July/August 2010 Newsletter
Special Features
September 15 – 16
James Madison’s Montpelier in Orange, VA
Oil Spill in the Gulf
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has a webpage dedicated to FAQs about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The website defines what crude oil is and has information about what it would take for the oil in the Gulf to reach Virginia and what would happen in Virginia if the Commonwealth experienced an oil spill. The website offers information about the pros and cons of various cleanup techniques. Go to:
http://www.vims.edu/features/research/gulf_spill_faqs.php.
National Wildlife Foundation
NWF has a webpage dedicated to answering children’s questions about the oil spill. Lesson plans are available too. Go to: http://www.nwf.org/Global-Warming/School-Solutions/Eco-Schools-USA.aspx.
Teaching About the Gulf Oil Spill
The Bridge Ocean Science Education Blog
The Bridge Ocean Science Education Blog was created by the Bridge, a website providing free marine education resources, and the National Marine Educators Association. The blog provides a forum for educators to discuss topics related to ocean science and ocean science education. Included is a special section dedicated to the Gulf Oil Spill. Learn moreAmerican Bird Conservancy: Impacts of Oil Spill
The American Bird Conservancy (ABC), an organization dedicated to conserving native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas, has created a page dedicated to providing the public with information on the impacts the Gulf Oil Spill will have on birds. In addition to general information, ABC provides the latest updates on how birds and bird habitat will be affected as well as suggestions for how the public can become involved in the clean-up and wildlife rescue operations. Learn moreEco-Schools USA Special Report: Oil Spill
Eco-Schools, a program of the National Wildlife Federation, created a special report on the Gulf Oil Spill designed to give teachers and students information and resources to help them better understand the spill and its ramifications. Included are questions that kids have been asking the experts as well as information on helping wildlife and the importance of wetlands. Learn moreGulf of Mexico Alliance Environmental Education Network
The Gulf of Mexico Alliance Environmental Education Network (GOMAEEN), an organization that provides resources for educators in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, is providing links to relevant news stories and updating their list as new developments related to the Gulf Oil Spill merit. GOMAEEN also provides links to several lesson plans regarding oil spills in their Educator Resources section. Learn moreEncyclopedia of Earth: Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
The Encyclopedia of Earth (EoE) is a free, searchable collection of articles written by scholars, professionals, educators and experts on the Earth, its environments and their interaction with society. The EoE's extensive article on the Gulf Oil Spill includes information on the magnitude and extent of the spill, clean up efforts and ecological impacts as well as a review of past disasters. Learn moreNOAA Office of Response and Restoration
NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration provides scientific support for oil and chemical spill responses as well as damage assessments in coastal waters. In addition, NOAA is currently providing the latest news relating to the Gulf Oil Spill as well as fact sheets, publications and visuals. Learn moreOil on the Water: The Physics of Oil Spills
This interactive feature on MSNBC's website provides an overview of the physics behind an oil spill. The feature illustrates the physical and chemical processes, known as weathering, that change the oil's properties and behavior after it is spilled into the ocean. Learn moreExperiment to clean up an Oil Spill
This experiment, created by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, and is designed to give kids an idea of what it might be like to clean up an oil spill and why the task is so difficult. Using environmentally-friendly household materials, the experiment guides students through the steps of creating an oil spill and then trying to clean it. A series of observational questions are posed. Learn moreThe Smithsonian Institution: The Ocean Portal
The Ocean Portal, developed by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, is an interactive website that inspires awareness, understanding and stewardship of the world's oceans. Included in the myriad resources provided here is a blog that highlights the unseen impacts of the Gulf Oil Spill, as well as a Spotlight on Science Feature, ocean news and resources for educators. Learn more
Funding Awards and Deadlines
National Science Teacher Association Grant Award Opportunities
Go to: www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx?lid=exp to apply for 2011 grant awards offered by NSTA. This webpage has descriptions of each award, the application, and directions for applying for each grant.
