The key to popularizing an academic subject is to get a catchy theme. That is well understood by the American Geological Society, which offers earth science teachers their "No Child Left Inside" theme for Earth Science Week, Oct. 12-18.

The celebration encourages students to learn about the geosciences by getting away from their televisions and computers and going outside to explore their world.

Started by the American Geological Society and encouraged by hundreds of educators, Earth Science Week offers opportunities to expand classroom discussions and engage in responsible stewardship of the earth. NASA and other geoscience organizations are co-sponsors.

For more information and materials, go to http://www.earthsciweek.org/. The site offers resources to help earth science teachers plan activities.