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- On Being a Scientist
Based on the book, On Being a Scientist, this seven-minute video includes interviews with Stephanie J. Bird, co-editor-in-chief of Science and Engineering Ethics at Georgetown University and several new Ph.D.s from a variety of disciplines. Watch the video on YouTube.
- Seminars on Science From the American Museum of Natural History
Registration is open for the 2009-2010 Seminars on Science From the American Museum of Natural History. The courses are 6 weeks long, fully online, and available for up to 4 graduate credits each. For more information on the 11 offered courses or to sign up, click here. Registration for the Fall II session ends October 5th.
- Design Squad – Engineering for K-12
NASA and DESIGN SQUAD® have developed an online workshop for educators and afterschool leaders to build their skills and confidence in guiding kids through engineering activities like those found in the On the Moon Educator Guide. Completing this self-guided online workshop will allow educators to gain insight and strategies for strengthening critical-thinking skills and exciting their students about using the design process to arrive at solutions.
- NOAA Online Ocean Exploration and Research Workshop
From October 5-16 NOAA will be offering a workshop introducing the new Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection built around the themes: Why Do We Explore? How Do We Explore? and What Do We Expect to Find? The workshop is free for all participants and will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Educators will have the option to receive graduate credit (fee for the credit) or obtain a certificate of completion.
- A Movie About DIRT!
There is a new film to enlighten us on the environmental, economic, social and political impacts of the ground beneath our feet. DIRT! The Movie helps further our understanding of soil and our responsibility to take care of it.
To check out the trailer and sign up to find DIRT! The Movie in your community, visit the film’s website.
- New Year of Free Science Safety Training
Safety training from Flinn Scientific is again being provided for free. Through this amazing offer, you will be sent a safety training program every month! That's 10 safety training programs--a different topic each month, August through May. These safety trainings can be included in department meetings and are a great resource for teachers. Each program helps you learn about the laws that govern science education safety.
Please visit the website for more information.
- New Guidebook: Walking Paths and Protected Areas of the Keweenaw
This guidebook explains 22 sanctuaries and preserves of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Describing special habitats, plant and animal species, and distinctive features of Houghton and Keweenaw counties, this guidebook seeks to increase awareness of land conservation in the area. Prior to compilation by Joan Chadde and publishing by the Michigan Nature Association (July 2009), many people were unaware of the possibilities for recreation and education in these exceptional areas. This new resource will certainly help everyone to further enjoy the Keweenaw. The guidebook is available for purchase from 22 U.P businesses or can be ordered from the Michigan Nature Association (michigannature@michigannature.org or call (517)-655-5655).
- Moon Munchies Educator Guide for Grades K-4
Plant growth will be an important part of space exploration in the future as NASA plans for long-duration missions to the moon. NASA scientists anticipate that astronauts may be able to grow plants on the moon, and the plants could be used to supplement meals. In anticipation of the need for research into lunar plant growth, NASA and the International Technology Education Association, or ITEA, present the NASA Engineering Design Challenge. Students design, build and evaluate lunar plant growth chambers -- while engaging in research- and standards-based learning experiences. The lesson plans in this guide encourage students to participate in the engineering design process and learn how to conduct a scientific experiment.
The Moon Munchies Educator Guide is available as a complete guide or can be downloaded in easy-to-use individual lesson plans.
- The Courage to Soar Higher Educator Guide for Grades 4-6
This integrated unit allows students to launch pop rockets; create a pop-up book about the solar system; build Mars colonies; and learn about the history of NASA and space exploration. Some activities include vocabulary lists and reading selections. Each of the 20 lessons in this guide, support national mathematics, science, technology, geography and language arts standards. To download the guide, please visit:
- Launch and Propulsion Educators Guide for Grades 6-12
The fifteen lesson plans in this guide help students learn about the science of rockets, principles of rocketry and the laws of motion. Student texts are included so that students may read about variables, forces and motion, and NASA's history and future. Students learn which variables affect the performance of a rocket. In the assessment, students engage in a competition wherein they apply what they have learned about rockets to build a launch vehicle that flies as high as possible.
- NASA Endeavor Science Teaching Certificate
The NASA Endeavor Science Teaching Certificate Project awards one-year fellowships each year to more than 40 current and prospective K-12 teachers. In partnership with state departments of education, Endeavor Fellows take five graduate courses in a live (online) format from the comfort of their home or school and learn to apply research-based pedagogical strategies and cutting-edge STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) content to their classroom contexts while becoming a part of a special network of like-minded educators across the nation. Endeavor Fellows will be awarded a NASA Endeavor Certificate in STEM Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. In addition, 15 graduate credits are awarded from other regionally accredited partners in higher education.
Applications will be accepted from July 1 through September 30. Please visit the website for details.
- BioKIDS
The BioKIDS/DeepThink research group is engaged in educational research to improve science learning in high-poverty, urban, elementary and middle school classrooms, with particular focus on the Detroit Public Schools. Their work centers on the fourth through eighth grades, a period when the performance of American students in science falls behind that of students in other countries. They work in two areas: the development of curricular units and associated technologies to promote students' deep understandings of current science topics, and the exploration of new ideas in educational assessment leading to tests that evaluate students' complex reasoning with science.
Please visit: http://www.biokids.umich.edu/ to use their critter catalog and field guides. This is a wonderful way to provide an opportunity for kid’s inquiry of diverse species.
- New Listserv Directory With Professional Development Opportunities
The Conservation and Environmental Education Connections (CEEC) listserv is a tool for moderators from federal and state agencies and nongovernmental organizations to share professional development opportunities with conservation and EE professionals. For questions, please call 304-876-7956.