Disney Friends for Change Grants
Deadline July 15
Disney's Friends for Change grants encourage kids everywhere to take steps together with their friends to help the planet. YSA will award 75 $500 grants to youth-led service initiatives around the world that demonstrate youth leadership and the commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. Eligible applicants will be asked to implement their projects between September and November and to connect their projects to International Coastal Cleanup Day, National Public Lands Day (both September 25), or other environmentally-focused days of service. Disney Friends for Change Grants are open to schools, organizations, and individuals planning service projects. Applications submitted by younger children aged 5-14 are especially welcome. The goal of the g rant is to inspire children to join their friends and families, schools, and communities to address critical environmental needs as "friends for change" at the local, national, and/or global levels. Grant applications are due Thursday, July 15, 2010. Learn more at: www.YSA.org/grants/announcements/friendsforchange2010
STEMester of Service Grants
Deadline July 15
Youth Service America is accepting applications for the second year of STEMester of Service. Funded by Learn and Serve America, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, STEMester of Service incorporates YSA's semester-long service-learning framework to engage educators and students in addressing critical environmental needs and connecting them to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) curricula. YSA is seeking 10 middle schools with large populations of disadvantaged youth to join 20 returning STEMester of Service grantees. STEM schools must be located in one of the 12 states with highest dropout rates (Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Washington). The $5,000 grant (that includes travel and training at YSA's Youth Service Institute in Detroit in October) supports teachers as they engage local partners and guide students in addressing local needs through planning and implementing sustainable service projects that launch on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January 17, 2011) and culminate on Global Youth Service Day (April 15-17, 2011). www.YSA.org/grants/stem
Kavli Science Video Contest
Deadline July 15
The USA Science & Engineering Festival Kalvi Science Video Contest is looking for creative and surprising videos submitted by K-12 students that explain why science is cool. Videos might explore a scientific concept, showcase the wonders of nature or provide a glimpse into the future. www.usasciencefestival.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=92&Itemid=93.
Informal Science Education Proposals
Deadline for preliminary proposals July 22
The National Science Foundation is soliciting proposals for the Informal Science Education program. The program supports innovation in anywhere, anytime, lifelong learning, through investments in research, development, infrastructure, and capacity-building for STEM learning outside formal school settings. www.nsf.gov/pubs/2010/nsf10565/nsf10565.htm?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click#pgm_intr_txt.
NEA’s Green Across America
Deadline July 30
Target is sponsoring the Green Across America grant program. Submit a lesson plan or an activity to excite students about becoming better environmental stewards. Go to: http://neagreenschools.groupsite.com/link/go/71883534.
Toshiba America Foundation
Deadline for Grades 6 – 12 Teachers, August 1
Deadline for Grades K – 5 Teachers, October 1
The Toshiba America Foundation funds projects designed by teachers or small teams to promote math and science education. For additional information go to: www.toshiba.com/taf/about.jsp.
Fulbright Scholarships
Deadline to Apply is August 2
Are you an educator? Do you conduct research? Would you be interested in conducting studies abroad? If so, check out the Fulbright Scholarships. Go to:htwww.cies.org/.
EPA Environmental Justice Achievement Awards
Deadline August 13
The EPA’s National Achievements in Environmental Justice Awards program will recognize partnerships that have implemented solutions to local environmental justice concerns in a positive manner. Award winners will be featured on the EPA’s website. Go to: www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/awards/index.html.
Melinda Gray Ardia Environmental Foundation Grants
Deadline September 20
All organizations that seek to promote environmental education are eligible to apply for a grant up to $1,500. For additional information go to: www.mgaef.org/grants.html.
Save the Frogs Art and Poetry Contest
Deadline September 29
Savethefrogs.com is a non-profit organization that is sponsoring an art contest to get citizens interested and raise awareness of amphibians facing extinction. The art contest is open to children and adults. Cash prizes of up to $100 will be awarded. The best art will go into a book to be sold to raise money to continue this organization’s conservation efforts throughout the world. http://www.savethefrogs.com/.
