Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has proclaimed Oct. 11 through Oct.17 Earth Science Week in Tennessee, which will promote the important role that geology and other earth sciences play in Tennessee's safety, health, welfare and economy, and increase awareness of the dynamic interactions of the planet's natural systems.

"Earth Science Week is always a special week for students to learn about earth sciences and the natural world around us," Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau said. "We are pleased to provide these educational tools to Tennessee's classrooms."

As part of Earth Science Week, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's Tennessee Geological Survey, in partnership with the American Geosciences Institute, has a limited number of Earth Science Week toolkits to distribute to science teachers across the state. Educators interested in receiving an Earth Science Week toolkit may contact Ron Zurawski at Ronald.Zurawski@tn.gov or (615) 532-1502. The toolkits are free of charge while supplies last. For more information about Earth Science Week, please visitwww.earthsciweek.org.

"The department's Tennessee Geological Survey plays a critical role in helping us understand and appreciate the value earth sciences have in our daily lives and in the continued protection of our overall health and safety," Martineau said.

Special items in the toolkit include resources and reading materials from ESRI, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, National Aeronautic and Space Administration, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, National Park Service, Society of Mining Engineers, Soil Science Society of America, Unavco, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. This year's toolkits also include activity calendars, brochures, bookmarks, fact sheets, postcards, posters, and more.

The 2015 Earth Science Week theme is "Visualizing Earth's Systems," designed to promote awareness of the many ways scientists monitor and represent information about Earth systems including land, air, water, and living things. Using technologies ranging from on-site data collection to satellite-based remote sensing, scientists investigate conditions of Earth systems. Today's scientists display their findings in charts, graphs, diagrams, illustrations, photos, videos, computer-generated animations, and 3D-printed creations. In addition to telescopes and microscopes, we can also view and map changes in natural systems through new avenues such as computer games, smartphone apps, and online videos.

Governors across the United States will join Gov. Haslam in issuing proclamations that support Earth Science Week, reaching more than 50 million people across the country and around the world. As in years past, individuals and groups will celebrate Earth Science Week by participating in events in all 50 states and several other countries.