- Project Learning Tree’s Online Newsletter Receives Award
The Branch is Project Learning Tree’s (PLT) quarterly online newsletter. Each issue features PLT updates, environmental education (EE) news, educator tips, environmental education resources, and feature articles. It recently received an award for Outstanding Achievement in Network Publications from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) on behalf of ASCD’s Environmental Education Network. In addition to resources and news, each issue includes stories from teachers, written in their own words. They share their passion for EE, tips for using EE in the classroom and outdoors, as well as ideas and how-to’s for environmental service-learning projects.
- Free Resources from the National Institute of General Medicine Sciences
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences has a growing collection of free science education materials available to the public. These printed and online resources focus on medically relevant life sciences, such as cell biology, genetics, chemistry, pharmacology, structural biology and computational biology. Several of the booklets are enhanced with additional online content such as games, images, and video and audio interviews.
All the materials are free of charge and are downloadable from the Website above. Printed materials are available individually or in classroom sets.
If you have any questions about NIGMS science education materials, please contact: MachaleA@nigms.nih.gov or 301-496-7301.
Alisa Zapp Machalek
Science Education and Outreach
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
- Investigations of Daily High-Low Temperatures
The website is developed by ESRI Education Community - a living environment for the exchange of ideas and experiences, curriculum, software, and data between GIS educators around the globe. Using this particular online activity, students can analyze the spatial patterns of daily temperature extremes, examine the relationship of coasts, latitude, and altitude to temperature extremes across the USA in a hands-on, GIS-based environment.
- Register Your Nestbox
NestWatch is a nest-monitoring project developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in collaboration with the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, and funded by the National Science Foundation.
- Using Sensors in the Life Sciences
This week-long workshop will be held at the Knabusch Math and Science Center. It is designed for teachers who are interested in studying the local environment and the life sciences utilizing technological tools such as Vernier Sensors, TI84 plus calculators, GPS, labpros/CBL2 and laptops in the life sciences. Teachers will learn how to use both “hand-held” and computer technology to do life science studies. The cost of the workshop is $100. To register, please visit the link above.
For questions, please contact Tom Green at greent@monroe.k12.mi.us
- Going Green Educator's Toolkit:
The PBS Going to Green Educators' Toolkit contains 19 units of integrated curriculum including thematic, multidisciplinary lesson plans, real-life case studies on video, readings with discussion questions, activities, and other resources. Its lessons make it an invaluable resource to the environmentally conscious educator.
- NASA Professional Development Videoconferences:
NASA's Digital Learning Network presents a series of videoconferences to assist educators in staying current on NASA education resources and related products. During each event, product producers, authors and experts will demonstrate their materials designed to optimize awareness and understanding of science concepts. During the videoconferences, participants will be able to submit questions to the presenter that will be addressed during the presentation. The following topics will be covered: "Meteorology: An Educators Resource Guide for Inquiry-Based Learning" (April) and "NASA Explores Virtual Worlds" (May). Questions about these events should be directed to Caryn Long at caryn.long@nasa.gov.
- Forests Now:
The website will help teachers and students find out how to help save the rainforest by shaping the outcome of the new climate change agreement. The nations of the world are negotiating a new climate change agreement this year that could include compensating developing countries for protecting their forests. The website provides news, case studies, and resources about forests and climate change
- A Hot New Resource! Climate Change: A Wisconsin Activity Guide:
This climate change guide is for teachers to help students (grades 7-12) investigate the evidence and causes of climate change, examine its impacts on ecosystems, explore and discuss varied social and cultural perspectives, and get involved helping to solve this local and global predicament. The guide includes 12 engaging activities suitable for classes in English and language arts, environmental education, math, science, art, and social studies.
- How We Know What We Know:
Lynne Cherry and Gary Braasch co-authored How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming (Dawn Publications, March 2008), presenting evidence gathered by scientists from all over the world, sometimes with the assistance of young "citizen scientists" and told in an age-appropriate manner with clarity and hope.
- The Canary Project:
The Canary Project is an organization that uses visual art to communicate the impact of climate change. The organization started in 2006 photographing landscapes that are greatly affected by climate change and have since expanded the project to include other artists and media.
- NAAEE New installment of EE and Diversity:
The newest installment of Environmental Education (EE) and Diversity is now available NAAEE website. This installment focuses on adapting to change, a basic on the ecological and social concept. The installment examines the capacity of our current environmental leadership to incorporate the new approaches and solutions that are emerging to address local and global problems. For more information contact intercambios@zianet.com
- Armenian Tree Project (ATP) Expands EE to Reach Next Generation:
ATP Project Manager, Anna Jenderedjian, discusses the success of the ATP program and how this success has helped the expansion of environmental education programs throughout Armenia. ATP develops and distributes curriculum to schools, trains teachers on implementing activities for students, and engages communities by tree planting projects and reforestation.
- Curriculum Unit on Climate Change:
Facing the Future is offering Climate Change: Connections and Solutions, a set of two-week interdisciplinary curriculum units for students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 in pdf format. Aligned with national science and social studies standards, these lessons begin by building a foundation for understanding climate change and ends with students being able to communicate complex and interconnected issues related to climate change.
- Knoogle - New Mobility:
Knoogle 1.1 is the first iteration of a power search engine specifically tailored to help policy makers, local governments, researchers, NGOs, activists, consultants, concerned citizens, and the media to keep up efficiently with the work and activities of leading international groups in the fields of sustainable transport and sustainable cities. Knoogle is a free product of the collaborative New Mobility Knowledge Environment: Linking a worldwide learning community in support of urgent, climate-driven transport reform in cities.
- Mystery Class Geography, Science, and Math Project ~ Online:
Teachers and students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate this winter/spring in Journey North's Mystery Class project in which students try to find 10 secret classes hiding around the globe using the changing sunlight at each site as the clue. Students develop a deep understanding of important concepts by puzzling them out in real time.