Earth Science Week is October 10 - 16
Deadline for Contest Submissions is October 15
The American Geological Institute announces three contests The 2010Theme is “Exploring Energy.” There is an essay, photography, and visual arts contest. For more information, go to: www.earthsciweek.org/contests/index.html
Upcoming Events
See the improved VaN Calendar with map feature for a listing of all events.
Wildlife Center of Virginia
Classes in Lynchburg – July 17
Wildlife Capture, Restraint, and Transportation
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cost: $25Introduction to Rehabilitating Reptiles
1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Cost: $20
For more information: outreach@wildlifecenter.org or www.wildlifecenter.org/wp/rehabilitator-training/wildlife.
The Nature Zone in Lynchburg
The Nature Zone in Lynchburg has upcoming programs throughout the summer. Here is a list of upcoming events. For additional information, visit the Calendar of Events.
July 13, Wee Wild Ones: Dig Archeology! (Age 4-6) 1-2:30 PM.
July 13 & August 10, Nature Zone Dino-Mites (Age 5-7) 5-6PM.
July 14, Wee Wild Sprouts: Dig Archeology! (Age 2-3) 10-11 AM
August 3, Nature Zone Dinophiles (Age 8-12) 6-7:30PM
August 7, Bat Houses at Lynchburg Grows (Age 10-18) 10 AM-12 Noon
August 10, Wee Wild Ones: Wet and Wild! (Age 4-6) 1-2:30 PM
August 11, Wee Wild Sprouts: Wet and Wild! (Age 2-3) 10-11 AM
August 16-20, Summer Nature Camp (Age 9-12) 10AM-2PM
Family and Nature Nights at the Nature Zone:
July 30, Reptiles and Amphibians (Age 5 and up) 7-8PM
Learn to love your scaly, slimy neighbors with games, activities and more…you may even meet a few “in person”!August 27, Nocturnal Animals (Age 5 and up) 7-8PM
Find out what goes bump in the night with cool games, activities and more. Meet a few critters who “love the night life”!July 27, 7-8PM, Register by July 20, Fossil Night
Come see what we’ve dug up! Learn all about fossils see a few specimens and even bring in your own for us to identify. (Age 5 and up)
For costs and additional information contact the Nature Zone by contacting Kathie Driscoll at kathie.driscoll@lynchburgva.gov or (434) 455-5828.
No Child Left on the Shore Eco-Heritage Project
EE Volunteer Educator Training Workshop
Free, 14 hours teacher credit
July 24 - 25
The Watermen’s Museum in Yorktown in partnership with the Schooner Alliance is conducting educational training workshops for the environmental science program "No Child Left on the Shore" (NCLOS). This free 14 hour, multidisciplinary workshop will train educators to conduct scientific method based comparative sampling on the shore of the York River and in the main channel on the Schooner Alliance. The workshop also includes Project Aquatic Wild, and NCLOS Special Needs Educator training.
Details are available at www.watermens.org For more information contact Michael Steen at Msteen1781@cox.net or (757) 887-2641.
Wildlife in the Bay Watershed Academy
July 12 – 16
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area, Charles City County
Spaces are still available in the VRUEC Wildlife in the Bay Watershed Academy hosted by the Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries. The Academy will be held at the Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area in Charles City County from 8:30-4:00 each day. Teachers will learn field investigation techniques used to monitor wildlife populations near their school. The Academy is free. Teachers will receive guides and materials needed to monitor wildlife populations. Graduate credit is available for a fee. Register on line at www.vanaturally.com.
Wildlife Center of Virginia
Classes in Hampton – July 31
Wildlife Capture, Restraint, Handling, and Transportation 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cost: $20 Introduction to Raising Orphaned Mammals 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: $25
For more information: outreach@wildlifecenter.org or www.wildlifecenter.org/wp/rehabilitator-training/wildlife.
