Applications were accepted to participate in a 2-week online workshop to create a framework of the “Big Ideas” and supporting concepts that will define what all Americans need to know about the geosciences. This NSF-funded workshop will lead to the creation of a document, with primary input from the research communities (academic, government and professional), that will outline the essential knowledge necessary to ensure a geoscience literate society.  Through this geoscience workshop, we hope to achieve community consensus among all of the disciplines served by the EAR division of NSF in the creation of an Earth science document to complement the ocean, atmosphere and climate efforts, with the ultimate goal of creating an overall Earth Systems literacy document to inform national and local policy making and education.

All members of the Earth science community—especially research scientists and post-secondary educators--were invited to apply to participate in the online geoscience workshop, which occurred during May 12-24, 2008.  Though the workshop took place over a two-week period, participation require a commitment of only about an hour per day, from anywhere around the world, through an asynchronous online environment. Direct participation was limited; but the entire community was invited to observe the online process.  A draft document will be available for public comment in the early fall.