HR: 16:30h
AN: ED14A-03    [Abstracts]
TI: International Year of Planet Earth - Activities and Plans in Mexico
AU: * Alaniz-Alvarez, S
EM: alaniz@servidor.unam.mx
AF: Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Centro de Geociencias, UNAM, B. Juriquilla 3001, Juriquilla, Queretaro, 76230, Mexico
AU: Urrutia-Fucugauchi, J
EM: juf@geofisica.unam.mx
AF: Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Instituto de Geofisica, UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacan, Mexico, 04510, Mexico
AB: IYPE started as a joint initiative by UNESCO and IUGS with participation of several geosciences organizations, and has developed into a major program in geosciences with inclusion of national committees. In this presentation we focus on current activities and plans in our country, and in the international activities. IYPE activities have concentrated in publications and organization of conferences and meetings. A book series on Earth Science Experiments for Children has been defined, with the first books published on "Atmospheric Pressure and Free Fall of Objects" and "Light and Colors". Following books are on "Standing on Archimedes" and "Foucault and the Climate". Books are distributed free to school children, with more than 10,000 copies given of first volume. Other publications include the special issues of El Faro science magazine edited by the National University, with last issue published and distributed electronically and in hard copies this August. Special events include Conference of IYPE Executive Director presented during the International Day of Science Museums in late May in Science Museum Universum. This was followed by a Planet Earth Week in the University. Current plans include an electronic open-access publication, additional publications of the Planet Earth series, articles and special issues in journals and magazines, and events on selected themes from the IYPE science program, particularly on Megacities, Hazards, Resources and Life. The metropolitan area of Mexico City, with around 20 million inhabitants presents special challenges, being at high altitude within an active tectonic and volcanic area requiring major efforts in water supply, water control, rains and waste disposal and management. Involvement in international activities includes translation into Spanish of IYPE publications and the participation in programs and activities. In addition to activities in the different countries, we consider that IYPE should result in initiatives for enhancing international cooperation and to ensure increased effective use by society of Earth sciences.
DE: 0800 EDUCATION
DE: 6300 POLICY SCIENCES (7964)
DE: 6600 PUBLIC ISSUES
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting