The Case for Coordinating Earth & Space Science Education Worldwide

Abstract

Despite the many amazing advances that have occurred in the space sciences (planetary science, heliophysics, astronomy, and cosmology) these subjects continue to play minor roles in pre-collegiate science education. Similarly, the Earth sciences are woefully under-represented in most school science programs – despite their vital relevance to our physical well-being. Some countries have educational standards that formally prioritize the Earth & space sciences as much as the physical and life sciences, but even they fail to actualize their mandated priorities. I contend that better coordination and advancement of Earth & space science education at the national, state, society, and educator levels would lead to better educational outcomes worldwide.