- Pennies for the Planet:
Pennies for the Planet is a nationwide campaign that taps into the amazing power of kids to help critical conservation projects. For the last several years, kids have helped save wild places around the world by collecting pennies (and other coins!) to raise thousands of dollars for conservation projects. This campaign is created to promote conservation action and to support current and future environmental leaders. Materials included are a full color poster and educator's guide, a newsletter for kids, and a participation form with incentives and awards which are available to download from the Web site for classroom or at-home use.
- Universal Awareness for young children:
This Web site is part of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy outreach program using "the beauty and scale of the universe to inspire very young children in underprivileged environments." Site offers a wide variety of educational materials such as online activities, games, animations, films, and teachers' materials
- Understanding Sustainability - A Two-Week Unit for Social Studies:
Facing the Future is offering a free, two week social studies curriculum for grades 9-12. Through hands on learning and real-world lessons, students come to understand timely issues such as: ecological footprint, sustainable civilizations, and media awareness.
- Clean Sweep USA Web Site:
This Keep America Beautiful Web site is an educational math and science classroom resource that was recently expanded to include litter prevention and beautification lessons. The Web site features interactive learning modules addressing real-world issues about waste. To receive a free copy of the promotional poster, contact KAB by email at cleansweepuse@kab.org.
- Sibley Nature Center Web site
The Sibley Nature Center Web site is dedicated to improving teachers' and students' knowledge about Texas. The Web site has 600 plus essays and 100 photoessays with over 4000 photographs of the Llano Estacado.
- YouthXchange Training Kit on Responsible Consumption
A collaboration between the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the training kit is a train-the-trainer tool that aims to promote sustainable consumption patterns in youth worldwide. The YouthXchange online guide features over 84 pages of information on sustainable consumption.
- Musical Mark "Batsongs" CD
Musical Mark, a children's singer/songwriter, just released a new CD about bats entitled "We're Just Hangin' Out". The CD includes 10 educational and fun songs that will help kids learn about bats. Musical Mark will be touring the eastern US in 2009 with a multi-media theatrical one-man show featuring the songs.
- FREE Teacher Resources
FREE makes it easier to find teaching and learning resources from the federal government. More than 1,500 federally supported teaching and learning resources are included from dozens of federal agencies. New sites are added regularly. Get new resources delivered to you several times a week by signing up for the FREE RSS. FREE is among the most popular K-12 websites maintained by the U.S. Department of Education because of the many great resources being offered by contributing federal agencies.
- Michigan Green School Website
If you have not had a chance to visit the Michigan Green School Website, you are missing a great resource. You will see how your school can become a GREEN School. You will also find lots of resources to make this happen.
- New Biodiversity Resource: Tending the Garden
This new National Council of Churches Eco-Justice program is offering this new biodiversity resource Tending the Garden: Stewardship of Biodiversity and Endangered Species. This resource is advocating for the health of biodiversity around the world and aims to provide information for churches and ministries to begin educating people about the importance of biodiversity.
- Earn a Master of Environmental Management Online
The Duke Environmental Leadership Program offers a two year Master of Environmental Management degree through both an online and on campus program. It provides a broad perspective of interdisciplinary and global themes, strategic approaches to environmental management, and effective leadership and communication skills.
- Aldo Leopold Collection Now on Encyclopedia of Earth
The new collection of Aldo Leopold, one of the most important figures in ecology and conservation in 20th century America, is now online thanks to a collaborative effort between the Encyclopedia of Earth and the Aldo Leopold Foundation. The collection touches many fields of study, including conservation, wildlife ecology, wilderness preservation, agriculture, environmental ethics, and public policy.
- Bilingual EE News Service
The Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM) now has a bilingual service to share news of upcoming events, professional development opportunities, and new resources. The website, available in both English and French, is designed to support and develop competency in educators, communicators, learners and consumers, and build capacity for environmental learning and sustainability.
- Climate Science Literacy Guide and Online Catalog
The Climate Science Literacy Guide serves as a framework for understanding and communicating about climate science. The guide can be used as a discussion starter, as a launch point for scientific inquiry, or to serve educators who teach climate science principles. If you would like to contribute resources to the Climate Science Literacy Online Catalog, follow this link: http://serc.carleton.edu/climatechange/contribute_website.html .
- EE Week Student Carbon Footprint Calculator
Developed by Zerofootprint, the EE Week Carbon Calculator encourages students, classrooms and schools to measure and manage their own carbon footprints. The goal of the EE Week Carbon Calculator is to have students develop creative ways to curb their carbon output and slow climate change.
- Estuaries 101 Online Curriculum
This new online science curriculum was developed by NOAA's National Estuarine Research Reserve System to help grade 9-12 science teachers incorporate coastal and estuarine science into their classrooms. The curriculum is comprised of four modules, which teach the subject through earth, life, or physical science domains.
- Little Green Books
Keep America Beautiful (KAB) and Simon & Schuster teamed up to publish a new eco-friendly children's book series to help teach the importance of improving the environment, preserving habitats, and developing good "green" habits. A few of the books in the series include I can Save the Earth: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, The Polar Bears' Home: A Story About Global Warming, and Little Panda and Little Monkey.
- Clean Water Pipe Council
The Clean Water Pipe Council is an advocacy group focused on the health, environmental, safety, and sustainability issues surrounding rigid PVC plastic and the water pipes made from it. This nonprofit trade organizations goal is to accumulate and disseminate information about the distribution of safe, clean drinking water, and to ensure the quality of drinking water in municipal water systems.
- 2009 Online EETAP Courses
The Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) and the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (UWSP) online Environmental Education courses and schedule are now listed on their website. Descriptions of courses are also available.
- Free Scientific Method Poster
This free classroom poster offers a great visual overview of the six steps of the scientific method as described on the Science Buddies website. Request a free copy for your classroom today. There are no shipping and handling charges and supplies are limited.
