Since October 1998, the American Geosciences Institute has organized this national and international event to help the public gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth. This year’s Earth Science Week will be held from October 9 – 15, 2022 and will celebrate the theme “Earth Science for a Sustainable World.”

A Geoscience Celebration will be held at Discovery Park of America on Friday, Oct. 6 and Saturday, Oct. 7.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR Friday, Oct. 6:

Grand Opening of Discovery Fossil Pit at 11 a.m.:

The fossil pit is located outside next to Eats and Treats. 

Dr. Michael Gibson will speak on the partnership with Coon Creek Science Center, the material in the pit and the marine fossils you can dig up.

Digging sessions will be limited to 10 people per session and will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Sessions on this day will be held at:
11:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR Saturday, Oct. 7:

Two sessions of fossil digging at the following times:

10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

The rest of this day’s event will coincide with Hispanic Heritage Day in the Tennessee Room. 

1 p.m. Program for Hispanic Heritage/Geoscience Celebration in the Tennessee Room:

• Video of Dr. Michael Gibson speaking about his time with Adriana Ocampo, a Hispanic geologist who discovered the Chicxulub crater impact that caused dinosaurs to go extinct.
• Children’s storytime – Read aloud the book “Hill of Fire” by Thomas P. Lewis. The story is based upon the “birth” of the Paricutin volcano on February 20, 1943, in a cornfield in Michoacan, Mexico. (“Hill of Fire” is available for purchase at the Discovery Park gift shop)
• Children’s STEAM activities:
  • Build a “volcano” and watch it erupt.
  • Make maracas and learn about the musical instrument.

Main Street of Union City is hosting its annual event, Tacos and Tamales, in Kiwanis Park in downtown Union City on October 7 at 4 p.m. Find out more about the event here.