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The State Office of Education is seeking public comment on possible updates to Utah's earth science standards.

The standards outline the skills and knowledge students studying earth science should learn. Sarah Young, state office science specialist, said state leaders decided to update the standards to make sure they clearly convey to teachers the goals of the course, offered in high school.

The updated standards will change how vocabulary is emphasized in lessons. The name of the standards has also been changed from earth systems to earth science to better reflect the hands-on nature of course activities, Young said. And the new standards also include more opportunities for community connections.

Meetings to collect public input on the proposed standards started this week and continue into October. A state office facilitated committee will then reexamine the proposed standards using the feedback before sending them to the state school board for approval. See the updated standards at http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/science/.

Scheduled meetings include:

• Sept. 20, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Salt Lake City School District Room 113, 440 E. 100 South, Salt Lake City.

• Sept. 25, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Provo School District Professional Development Center, 280 W. 940 North, Provo.

• Sept. 27, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Logan School District Office third floor boardroom, 101 W. Center Street, Logan.

• Sept. 28, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Carbon School District Office Training Room 3, 251 W. 400 North, Price.

• Oct. 2, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Uintah School District Office, 635 W. 200 South, Vernal.

Twitter: @lschencker