- Habitable Planet Course
This online course was produced by the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in association with the Harvard University Center for the Environment. It consists of 13 half-hour streaming video programs, online text, professional development guide, and accompanying web materials. Graduate credit is available from participating institutions. All online materials are free of charge and hard copies of materials are available at nominal cost.
- Earth Charter Handbook
The Earth Charter Handbook provides basic information on the origin, nature, and purpose of the Earth Charter, the structure and mission of the Earth Charter Initiative, and the organization, goals, and policies of ECI.
- Curious George Helps Bring Earth Science to Kids
Leverage Curious George's appeal to bring earth science learning to young kids. PBS has created easy-to-use resources for educators that are free and online. The resources outline how to set up and run hands-on "Curiosity Centers" where children can make their own discoveries about sand, water, soil, wind, and recycling. How-to includes simple materials lists, learning goals, leader notes, and tips for success. Over 80 three-minute video clips showing kids exploring science are also available.
- FUNDRED Dollar Bill Project
The FUNDRED Dollar Bill Project is a national project intended to support the rebuilding of New Orleans by making the environmental conditions safer for its residents. The FUNDRED Dollar Bill "artworks" created by students across the country will be collected by armored truck and delivered to Washington, DC. Those drawings will ultimately contribute to developing awareness and delivering solutions for the environmentally responsible rebuilding of New Orleans.
- Project Learning Tree and Earth & Sky Radio Show
Listen to the Earth & Sky Radio Show online or find a radio broadcast in your area to hear from scientific experts about issues including climate change, habitat loss, clean water, and forest sustainability. The Earth & Sky Radio shows and podcasts have been correlated to Project Learning Tree (PLT) activities and provide educators with access to accurate, reliable, and understandable scientific research and data.
- Share Your Experience and Let Facing the Future Send You to a Conference
Continue your professional development by sharing your knowledge of environmental and sustainability education with other teachers - and have your conference costs reimbursed! As a Peer Educator, you will join a community of educators and present workshops about your teaching experiences using Facing the Future curriculum resources.
- For Families Who Enjoy the Outdoors!
This site is for parents to share their adventures, misadventures, tricks, and "must-avoid" tips for traveling with children in the natural world. You don't have to be a seasoned pro, only need the desire to go outdoors with your family. Log on, share your stories, or ask questions. Visit often to learn from each other and read the weekly blog.
- Updated Green Careers Resource Guide
Download the free Green Careers Resource Guide - designed to assist career development professionals, but also of use to self-directed students, career explorers, job seekers, and career changers. This downloadable guide was originally developed by Jim Cassio for attendees of the 2007 International Career Development Conference, and in response to positive feedback, Cassio has made it publicly available.
- Facing the Future: Educating & Inspiring a Global Generation
Are you interested in continuing professional development? Would you like to learn at your own pace? "Facing the Future: Educating & Inspiring a Global Generation" is an online, independent continuing education course for educators of grades 5-12, to build upon their teaching expertise and to think creatively about how to integrate global issues, sustainability, and local solutions into their curricula.
- Clearing Magazine
CLEARING is one of the oldest publications for environmental and place-based education in the country. First published in 1978, CLEARING is a quarterly magazine for formal and non-formal educators that features thought-provoking perspectives, insightful resource reviews, grade- and subject-specific activities and lesson plans, and news from regional EE associations in the western US and Canada.
- Green Schools Initiative Back to School Tips
The latest Green Schools Initiative newsletter, A Green Back to School, is packed with helpful information on shopping green for the start of the new school year.
- The GREENS Activity Guide
MeetTheGreens.org kids' guide to looking after the planet has just added a new activity guide. It pairs hands-on activities to deepen kids' understanding of topics like recycling and global warming with campaigns to reduce junk mail and get drivers to stop idling cars. This innovative, Web-only project comes from WGBH in Boston, the producer of shows like ZOOM, ARTHUR, Frontline, & NOVA.
- Science Builder Vocabulary Helper
Science Builder, provided free by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), is a science vocabulary helper for students in grades 2-6. This resource provides the definition of various science vocabulary words, oral presentation of the words, and electronic review tests. Science Builder is completely aligned to the grade level expectations and is a handy tool for all students and teachers. A CD version will be sent to school principles, but the resource is now available online. The username for the website is: michigan (case sensitive) and the password is: science (case sensitive).
- Premiere Presentations of the Cleaning for Healthy Schools Toolkit
The free, online Cleaning for Healthy Schools Toolkit will educate you about green cleaning. It can also be tailored to create state or local educational programs for agencies, education officials, workers, and parents and communities. The externally reviewed training tools are also ‘open-source' and ‘industry-free'-- in short, a unique, comprehensive program to advance policy and practices that help safeguard child and adult health, reduce the use of toxic chemicals, cost-effectively improve cleaning, and improve school IAQ.
- New Educational Materials Available from NASA
The Educational Materials section of NASA's Web site offers classroom activities, educator guides, posters and other types of resources that are available for use in the classroom. Materials are listed by type, grade level and subject.
- Invitation for New Science Teachers
Applications are now being accepted to participate in the online science-mentoring program, e-Mentoring for Student Success (eMSS). The deadline to apply is September 30, but space is limited. eMSS is becoming one of the nation's largest mentoring networks of secondary science teachers. Since its inception in 2002, the eMSS professional learning community has grown to over 300 mentees and mentors from 10 states. In 2008, eMSS will be available nationwide. Applications are currently being accepted from new science teachers in their first through third year of teaching in grades 6-12. In order to apply you must visit the website linked above. Click on Beginning Science Teachers and use the enrollment code: MI1S. Then you fill out the online application.