Underground Treasures – August 3, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Virginia Living Museum
524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News
Virginia’s Rocks and Minerals Below the surface throughout Virginia lies an amazing variety of rock and mineral resources. In this hands-on workshop for adults at the Virginia Living Museum, we’ll use simple field and lab techniques to learn to identify native Virginia rocks and minerals, ores, encounter some minerals with unusual properties, and show examples of some surprising commercial uses for these resources. Presented by Jim Drummond, VLM Education Associate. Go to www.thevlm.org/AdultPrograms.aspx for additional information.
NOAA Ocean Explorations Teacher Workshop
August 7
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Norfolk
From bioluminescent corals to deep vent worms, from tropical underwater volcanoes to the Arctic Ocean floor, we know more about the moon than our ocean. Bring the excitement of current ocean science discoveries to your students after attending this hands-on workshop. Registration is required. Space is limited. This workshop is free. Contact Jennifer Kodolitsch at (757) 664-1044 or jennifer.tabor@norfolk.gov.
Virginia Maritime Heritage Eco-Heritage Project
CS Volunteer Educator Training Workshop
Free, 14 hours teacher credit
August 14 - 15
The Watermen’s Museum in Yorktown, in partnership with the Maritime Museum Education Consortium, is conducting educational training workshops for the cultural studies program "Virginia Maritime Heritage" (VMH). This free 14 hour, multidisciplinary workshop will train educators to conduct comparative cultural history and natural science components focused on Virginia Indian Studies, Exploration, Pirates, and Colonial Maritime History. The workshop also includes Project Aquatic Wild, Virginia Indian Maritime Heritage Curriculum, and NCLOS Special Needs Educator training. Details are available at www.watermens.org. For more information contact Michael Steen at Msteen1781@cox.net or (757) 887-2641.
Summer Teacher Training Workshops
Virginia Living Museum
524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Virginia Living Museum is offering workshops for teachers throughout the summer. Classes include:
July 26 Schoolyard Ecology
July 27 Chesapeake Bay Ecology
July 28 More Science Pre-K
July 29 Webs of Life
August 9 Living Plant
August 10 Geology Rocks
August 11 Virginia’s Prehistoric Past
August 12 Teaching Scientific Investigation
All of the workshops are $55 and include the workshop materials. For more information, go to http://www.thevlm.org/teacher-training-registration.aspx.
Mary Baldwin College Offers Environment Based Learning Courses Summer 2010
July 12 – 16 The Intersection of Life and Land (IN634)
August 2 – 6 Natural Research: Using the Environment for Student-Driven Investigations (ED618)
For more information or to register, go to: www.mbc.edu/ebl or contact Dr. Tamra Willis, Graduate Teacher Education Program, Mary Baldwin College at twillis@mbc.edu or (540) 887-7135.
Stewardship Virginia
September 1 – October 31
Stewardship Virginia is a statewide initiative that happens in the spring and the fall. Plan to participate in a stewardship event this fall. Volunteers who participate in a Stewardship Virginia event can receive signed thank you certificates from Virginia’s Governor. Go to: www.dcr.virginia.gov/stewardship/index.shtml.
Shenandoah National Park 2nd – 6th grade Teacher Workshop
September 24
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Shenandoah National Park
At the workshop, teachers will learn how to incorporate the park’s 2nd – 6th grade programs into their classroom lesson plans. Park rangers will familiarize teachers with Shenandoah National Park and the program materials, introduce classroom pre-visit and post-visit activities, demonstrate ranger-led activities planned for the students, and define the responsibilities of teachers, rangers, students, and chaperones on field trips. Workshop attendance is required before bringing students on a park program. The workshop is offered free of charge. Reservations are required and space is limited.
To register, or for more information, call the Shenandoah National Park Education Office at (540) 999-3500, ext. 3489, or email: shen_education@nps.gov. www.nps.gov/shen/forteachers/professionaldevelopment.htm.
