Earth Science Week 2023

October 8th-14th

Geoscience Innovating for Earth and People



Earth Science Week, celebrated each October, is an international education campaign organized by the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) reaching millions of people with activities, materials, and information about the geosciences.

See Governor Youngkin’s signed proclamation in support of Earth Science Week here»

This year, Earth Science Week will occur from October 8-14, and will explore established and emerging technologies and techniques used by geoscientists as they play a growing role in society through developing stable infrastructure; fostering sustainable water, mineral and energy resources; analyzing and applying data about the Earth; and keeping people safe from natural hazards. The celebration also will highlight the wide range of fascinating and rewarding careers in the geosciences, and the ways that those careers are vital to understanding, monitoring, and living on the planet.

The Virginia Geology and Mineral Resources Program will participate in Earth Science Week by hosting an open house event on Thursday October 12th at our Charlottesville office (900 Natural Resources Drive, Charlottesville). Come visit us! Explore fossil, rock, and mineral exhibits, speak to geologists, learn about carbon sequestration, critical minerals, and geologic hazards such as landslides and sinkholes.

Earth Science Week 2023 Focus Days:

  • Sunday, October 8
    International Earthcache Day. Explore the world with this GPS scavenger hunt!

  • Monday, October 9
    Minerals Day. Join us in raising awareness of and appreciation for minerals and mineralogy!

  • Tuesday, October 10
    Earth Observation Day. Engage students and teachers in remote sensing as an exciting and powerful educational tool.
    No Child Left Inside Day. NCLI Day encourages students to go outside and research Earth science in the field like a professional geoscientist.

  • Wednesday, October 11
    National Fossil Day. The annually held National Fossil Day celebration is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of fossils.

  • Thursday, October 12
    Geoscience for Everyone Day. Do your part to help young people from underrepresented communities explore exciting careers in the geosciences.

  • Friday, October 13
    Geologic Map Day. Hosted by the U.S. Geological Survey, Association of American State Geologists, National Park Service, Geological Society of America, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in partnership with AGI, this special event promotes awareness of the study, uses, importance of geologic mapping for education, science, business, and a variety of public policy concerns.

  • Saturday, October 14 (*Observed on October 21 in 2023)
    International Archaeology Day. Hosted by the Archaeological Institute of America, this special event is a celebration of archaeology and the thrill of discovery.


  • The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional associations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the geoscience needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.