- Artic Community Curriculum - Resources Students and Educators
From the Will Steger Foundation's Global Warming 101 initiative, Arctic Community Curriculum focuses on community, solutions, and positive messages of hope and action in response to the challenge of climate change. Based on the idea that we are all members of the community of Planet Earth, the curriculum looks in detail at a specific area, namely the Arctic, to help us appreciate the meaning of community. The Arctic Community Curriculum is free of charge and compliments the other educational resources. available through the Web site, http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/8496079
- Environmental Surveys for Home and School
Visit the ThinkEarth Web site for two easy-to-conduct surveys that will help lessen your environmental impact. The home survey can be conducted by family members, and the school survey can be conducted as a class project from grade six and up. Once survey answers are entered online, personalized recommendations are generated to show you how to better "Think Earth." The free, broad-based surveys cover air quality, energy and water conservation, and waste reduction.
- Sea Stories
Explore the world's oceans in the latest issue of Sea Stories, an online journal of creative writing and art by ocean-lovers from all backgrounds and walks of life: writers, artists, educators, students, scientists, fishers, conservationists, explorers, and just regular people. Educators are invited to use Sea Stories in the classroom or as a publishing opportunity for themselves or their students.
- Sustainable Farmer
As food and fuel prices rise, a new generation of farmers is looking to sustainable agriculture as a way to provide fresh local food to local consumers in ways that protect the planet. Sustainable Farmer is a new multimedia online magazine for people raising food and fiber with respect for the future of all living things.
- TerraCycle and the Eco-Capitalist
Help eliminate the idea of waste Earn money by recycling. Terracycle buys plastic wraps, candy wrappers, and a whole slew of plastic containers from groups, schools, and fundraisers, to reuse for their business. They make everything they sell out of trash!
Read more on the Eco-Capitalist blog from Tom Szaky, the CEO of TerraCycle, who writes about driving up business profits by being environmentally and socially responsible.
- Secondary Environmental Education Module "Forest of the World"
Project Learning Tree (PLT), in partnership with the World Forestry Center, has completed a new set of secondary activities Global Connections: Forests of the World. The new module will consists of nine activities that will provide students with the opportunity to do research and apply critical thinking skills to consider the social, economic, and environmental implications that underlie decisions about forest management. Educators can use the module in biology, geography, agriculture, and other science and social studies courses at the high school or early college level.
- The EPA has a website devoted to high school students!
Learn about conservation methods, internship availability, air quality, healthy and safety. This site contains a large quantity of information available that is specifically designed for high school students.
- A Guide to Desert & Dryland Restoration:
This book, written by David A. Bainbridge, is a study of dryland degradation and desertification. Bainbridge describes, in detail, the causes and solutions to this problem. Student activities are suggested in the book and selected chapter powerpoints are available free online.
- TogetherGreen Grants and Leadership Program Launched
A new National Audubon Society program with support from Toyota aimed to build conservation leadership; engage people in conservation action; and achieve lasting conservation results. The TogetherGreen Innovation Grants will fund projects that engage diverse communities and contribute to measurable conservation outcomes. The Conservation Leadership Program invests in leaders who are committed to empowering others and to creating positive environmental change in their communities and organizations.
- Two New Publications on the Environment and Human Health
The National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) is offering a pdf version of two publications from the 2007 National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment: Integrating Environment and Human Health. The first report, Integrating Environment and Human Health, discusses the connection between human health and the health of the planet. The second publication Climate, Poverty and Health: Time for Preventive Medicine, describes the negative impacts of climate change on human health and how poverty exacerbates the impacts. http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/7675079
- MEERA
My Environmental Education Evaluation Resource Assistant (MEERA) is a new online resource aimed to help Educators evaluate the quality of their program. MEERA is designed to help educators with little, intermediate, or advanced evaluation experience. This tool was created at the University of Michigan in partnership with the US EPA and US Forest Service response to the growing need to report on program successes to funding agencies. MEERA helps educators choose an appropriate evaluation and provides a step-by-step guide through the process, including sample evaluations from other programs. For more information, visit the web link http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/7675099
- Adopt the Guidelines
Groups are encouraged to adopt these guidelines from the NAAEE and the National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education. Organizations that have adopted these guidelines will increase awareness and improve environmental education in the field. Visit the website for more information and to view a list of organizations that have adopted the guidelines.
- Mindful Living: Human Health, Pollution, and Toxics
This resource helps individuals learn about toxins and pollution in common household items, such as baby toys. Learn how to react to the presence of pollution and toxic substances in your home and community.
- Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy
This website includes material such as videos, slideshows and articles. This resource, for educators and students, explores the relationship between economic growth and environmental protection.
- Earth Charter in Action
A variety of resources and material available, including a newsletter! Learn what steps you can take as well as what is needed for a sustainable future from a global consensus.
- NASA has a new website!
This site provides in-depth information about NASA's past, future and current missions. Interactive science material is kid-friendly, easy to navigate and allows access to more resources behind NASA missions.
- Learn about the Moon through Games
NASA is sponsoring this online game initiative to increase science education. Game players will be assessed on how much they are learning by how they play the game. This game is free and designed for students 13-18 years of age.
- e-Mentoring
e-Mentoring for 1st-3rd year middle/high school science teachers is available for 2008-2009! An online mentoring gives mentees the opportunity to work with experienced educators, scientists and other new teachers. Each mentee has a personal mentor and has access to a variety of resources. To view a virtual tour click here.
- Michigan Science Author Lucinda Mitchell
Michigan Science Author Lucinda Mitchell is a Michigan Science Author and a 6th grade teacher who has self-published three books for children. Her books focus on constellations and space poetry. Ms. Mitchell is available to speak in both science and English classrooms. For more information please contact the author by email at lomitchell@lycos.com. Her books are available for purchase through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, www.authorhouse.com, and Borders bookstores.
