Our Opinion: Be inspired by our earth

If you’re not inspired by our planet, you might need to get off your couch and look around.

Here in Jefferson City, we have many opportunities for inspiration: the Missouri River, the Katy Trail, Runge Nature Center, our city’s greenway and Binder Lake, to name a few.

This week’s 21st annual Earth Science Week is aimed at giving people a better understanding and appreciation for the earth sciences. The theme is “Earth as Inspiration.”

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources said this year’s celebration emphasizes artistic expression as a unique, powerful opportunity for geoscience education and understanding in the 21st century.

Earth Science Week activities will strive to engage young people and others in exploring the relationship between the arts and the Earth systems by promoting public understanding and stewardship of the planet, especially in terms of the ways art relates to geoscience principles and issues as diverse as energy, climate change, the environment, natural disasters, technology, industry, agriculture, recreation and the economy.

Students are encouraged to enter Earth Science Week contests by 4 p.m. Friday. Categories include photography, visual arts and essay. Learn more at earthsciweek.org/contests/.

There’s a theme and/or events for different days the rest of the week:

• Today: The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut and Geoscience for Everyone Day

• Friday: Geologic Map Day

• Saturday: International Archaeology Day.

Also Saturday and Sunday, the Ozark Mountain Gem & Mineral Society’s 51st annual Rock, Gem and Mineral Show will be held in Springfield.

Here in Central Missouri, you can enjoy a self-guided tour of the department’s Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology, 111 Fairgrounds Road in Rolla. It is open weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

This week, take a little time to educate yourself (and your children) on the Earth sciences. Ideally, that lesson will take place outdoors.

News Tribune