The study of Earth science is sometimes overlooked in our high school science curriculums. In the rush to get through the sequence of biology-chemistry-physics and on to advanced level or AP courses, students and their parents sometimes regard Earth science as marginal and unnecessary. However, the changes now occurring in Earth systems make the study of the geosciences more important than ever before. It is impossible to believe that our students should leave high school without studying Earth science—they must gain a solid understanding of the concepts that can help them understand our changing Earth systems and make good choices in their personal and public lives.