- Climate and Poverty Resource
The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program studies the relationship between climate change and poverty. This resource is designed for adult study as well as youth activities and includes ways to take action. It is available free online.
- Climate and Poverty Resource
The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program studies the relation between climate change and poverty. This resource is designed for adult study as well as youth activities and includes ways to take action. It is available free online.
- University of Wisconsin - River Falls
The University of Wisconsin - River Falls is currently offering an online graduate certification program that allows individuals to engage in further advancement within the environmental fields. This course seeks to offer skills that will allow the students to effectively preserve the Earth's natural resources while enhancing economic opportunity within their community. For more information follow the link provided above or contact Steve Sandstrom at ssanndstrom@centurytel.net
- Habitable Planet Course The Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics has joined with the Harvard University Center to provide educators with a very useful online tool. These online course are designed to assist educators with advancing their ability to transform their classroom. All of the materials presented are free of charge and hard copies are available at a nominal cost.
- State Wind Outreach Team
The State Wind Outreach Team has been formed by the Energy Office to offer educational outreach to the State of Michigan regarding wind energy. The State Wind Outreach Team attempts to provide information that is accurate and up to date for educators in the community to utilize. Area educators can obtain more information on this program by visiting the link listed above.
- K-12 Educational Online Seminars
The National Science Teachers Association has come together with a group of providers to offer science educators a chance to engage in some exciting opportunities. A series of free 90-minuete online seminars are available to all those interested in furthering their understanding of many important science related issues. Teachers can learn about everything from coral ecosystems and polar bears, to Mars exploration and food science. To register for these events follow the link provided to the NSTA webpage.
- Seminars in Science
This is a great opportunity for educators looking to obtain post graduate certifications in science related fields. The American Museum of Natural History is sponsoring these 6-week seminars on the solar system. Other classes offered through these seminars include topics such as; The Ocean System, Genetics, and the Diversity of Fisheries. Graduate credit is available for those interested.
- Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC):
The GBBC is a free annual event open to bird watchers of all ages. Take part anytime during the four-day event and, in as little as 15 minutes, you will be involved in a continent wide real-time snapshot of birds.
- Cartoons for Conservation:
Artist Alan Hesse's website is comprised of his conservational and educational cartoons. These cartoons illustrate conservation messages in a fun and easy to understand format.
- Rare Earthtones:
Free downloadable wildlife ringtones available from The Center of Biological Diversity. The website also offers photos, wallpaper and facts about featured wildlife species for free download!
- Fisheries Learning on the Web (FLOW):
Free Great Lakes ecosystem lessons and activities available online for elementary and middle school educators. Explore food webs, fish and water in a fun, hands-on way.
- Astronomical Society Seeking Activities:
The Astronomical Society of the Pacific is beginning work on a national professional development project to help small-to medium-sized nature centers, science museums and natural history museums engage their visitors in more astronomy explorations. Submit information and suggestions on quality astronomy activities that are already in use in informal education settings to Suzy Chippindale at: schippindale@astrosociety.org
- Community Space for Educators:
Bioneers has a new community space for educators to provide inspirational and practical materials and events. Read articles and interviews with educational innovators and visionaries. Explore and share curriculum and teaching ideas. Create a blog to share articles and thoughts. Propose and conduct interviews with Bioneers speakers.
- Environmental Online Classes
The National Center for Atmospheric Research is offering an online course for K-12 educators. These online courses include topic discussions concerning Earth system science, climate and global changes related to the science field. The courses are 6 weeks and the class sessions run throughout the year depending on the topic you are interested in. There are three focus areas in the classes that include, Introduction to Earth's Climate, Earth System Science: A Climate Change Perspective, and Understanding Climate Change Today. For more information and to register for the classes visit the website, http://ecourses.ncar.ucar.edu .
- M.S. In Ecological Teaching: Lesley University
This Master program offered through Lesley University provides those seeking a continued education with a desirable option. Lesley University offers and academically rigorous program that challenges individuals to think progressively about the environmental concerns present today. This is a 32 credit program and it is designed to involve extensive hands on experience to assure the students are receiving a thorough educational experience. If you may be interested in this program, much more information is available online at www.lesley.edu/gsass/audubon .
- Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation:
Participants will learn to evaluate environmental education and outreach programs by designing evaluation tools, such as questionnaires, focus groups, or observation forms. This course was designed to assist environmental educators and natural resource professionals to help evaluate their education programs. For more information on the course, please visit: http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/2066911
- Fundamentals of Environmental Education:
This online course provides both classroom teachers and other educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate environmental education into their instruction. Participants will discuss the history and goals of environmental education, develop instructional methods and discuss the professional role of an environmental educator, as well as interact with educators from around the county. For more information on the course and to register, please visit: http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/2066911 .
- Free Energy Lesson Plans and Activities:
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is offering 350 downloadable lessons and activities on energy efficiency and renewable energy. The lessons are organized by grade level and topic. For more information about obtaining the classroom materials, please visit http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/2066917.
- Inconvenient Truth Teacher Resources:
Make your school more green with Environmentally Friendly One Planet Fundraising. On this site you will find links to websites offering lesson plans and information on global warming and climate change. In addition, this site offers teacher generated lessons and units for use specifically with Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth.
- THREE PROGRAMS FROM EDUCATION.COM - Get Published!
Share your knowledge (and opinions) about education and child development with the world! Submit articles, activities, lesson plans, and more. We review for publication clearly written, concise, and consumer-friendly content. Education.com serves parents, educators, and students in preschool through twelfth grade. http://www.education.com/get_published/
- Green Hour:
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) created this Web site to provide parents with the information and inspiration to get their children outside for an hour every day. Learn why this is so important and how it will benefit your children. Check out the virtual community and share your outdoor experiences! http://www.greenhour.org/
- New Book: Wetland Drainage, Restoration, and Repair:
Learn how to restore naturally appearing wetlands at schools and nature centers for use by 30-students at a time for under $2,000.00. Author Tom Biebighauser has built over 985 wetlands across North America and regularly teaches hands-on wetland restoration workshops. The book features his specialty of helping educators build wetlands at schools by using a variety of techniques including synthetic liners to benefit frogs, toads, salamanders, aquatic plants, and endangered species.
