Join us Oct. 11-17, 2026, in celebrating Earth Science Week! Gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth Sciences and engage in responsible stewardship of the Earth. Events scheduled nationwide will celebrate the theme "Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society". This year's event highlights how critical minerals support essential needs and how the development of new technologies can affect which minerals are considered critical. Learn how geoscience knowledge is essential for identifying, mining, refining, transporting and using them responsibly. Geoscientists also address how mineral use impacts Earth’s systems, including landscapes, water and air quality and the global carbon cycle.
Earth Science Week learning resources and activities engage young people and others in discovering how earth science informs our energy choices and promotes sustainable energy solutions now and in the future. Explore the Earth Science Week 2026 Toolkit and website for instructional resources, classroom activities, webinars and ways to get involved. Check out the focus days and learn more at American Geosciences Institute's Earth Science Week website.
Focus Days
Oct. 11 - International Earthcache Day
Oct. 12 - Minerals Day – Learn about minerals in Missouri
Oct. 13 - Earth Observation Day and No Child Left Inside Day
Oct. 14 - National Fossil Day – Learn about fossils in Missouri
Oct. 15 - Geoscience for Everyone Day
Oct. 16 - Geologic Map Day – Learn about Missouri geologic maps
Oct. 17 - International Archaeology Day
Resources
- Missouri Rocks! - Mo' Curious podcast episode by MissouriLife where MoDNR's Amber Steele and Larry "Boot" Pierce explain Missouri and tell why they chose careers in geology.
- Show-Me Earthquake Safety videos - created by Missouri students.
- Industrial and Metallic Minerals Mine Reclamation in Missouri - short video provides insight about successful reclamation in Missouri.
- Minerals Education in Missouri - The Missouri Geological Survey has a long history partnering with the Missouri Minerals Education Foundation to provide educational experiences for teachers during the foundation's workshop.
- Earthquake Exhibit at the New Madrid Historical Museum - Video tour of the earthquake exhibit at the New Madrid Historical Museum.
- The Great New Madrid Earthquakes of 1811-12 A Survivor's Story – Eliza Bryan - "Eliza" told her story of surviving this terrible ordeal and life at that time in southeast Missouri. The Dixie Theater in New Madrid, Missouri was the location on Dec. 9 and 10, 2011, when Eliza related her experiences to Dr. Seismo, played by David Stewart, Ph.D., through the help of Marian McDonald, who was reared in southeast Missouri more than 150 years after the great earthquakes. Eliza is one of the most important eyewitnesses to the events. Recorded and produced by the department's Missouri Geological Survey.
- The Magic of Minerals - Magazine article about a career in minerals.
Questions?
Do you have a question about Missouri geology, or do you have a rock you would like to have identified? If so, send a photo of the rock and information about where you found the rock and one of our geologists will reply. Contact us at askageologist@dnr.mo.gov.