Partner Updates and Resources
- Montpelier Foundation, www.montpelier.org/
- Rockwood Nature Center, www.chesterfield.gov/visitors.aspx?id=3021
- Waste Watchers of the Eastern Shore, Jenny O’Neill, wastewatchers@esva.gmail (757) 787-7468
Your Virginia
Jamestown High School Students, of Williamsburg-James City County, Win State Envirothon Environmental Honors
Jamestown High School represented Williamsburg-James City County at Virginia’s Envirothon, a natural resources competition for high school students. The Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District sponsored the Jamestown High School team. As the regional 1st place winner, Jamestown High School, coached by Charlie Dubay and Jenn Giford advanced to the state competition. The 2010 Virginia Envirothon was held May 16th and 17th at the Skelton 4H Center in Wirtz, VA on Smith Mountain Lake. Jamestown High School placed first overall and, as the state champions, will travel to Fresno, California to compete in the Canon National Envirothon from August 1-7, 2010.
Envirothon features five “in-the-field” test stations – soils, wildlife, aquatics, forestry and a current environmental issue – where teams answer questions in both written and hands-on formats. During an oral presentation teams propose a management solution related to the current environmental issue to a panel of judges consisting of industry and natural resource professionals. This year’s issue is “Groundwater Protection through Agricultural, Urban and Environmental Planning.”
“The intense study required for this contest helps prepare students for college entrance exams, as well as possible careers in field associated with natural resources,” said Wilkie Chaffin, President of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Envirothon is sponsored by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Virginia’s 47 Soil and Water Conservation Districts with funding provided by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, the Virginia Chapter of Soil and Water Conservation Society, the Virginia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, James River Equipment, Sovereign Paving Inc, Heavy Contractors Association, Virginia Credit Union and the Canon Envirothon.
If you are interested in helping or learning more about starting an Envirothon team at your high school or through 4-H, FFA, an Ecology club or home school group, contact your local soil and water conservation district or the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts at (804) 559-0324. Additional Envirothon information also available online at www.vaswcd.org.
North Branch Releases Its Catch – Kris Jarvis
This article was written for the baybackpack.com website.
Located in Virginia just south of Afton Mountain on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge, the North Branch School considers experiential education a major part of its guiding philosophy.
One of the school’s current endeavors is providing a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) for students in grades 5-8. To accomplish this goal they selected the Trout in the Classroom Program as their focus.
During the school year, 40 fifth through eighth graders were actively involved in all aspects of raising the trout, from assembling the tank last fall, to the day of the release in South Fork of the Piney River (part of the James River Watershed) this past April.
The year long study was launched with students examining the geography of the local watershed. They learned to read topographic maps by tracing the major waterways in Virginia.
Then they studied water quality parameters by monitoring both their classroom trout tank and a local stream in the field by using the Virginia Save Our Streams protocol.
North Branch’s remaining 70 kindergartens through fourth grade students also participated in the project though regularly visits to the trout tank to sketch the trout in various stages of the life cycle. Younger students conducted demonstrations and experiments and record data with the older students.
It is science teacher Maggie Buchanan’s hope that the MWEE project will increase the students’ understanding of what it takes to keep the local watershed healthy and thriving. Support for the project was provided by Dominion Power and several local natural resource agencies.
Additional Resources:
- Trout in the Classroom – Trout Unlimited
- North Branch School Website
- Fish Related Teaching Resources – Bay Backpack
Litter Picks
Non-Competitive Litter Prevention and Recycling Grants
Deadline for the Performance and the Accounting Report is August 1.
The Performance part of the Performance and Accounting Report is available this year through an on-line submission process. If you want a copy of what you submit electronically, please print each individual page once you complete it. The Accounting Report requires an original signature from an authorized individual and must be postmarked by August 1. http://www.deq.virginia.gov/recycle/programs.html.
