How has Earth Science become the poor cousin in the STEM-related universe? Has an interest in the natural world, the stuff that lives all around us, deteriorated just like the environment? We’re pleased to report that this isn’t the case, necessarily. As concern about our planet grows and ice caps melt and green house gases proliferate, schools and teachers are encouraging students to get ‘hands on’ with the earth’s elements. Students can, literally, get their hands-on soil, water, and rocks to name some elements. It is important for students to understand the processes to which these natural elements are subjected, if, in the future, they are to be the stewards of the planet. One simple, effective method, is teaching students to garden, an activity well within the range of most schools, even those that are modestly funded. Earth Science may not be as sexy as some of the other STEM subjects, but its importance shouldn’t be understated. In a slight departure, we are pleased to present a student perspective, one that explores the importance and role of Grade Point Averages (GPA), in assessment and evaluation. Sabina Bacino, a high school junior from Marin County in California, vows that writing essays and taking tests don’t contribute positively to her learning. Her point is that too much emphasis has been placed on achieving high marks to the detriment of knowledge acquisition. Marks have become a high stakes game where decisions about desirable universities and beyond and lucrative careers, rise and fall on the GPA. Whereas, any given student is a lot more than the sum of their marks. Some universities realize this and marginalize the GPA in the assessment of student applications. Referencing universities and further, careers, after leaving formal schooling, we explore career-focused programs and the knowledge and skills required for the very near future. What will be the next significant tech wave and how will it impact the work force? Will it consist of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual Reality? Or something else? Preparing students for future careers is a constantly moving target. We hope this article by Meagan Gillmore will bring some clarity to this important topic. For those looking to chill out, we have a list of Mindfulness field trips for you to undertake. And we lay out some examples of classroom management apps in Webstuff, tools for the busy teacher (and when are teachers not busy?).