^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ AWG E-MAIL NEWS 2002-22 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ CONTENTS 1) COMPLETE INVESTIGATING EARTH SYSTEMS™ CURRICULUM AVAILABLE FOR 2002-03 SCHOOL YEAR 2) AGI INITIATES CONTESTS FOR EARTH SCIENCE WEEK 3) THE AWIS WASHINGTON WIRE AUGUST 15, 2002 4) TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH SERVER 5) ROOMIE WANTED 6) POSITION OPENINGS ?San Francisco State University: Tenure Track Position in Engineering Geology or Surficial Processes *University of Washington, Tacoma: Assistant Professor in Environmental Geoscience *SUNY Buffalo: Faculty Position in Environmental Geochemistry *University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee *University of Nevada, Reno (Two positions) #1 Postdoctoral Research Scholar/Mercury Biogeochemistry. #2 PhD research position: Mercury biogeochemical cycling and plants *University of California Davis: Assistant/Associate Research Geologist/Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry 7) CONTACT INFORMATION ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue of E-mail News ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1) COMPLETE INVESTIGATING EARTH SYSTEMS™ CURRICULUM AVAILABLE FOR 2002-03 SCHOOL YEAR ALEXANDRIA, VA - "The American Geological Institute has attained another milestone in its effort to enhance secondary-school science curricula," said Dr. Steven M. Stanley, President of the American Geological Institute and Professor (Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences, the Johns Hopkins University). "Investigating Earth Systems™ (IES), a modular hands-on inquiry-based Earth-science curriculum program for grades 5-8, has been completed." The release of Investigating Materials and Minerals, Investigating Energy Resources, and Investigating Fossils, the final three student editions and teacher guides in the nine-module IES series, is the culmination of a five-year project. AGI's objective was to develop an innovative curriculum in Earth science in accordance with the National Science Education Standards and the American Association for the Advancement of Science: Project 2061's Benchmarks for Science Literacy. The IES curriculum provides teachers and students with a wide selection of content that meets local interests and course objectives, helps middle-school students understand fundamental Earth-science concepts, and builds student interest in continuing their study of Earth science. In the Investigating Energy Resources module, students explore the origins of energy resources, how energy resources are converted into electricity, how fossil fuels are formed and where they are found, and the importance of renewable energy resources and energy conservation. In Investigating Materials and Minerals, students learn to appreciate the importance of minerals as a natural resource for producing materials. Through hands-on activities and web-based research, students explore where deposits of minerals are located, how mineral deposits are formed, how minerals are mined, and their role as citizens in managing these resources. In the Investigating Fossils module, students examine the process of fossilization, what fossils reveal about the age of the Earth and the evolution of life, and what paleontologists do. The American Geological Institute is producing the IES curriculum in association with It's About Time Publishing. Each IES module was extensively field-tested and reviewed by teachers and scientists before publication. The IES modules, which also include Investigating Soil, Investigating Rocks and Landforms, Investigating Oceans, Investigating Climate and Weather, Investigating Water, and Investigating Our Dynamic Planet, may be used as stand-alone units or as a full course presented in any order. Each module offers a comprehensive teacher guide, materials kits, and a supporting web site (http://www.agiweb.org/ies). AGI's ongoing program to implement effective Earth-science education reform also includes the five-module high-school curriculum program, EarthComm™. For more information about these materials, including a comprehensive brochure that includes a sample activity from AGI's EarthComm™ or Investigating Earth Systems™ modules, visit the AGI web site, http://www.agiweb.org/education, or contact Dr. Michael J. Smith at msmith@agiweb.org. Both curriculum programs are available through It's About Time Publishing (http://www.its-about-time.com). AGI has been a leader in geoscience education for four decades. With funding from the National Science Foundation (Grants ESI 9452789 and ESI 9353035) and the corporate contributors to the AGI Foundation, the Institute continues to produce high-quality, innovative, inquiry-based curricula for K-12 Earth-science education. Professional development for teachers is made possible with support from the AGI Foundation and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation. In October 2001, NSF awarded AGI a $1.7 million grant (ESI 0095938) to develop an inquiry-based Earth-science textbook for middle-school students over the next three years. The new curriculum-development effort, Project CUES (Constructing Understandings of Earth Systems), will be based in part upon the Investigating Earth Systems™ curriculum program. At the college level, the Institute produces the AGI/NAGT Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology (sixth edition, 2003) and is developing a series of web-based activities for use in introductory geoscience courses. The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 40 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 mankind's use of resources and interaction with the environment. More information about AGI can be found at http://www.agiweb.org. The Institute also provides a public-outreach web site, http://www.earthscienceworld.org. 