- The Ecotipping Points Project:
The EcoTipping Points Project is "Disseminating a New Paradigm for Strategic Sustainability." The Web site features environmental success stories from around the world, educational materials, regional planning, and more. Resources page includes Educational Materials.
- The Encyclopedia of Earth:
The Encyclopedia of Earth is an electronic reference about the Earth, its natural environments, and their interaction with society. The goal of the experts who contribute to this Web site is to make it "the largest reliable information resource on the environment in history."
- ToxTown:
Tox Town helps high-school students and teachers learn about environmental health concerns and toxic chemicals pictured in an imaginary town. Includes a text version and some Spanish-language resources.
- Virtual Island:
This virtual earth-science island, offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), offers site visitors the opportunity to experience several earth-science phenomena while learning about the cutting-edge science that NOAA conducts regularly.
- World Ecosystems Beyond Borders (WEBB):
Free Web-based curriculum to help teachers bring global environmental issues to science and social studies classrooms. The WEBB curriculum engages students in a dynamic study of local and global issues to prepare them for citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world. Sponsored by Global Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
- Astronomy from the Ground Up:
The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASTC) and the National Optical Astronomy Observatory are currently accepting applications for this National Science Foundation sponsored astronomy workshop for science center and other informal educators. Apply online to be considered for the free workshop. The time commitment is approximately five hours per week.
- Change a Light, Change the World Campaign:
According to the U.S.government's Energy Star program, by simply replacing a 60-watt incandescent light bulb with an equally bright 13-watt Energy Star qualified light bulb, a household will save more than $30 in energy costs over the lifetime of the bulb. Join the Campaign! For more information visit:
- Awareness Ideas:
This website proves in classroom materials for the awareness of environmental troubles. You can purchase posters, banners, and school supplies with an environmental theme to make your students more aware of the environmental.
- Energy Hog Campaign:
The Alliance to Save Energy's Energy Hog campaign is educating teachers, kids and parents about energy efficiency. Why? Saving energy lessens our dependence on foreign oil, improves our air and water quality, and reduces our energy bills. To help spread energy efficiency in the classroom, print out our Student and Teacher Guides.
- Getting Lost in the Great Indoors:
A Washington Post article about how Many adults worry nature is disappearing from children's lives.
- GLOBIO Mapping Human Impact:
This UNEP program, Global Methodology for Mapping Human Impacts on the Biosphere (GLOBIO), uses models and analysis to assess human impact on the biosphere. The Web site features maps, videos, and documents, as well as a description of the model and scenarios.
- GreenDimes:
GreenDimes stops your paper junk mail, helps protect your identity, and plants a tree for you every month for a fraction of the cost of doing it on your own.
- Soil-Net:
Soil-Net.com is an educational resource about soil, with extensive teacher aids supporting many curriculum-based interactive student activities.
- The Chances of the World Changing POV (Point of View):
A PBS acclaimed independent non-fiction film series presents: An extraordinary chronicle of two years in the life with Richard Ogust, whose life turns into strange territory as he shares his Manhattan loft with 1,200 turtles he is trying to save.
- Building a Presence for Science:
Is the largest networking initiative of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). This award-winning program is designed to improve the teaching and learning of science from kindergarten through 12th grade. NSTA is the world's largest organization dedicated to the improvement of science teaching and learning. Major funding for Building a Presence for Science is provided by the ExxonMobil Foundation.
- Free ACT Prep:
The Michigan Virtual School has licensed testGEAR™ as an online test preparation tool for the ACT, Michigan Math, Michigan Science and Michigan Social Studies portion of the Michigan Merit Exam. The purpose of testGEAR™ is to help students prepare for these exams.
- Free Resources for Science Teachers:
To find free resources and services can help you develop your teaching strategies for next year.
- Michigan Merit Curriculum Science:
In preparation for implementation of the new high school graduation requirements, the Michigan Department of Education, in collaboration with partners across the state, has developed Course/Credit Content Expectations to provide all educators with a common understanding of what high school students should know and be able to do at the completion of each credit/course.
- New Environmental Book Emphasizes Critical Thinking:
The National Science Teachers Association new title, Resources for Environmental Literacy, will help middle and high school teachers field tough questions about the environment. Teachers will be able to use this resource as a topic foundation, adding news stories and outside experiences as appropriate for their students. This is a supplementary text that helps build students' critical thinking and analytical skills on a current subject. The book is broken into five modules: Biodiversity; Global Climate Change; Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis; Genetically Modified Crops; and Radioactive Waste. The modules can be purchased individually or as a package included in the Resources for Environmental Literacy.
- The Online Science Assessment Tool:
This site provides access to released items from various state and national standardized tests. All items have been coded to current Michigan Benchmarks and Assessment Standards. The database contains both multiple choice and constructed response questions and can be searched to develop a test built around specific content or assessment standards. After making your selections, a test will be created as an editable Word document. http://www.misd.net/scienceassessment/
- Environmental Education Brochures:
The state of Washington's Department of Ecology announced on Nov. 9 a new series of brochures designed to provide environmental education in an easy-to-access format. The series, called "Issue Up Close," debuted with two brochures: "Managing Our Water Successfully" which looks at the issues affecting water availability and what communities and citizens can do to make a difference. "Mitigation That Works." takes a close look at the critical role wetlands play in habitat preservation and what steps can be taken to restore, preserve and protect wetlands. Both are available on the department's Web site at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/priorities.html
- Join the ARCPS Educator Network:
Action-Research for the Community Problem Solving (ARCPS) is defined as a process that enables students and teachers to participate more fully in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational activities, aimed at resolving an issue that the learners have identified. Clause Poudrier has been using ARCPS with his 6th-grade students since September 1993, and over the past five years has directed a professional development ARCPS program in Canadafor teachers and educators. Claude is forming a network of educators that are using the ARCPS model that will serve as a forum to share ideas, discuss lessons learned, and further develop the ARCPS model. To join contact: claude.poudrier@sympatico.ca , or for more information visit http://www3.sympatico.ca/claude.poudrier/.
