 Earth Science Week contest winners. The contests encourage the public to participate in this annual celebration, which recognizes the importance of the earth sciences in our lives. Selecting from among more than 500 entries, AGI is pleased to name the three winners:

Brandy Anglen, of Fresno, California, won the Photography Contest with her photo of scientists testing water for sulfur isotopes on Lake Hoare in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica. Entrants of all ages were invited to submit print or digital photos illustrating the theme "Extreme Earth Science" by showing an exciting earth science subject or geoscientists in interesting locations. Anglen's photo will be featured in the Earth Science Week 2005 Web page.
James Pugh, of Elgin, South Carolina, won the Visual Art Contest with his work entitled "Volcanologists: It's a Hot Job." Students in grades K-5 were invited to make a drawing, collage, or other 2-dimensional artwork illustrating the theme "Earth Jobs" and showing scientific tools used in the selected career.
Robert Kendle, of Phoenix, Arizona, won the Essay Contest with "The Big Dream." Kendle's essay described his love of paleontology and the career he hopes to pursue in this field. Students in grades 5-9 were asked to submit essays of up to 500 words answering the question: "What kind of geoscientist would you like to be, and why?"

All submissions were judged by a panel of geoscientists on creativity, incorporation of the topic, and other relevant factors. Each winner receives $300 cash. Winning entries and other finalists are posted on the Earth Science Week Web site at www.earthsciweek.org.

The contests represent an important part of Earth Science Week, which took place October 9-15, 2005. With active participation in all 50 states and around the world, Earth Science Week provides a focal point for the Earth science community's outreach to the public. The celebration was officially proclaimed by more than 20 state governors and was recognized by President George W. Bush. The theme for Earth Science Week 2005, "Geoscientists Explore the Earth," shone a spotlight on the many exciting and rewarding career opportunities available in the geosciences.

AGI, in collaboration with its member societies and Earth Science Week sponsors, is now preparing for Earth Science Week 2006. To learn how you can participate, visit the Earth Science Week Web site, www.earthsciweek.org, or contact Cindy Martinez, Earth Science Week Manager, at (703) 379-2480 x227 or [email protected].

The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 44 scientific and professional associations that represent more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in our profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources and interaction with the environment. More information about AGI can be found at http://www.agiweb.org.