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 11 2) AGI INITIATES CONTESTS FOR EARTH SCIENCE WEEK ALEXANDRIA, VA - The American Geological Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce the launching of three national contests designed to inspire citizens to get involved in Earth Science Week. The 2002 Earth Science Week celebration will take place October 13-19, and will focus on the theme, "Water is All Around You." The contests coincide with the debut of a new Earth Science Week web site, http://www.earthsciweek.org. Each of the three contest categories - Photography, Art, and Writing - encourages participants to take a unique perspective on the water theme. All entries must be postmarked by October 1, 2002. Cash prizes will be awarded to the Grand Prize winner in each contest. Winners will be announced during Earth Science Week and posted on the Earth Science Week web site. Entries in each contest will be judged by a panel of geoscientists and teachers. Contestants of all ages are invited to submit photographs to the Earth Science Week Photography competition. Entries are to capture some aspect of the Earth or Earth sciences. The Grand Prize photograph will be included in the 2003 Earth Science Week logo and will be published in a future issue of Geotimes magazine. Elementary-school students in grades K-6 are eligible to participate in the Earth Science Week Art Contest. Drawings, paintings, or other two-dimensional artwork depicting the theme, "Water World," will be considered. Winning entries in this category will be displayed at AGI and at the national headquarters of the U.S. Geological Survey near Washington, DC. The Earth Science Week Essay contest is open to secondary-school students in grades 7-12. Entitled "A Day in the Life of a Water Molecule," entries are limited to 500 words and are to be creative works that focus on the ways in which water molecules move through the water cycle and affect the Earth. The First Prize essay will be published in a future issue of Geotimes magazine and finalists will be featured on the Earth Science Week web site. Visitors to the Earth Science Week web site, http://www.earthsciweek.org, will find complete descriptions of each contest, entry forms, and other information about getting involved in Earth Science Week events. The site includes information about water and water resources, listings of Earth Science Week activities planned across the country, and contact information for Earth science resources in each state. In addition, visitors can join in a discussion forum or a listserve to share ideas for planning Earth Science Week events, and they can find links to ideas for Earth Science Week activities for the classroom that comply with the National Science Education Standards. AGI established Earth Science Week in 1998 to give students and citizens new opportunities to discover the Earth sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth. It highlights the important contributions that Earth and environmental sciences make to society and invites the public to become engaged in current scientific exploration. Organizers emphasize a different facet of Earth science each year. In 2002, Earth Science Week focuses on one of the most important natural resources on our Earth - water. This year, AGI's efforts to coordinate Earth Science Week are supported by generous grants from the U.S. Geological Survey and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation. 222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222 22 3) The AWIS Washington Wire - August 15, 2002 The latest edition of the Washington Wire has been posted at < http://www.awis.org/wire.html >. Topics for this week's Washington Wire are: International Perspective ??High Court Dismisses Pill Case ??Famine, AIDS Devastating Malawi Women Government ??Senate OKs Yucca Mountain Nuclear Site ??Women's Rights Treaty to Senate Healthcare ??Maternal Zinc Supplementation Does Not Benefit Infant Development ??Pregnant Women Should Avoid Tuna Education and the Workplace ??Wanted: Math and Science Teachers Announcements ??Attention: Did You Attend an EYH Conference? ??Discover the Must Attend Life Sciences Event of 2002! ??New Site for Women in Academic Science and Engineering Positions found in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect their sponsor's views. 333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333 33 4) TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH SERVER As mentioned in the last issue of E-N we have been having technical difficulties with our server. The problems are affecting the e-mail aliases, for the most part - particularly with members changing their addresses. To fix the problem, we are switching our server to a more permanent location. During the switch, there may be abnormalities on the website and with the e-mail aliases. Unfortunately, the transfer is taking longer than anticipated, but progress is being made and we expect things to running smoothly again very soon. Please be patient. 444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 44 5) ROOMIE WANTED I'm looking for a roomie for the Denver meeting of the GSA at the end of October. If you are interested, please contact me at loisongley@earthlink.net. I plan to be at GSA Sat thru Tues or Weds. Lois K. Ongley 555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555 55 6) POSITION OPENINGS San Francisco State University Tenure Track Position in Engineering Geology or Surficial Processes The Department of Geosciences at SFSU invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor level in Engineering Geology or Surficial Processes, beginning January or August 2003. The position requires a Ph.D in geology, strong quantitative and field skills, and a commitment to excellence in teaching at graduate (MS) and undergraduate levels. We seek someone to teach advanced-level engineering geology and/or surficial processes courses, and general education courses in natural hazards or earth systems. Excellence in research that involves both graduate and