- Kids Gardening:
School and youth gardens are ideal vehicles for teaching across the curriculum, enlivening learning, and helping young people develop lifelong social skills. Plants have the power to change our lives. They play a basic role in providing clean air and serve as a nutritious basis for healthy living. And they are uniquely effective teaching tools. This website enables kids to experience all of the joys of gardening. http://www.kidsgardening.com/
- Leadership Clinics in Environmental Conference Design:
The Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) are forming a new approach to conference design. The Leadership Clinics evolved from a practical need to bring EE leaders together to learn about new developments, share ideas, strengthen state-level teams, and create action plans. The EETAP Leadership Clinics offer an incredibly successful approach to building capacity to develop comprehensive EE programs. http://eetap.org/pages/article.leadership_clinics_revolutionize.2006.07.php
- Master of Science in Environmental Education for K-12 Teachers:
A professional development program for practicing teachers to earn a Master's degree while continuing to teach. Online during the academic year with summer on-site courses at Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education (WCEE) University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point http://www.uwsp.edu/natres/msnree/ For more information please contact Timothy Byers, Outreach Program Manager at tbyers@uwsp.edu
- MegaSkills Online:
This Home and School Institute sponsored web site provides information, training, and material for teachers and parents, focusing on children's academic and character education. For more information visit: http://www.megaskillshsi.org/
- Michigan's Rare Plant and Animal Tool:
Until now, learning aboutMichigan's more than 600 rare plant and animal species, their habitat needs and management considerations have meant using multiple books, guides and other reference sources. To give Michigan's residents, decision makers and resource managers a one-stop source for rare species information, the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) has produced a new online tool called the "Rare Species Explorer." http://web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/
- National Public Lands Day:
National Public Lands Day (NPLD) provides an opportunity for volunteers across the nation to work together in improving our public lands.
- PreK-4th Grade Activities Needed:
U.S. EPA is looking for preK-4th grade activities to be used in its new Kids Club. In the club, kids receive recognition for completing environmental projects and activities. Previous activities have been on water conservation (turning off the water while brushing your teeth) and energy conservation (turning off the lights when leaving a room). We are also looking for activities a teacher can do within their classroom. Recognition will be given on the Web site: www.epa.gov/kids
- Primer for Effective Campaign Strategies:
The Great Lakes Connecting Communities Communications Toolbox and Communications Primer provides a simple methodology for creating an effective campaign strategy-designed for Grassroots organizers. The primer was created by Biodiversity Project and distributed by the Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network & Fund (GLAHNF). For more information visit: http://glhabitat.org/GL_Toolbox_v1/Leave_Alone/primerintro.html
- Proposed Interspecies Education Group:
Despite having a group dedicated to environmental education issues, no explicit educational concern with the plight of nonhuman animals or their ecological relationship to human animals presently exists in the nation's leading academic association for educators. If you are an AERA (American Education Research Association) member and would like to help begin a new Interspecies Education group to rectify this, the group's steering committee is presently looking for members. Please contact Richard Kahn ( rvkahn@ucla.edu )
- Seeking Teachers to Pilot Online Lesson:
Greenfield Community College is the recipient of a USDA Agricultural Education Challenge grant and is seeking secondary school teachers to pilot an online lesson on ground-level ozone. There is a small stipend for participating schools. The lesson is adaptable and can be used as an out-of-class independent assignment or as in-class lesson on the environment and/or agriculture. The purpose is to provide a platform for discussion about the interrelationship between agriculture and the environment.Email: field@gcc.mass.edu
- SustainLane:
SustainLane is an open-source knowledge base for state and local government officials to exchange best practices in sustainability as well as network among peers. It also offers a site for people to rate and discuss green products, services, and personal sustainability. For more information visit: http://www.sustainlane.us/.
- The Eco Radio Network:
Eco Radio Network is a weekly radio program hosted by Peter R. Muscanelli. He covers broad topics concerning recycling, sustainability, conservation, alternative energy, up-to-date news of recycling events and other environmental issues. It can be heard on 810 WGY AM radio or log on to http://www.ecoradionetwork.com/. Sundays from 7pm to 8pm.
- Waterbird Population Estimates:
The publication sets the global standard in presenting estimates of the numbers and trends of waterbird populations throughout the world. This fourth edition provides a comprehensive update on information last provided in 2002 and summarizes population data on 878 waterbird species.
- Sea Stories Online Journal:
Feed your imagination with the just-released Vernal 2007 issue of Sea Stories, an online journal of creative writing and art by ocean-lovers from all backgrounds and walks of life. Educators are invited to use Sea Stories in the classroom or as a publishing opportunity for themselves or their students.
- NASAexplores
NASAexplores provides free weekly K-12 educational articles and lesson plans on current NASA projects. Printable and downloadable, these supplemental curriculum resources meet National Science Education Standards.
- MY NASA DATA
MY NASA DATA is an effort to develop microsets of Earth science data that are interesting and useful to the K-12 and citizen scientist communities. The datasets provide information on the atmosphere, ocean, and land surface and are available online, along with lesson plans, teacher-friendly documentation, computer tools, and an Earth science glossary. Science project starter ideas are also available. http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/unit_lessons.html
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