| International Earth Science Olympiad – IESO is one of the 10 International Scientific Olympiad. This project was developed by International Geoscience Education Organization – IGEO.
IESO is an annual competition for secondary school students (students not older than 18 years in July 1st of the year of the Olympiad). The students have to test their skills in all major areas of Earth sciences, including geology, geophysics, meteorology, oceanography, terrestrial astronomy and environmental sciences. The theoretical examination includes problems which are developed to measure the participants knowledge and understanding in Earth science areas. The practical examination consists of task which are designed to assess participants’ abilities to carry out scientific investigations in earth science inquiries. The examinations are prepared by specialist in Earth sciences and Earth science education, who also provide solutions and evaluation guidelines. Each delegation is made of 4 students (young than 18 years old the 1st July of the year of the Olympiad) and 2 mentors. Mentors must be specialists in Earth science and Earth science education and capable to serving as members of the International Jury. Official language of IESO is English, however the mentors could translate the written examinations and related materials from English to the participants’ native language.
The main aim of IESO is to raise student interest and public awareness of Earth science and even to enhance Earth science learning of students. With IESO the organizer hope to award talented and gifted students in Earth science and to promote the improvement of teaching Earth science in schools. Last but not least encourage friendly relationships among young learners from different countries and promoting international cooperation in exchanging ideas and materials about Earth science and Earth science education. IESO is the only International Olympiad that include an International Team Field Investigation - ITFI. Past International Team Field Investigation have included developing stratigraphic sequences, evaluating living on the Mt. Mayon volcano, and evaluating the fault escarpment of the Chi-Chi earthquake. In 2010 in Indonesia, the International Team Field Investigation focus on sustainability and the use of underground water.
The IESO is one of the last science Olympiads established. The first edition was held only in 2007 with the support of countries with a strong emphasis on Earth science in their national curriculum.
Republic of Korea guest the 1st IESO edition in 2007, then:
208 2nd Philippine, theme: Cooptition in Addressing Climate Change (the word “cooptition” refers to a combination of competition and cooperation).
2009 3rd Taiwan, theme: Human Environment
2010 4th Indonesia, theme: The present is the key to the future.
2011 5th Italy, theme: Earth science renaissance, science, environment and art
2012 6th Japan, theme: Our future: Earth and Space
2013 7th India
In 2011 for the first time IESO will be held outside Asia, in Europe. That could be a great occasion to involve more European country to participate in this competition and a great occasion for Earth science education expert to know each other and grow a European network. |