undergraduate students is also required. Preference will be given to applicants who have applied experience with a geotechnical or environmental firm and experience in teaching and in applying GIS technologies. The Department of Geosciences includes geology, meteorology, and oceanography and consists of 13 faculty members from these fields. The department offers BS and BA degrees in Geology, a BS degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, and a MS degree in Applied Geosciences. San Francisco State University, a member of the California State University system, serves a multi-cultural, ethnically diverse student body of 27,000 students, offering bachelor's degrees in 117 academic areas and master's degrees in 95 fields of study. Excellence in teaching and research are central to the University's mission and SFSU faculty are expected to demonstrate high levels of professional achievement and growth through research, publications, and community involvement. To apply, send a curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching and research interests, and names and addresses of three references to: Lisa White, Dept. of Geosciences, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132. Applications should be received before September 30, 2002. San Francisco State University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. ****************************** University of Washington, Tacoma Assistant Professor in Environmental Geoscience Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington, Tacoma (UWT) seeks a geologist to teach upper-division undergraduate courses to majors and non-majors within an interdisciplinary framework. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of the new and expanding environmental science/studies curriculum and will have ample opportunities to create innovative interdisciplinary courses, including field courses. Applicants should consider teaching, institution building, and research high priorities. This tenure track faculty position begins 16 September 2003, and requires a PhD by the time of appointment. The successful candidate will enhance the present environmental science curriculum by teaching and performing research in riverine, estuarine, marine or watershed geologic systems/processes and teaching specific courses in environmental geology, sedimentology, geomorphology, and Pacific Northwest field geology, as well as electives in such areas as biogeochemistry, hydrogeology, soil science, paleontology, geophysics or other specialties. GIS experience is a plus. Facilities for teaching and research at UWT include a new science building, proximity to the Water Resources Division of USGS, access to several University of Washington vessels and field facilities, and potential collaborations at the University of Washington Seattle campus, 35 miles to the north. One of three University of Washington campuses, UWT offers upper-division and graduate education to students of a wide variety of ages and backgrounds in the South Puget Sound region. Founded in 1990, the non-residential campus is located in new facilities in downtown Tacoma and is growing steadily. For a more complete description of this position and UWT visit our website at: http://www.tacoma.washington.edu/ias. Screening of applications will begin 1 October 2002 and will continue until the position is filled. Send a letter describing your interests in and qualifications for this position, including a description of your teaching philosophy and research interests, a curriculum vitae, three letters of reference, syllabi or a description of courses you would like to teach in our program and evidence of teaching effectiveness to: University of Washington, Tacoma Finance and Administration Geology Position 1900 Commerce St., Box 358431 Tacoma, WA 98402-3100 Electronic application materials may be sent to: janrutle@u.washington.edu Specific inquiries may be directed by email to Dr. Cheryl Greengrove at cgreen@u.washington.edu The University of Washington does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam Era veteran. The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. ****************************** SUNY Buffalo Faculty Position Environmental Geochemistry University at Buffalo The State University of New York The Department of Geology invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in environmental geochemistry starting in September 2003 at the Assistant Professor level. The successful candidate will demonstrate a potential for research and teaching, which will both complement and integrate with our existing program in environmental geology. We seek a person with primary interest in geochemical modeling of engineered or natural subsurface aqueous systems. Expertise in designing and conducting relevant field and laboratory testing experiments and/or familiarity with the applications of geochemical and isotopic (stable/radiogenic) techniques in assessment and remediation of aquatic systems is a plus. Preference will be given to candidates who use spatial data to infer geochemical evolution of pristine or contaminated subsurface aqueous environments. We encourage collaboration with departmental researchers in hydrogeology and environmental geophysics (see www.geology.buffalo.edu), and with engineering faculty in the areas of ground-water remediation, water quality, and ground-water modeling (see www.groundwater.buffalo.edu). The successful candidate is expected to develop an active, externally funded research program, and to teach undergraduate and graduate level courses. A Ph.D. degree is required at the time of appointment. Apply with a statement of teaching and research goals and a curriculum vitae, including published research, grant support and names of at least three references to: Chair, Search Committee, Department of Geology, State University of New York at Buffalo, 876 Natural Sciences Complex, Buffalo, NY 14260-3050. We will begin evaluating applicants on December 1, 2002. The University at Buffalo is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Recruiter. ****************************** University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee The Department of Geosciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee invites applications for a full-time Visiting Assistant Professor to teach Introductory Physical Geology and Structural Geology in the spring semester January through May 2003. We seek a person who holds a PhD in geology and a commitment to undergraduate/graduate teaching. Applicants should submit a cover letter, curricular vita and two letters of reference to: Professor Norman P. Lasca, Chair, UW-Milwaukee Department of Geosciences, Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, Phone: 414-229-4561 or fax: 414-229-5452. Evaluation of candidates will begin on September 23rd and continue until the position is filled. The University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee is an AA/EEO employer. ****************************** University of Nevada, Reno (Two positions) #1 Postdoctoral Research Scholar/Mercury Biogeochemistry. The Department of Environmental and Resource Sciences at the University of Nevada-Reno is seeking an energetic researcher familiar with trace metal analysis to study the role of natural sources and sinks of atmospheric mercury in the biogeochemical cycle of mercury. The initial appointment is for 1 year, with the possible extension to 2 years. Interested candidates should sent a curriculum vitae, a letter describing research qualifications, unofficial transcripts and three letters of reference. For complete position announcement and requirements, see http://jobs.unr.edu. Application materials should be sent to: Jean Freestone, ERS Dept. MS 186, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV 89557 freeston@unr.edu , 775-784- 4020. For information regarding the position contact Mae Gustin msg@unr.nevada.edu, 775-784-4203. EEO/AA #2 PhD research position: Mercury biogeochemical cycling and plants Position available: Fall 2002 This project entails the use of state of the art controlled mesocosms (www.dees.dri.edu/GBERL/ecocell_specs.html)at Desert Research Institute (www.dri.edu), multiple plant exposure chambers and single plant gas exchange chamber to study the cycling of mercury between soil, atmosphere and plants. Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of scientists working on the mesocosm study that is utilizing monoliths of tall grass prairie studying nutrient cycling, the influence of climate change and Hg cycling. Period of funding is for three years. PhD degree programs at UNR are through the Evolution, Ecology and Conservation Biology program (www.eecb.unr.edu) and the Environmental Sciences and Health program (www.unr.edu/idgrad/esh). Students with a Master's Degree and a background in plant biology preferred. For more information contact: Mae Gustin Department of Environmental and Resources Sciences University of Nevada at Reno Reno, NV 89557 msg@unr.nevada.edu 775-784-4203 ****************************** University of California Davis Assistant/Associate Research Geologist/Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry The Department of Geology and the new Center for Mass Spectrometry of Trace Metals at the University of California, Davis, has an opening for a full-time position as research geologist in radiogenic isotope geochemistry. We seek applicants with a demonstrated research record in radiogenic isotope geochemistry and an active research program using multi-collector inductively couple plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). The successful candidate should possess strong management and interpersonal skills to assume the day-to-day responsible for the Center's new MC-ICP-MS. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous program of collaborative research using the analytical tools of the Center, and assist in developing new applications for MC- ICP-MS in the areas of earth, biological, agricultural, engineering, and medical sciences. Candidates should possess the doctorate of philosophy or equivalent degree in the geological sciences, chemistry or physics. Preference will be given to candidates who complement the existing research programs affiliated with the Center. The candidate will be required to have strong organizational and management skills, and communicate effectively with users of the Center's facilities. For more information about the U.C. Davis and the Geology Department, visit our Web page at http://www-geology.ucdavis.edu. A Ph.D. in the geological sciences or closely related field with an emphasis in mass spectrometry is required at the time of appointment. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a statement of qualifications and research interests, and names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three people who can be contacted for recommendations to: Chair, Research Geologist Search Committee Department of Geology One Shields Avenue University of California, Davis Davis, CA 95616 Phone: (530) 752-0350 Fax (530) 752-0951 E-mail: isotope-search@geology.ucdavis.edu The position will be effective starting October 1, 2002. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by August 30, 2002. The position will remain open until filled. The University of California is an affirmative action/equal-opportunity employer. The University undertakes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunity for minorities and women, for persons with disabilities, and for special disabled veterans, Vietnam era veterans, and any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized. 666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666 66 7) CONTACT INFORMATION To submit an item to E-MAIL NEWS contact: editor@awg.org To submit advertising contact: ads@awg.org To change your address or be removed from the list contact: office@awg.org