Training for the Non-Competitive Litter Prevention and Recycling Grants
Sheila Barnett, Litter Coordinator for the Non-Competitive Litter Prevention and Recycling Grants, conducted a presentation at the Virginia Recycling Association Conference and hosted three Webinars in June. The PowerPoint presentation is available by going to: www.deq.virginia.gov/recycle/programs.html. The presentation is in the What’s New box. Email Ms. Barnett if you have any questions at Sheila.barnett@deq.virginia.gov or call her at 804-698-4055.
The Trash to Treasure Competition
Deadline to Enter is September 5
PBS Kids invites people ages 5 – 19 to take trash and make a treasure. The item that is created should be designed to:
- Move things or people ,or
- Protect the environment, or
- Be used for indoor or outdoor play.
Go to: http://pbskids.org/designsquad/contest/index.html.
Pick up America Rolls Through Virginia
As of June 27, Pick up America has picked up litter in 25 Virginia locations and have collected 12,508 pounds of litter over a stretch of 158 miles with the help of 74 volunteers. For more information about Pick up America or to invite them to your locality to help with a litter cleanup, go to: http://pickupamerica.wordpress.com/tour/.
Keep America Beautiful Awards
Keep America Beautiful offers awards throughout the year. The deadline for submitting nominations for the Achievement Awards and the National Awards is September 15. For additional information about these awards and the other award categories offered by KAB go to: http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=KAB_Award_applications
The New Keep Virginia Beautiful Website
Check out the Keep Virginia Beautiful website and sign up to receive updates on what is happening with KVB. Go to: http://www.keepvirginiabeautiful.org/
Congratulations CVWMA, WRIC and ABC 8!
The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority, WRIC and ABC 8 were recognized at the Virginia Recycling Association’s award ceremony at the annual conference on May 18 for their Trash Talkers educational commercials. Check out the video messages on You Tube. (Type in CVWMA to search).
Results from the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s Litter Cleanups
Check out the results from the Alice Ferguson Foundation from the 22nd annual litter cleanup. They had more volunteers in 2010 than they did in 2009 and the volunteers in 2010 collected less litter than the volunteers did in 2009.
http://www.fergusonfoundation.org/trash_initiative/trash_cleanup.shtml
Assorted Items of Professional Interest
Classes offered by the American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History offers on-line seminars on science for educators. Go to: www.amnh.org/learn/.
Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN)
This organization is collecting educational activities and resources to help teachers and citizens to expand their understanding of climate science and energy issues. Educators are invited to submit lesson plans and activities to be made available through this website. Go to: http://cleanet.org/clean/suggest.html.
Audubon International Hosts Free Webinars
There will be upcoming webinars throughout 2010 and registration to participate is required. The first one is called Being Water Smart. Learn about projects to reduce water use and resources available to citizens to explore their watersheds. Being Water Smart will be held July 13 from 1:30 – 2 p.m. The second webinar will be on July 15 from 1:30 – 2 p.m. and is called Environmental Monitoring. To register and for additional information go to: http://www.auduboninternational.org/webinars.
Chesapeake Classrooms
July and August 2010
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is offering 5-day immersion courses in DC, MD, PA, and VA throughout the summer. Each session is $150 per person. Visit the website at www.cfb.org/chesapeakeclassrooms.
2010 People's Garden Summer Program Guide
All programs and activities listed in this guide are free of charge and open to the public. Upcoming festivals, gardening workshops and youth programs are listed here for July and August. To register for one of the Healthy Garden Workshops call (202) 690-3898. To schedule a Guided Tour of the People's Garden or Program for Youth call (202) 708-0082. Click Here.
Hard Bargain Farm Teacher Workshops
July 12 – 22
Accokeek, Maryland
The Hands-On Science in Action Institute is open to 4th – 6th grade teachers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Visit the website at: www.fergusonfoundation.org/hbf/teacher_training.shtml. Contact Karen Jensen Miles with questions at (301) 292-5665 or kmiles@fergusonfoundation.org.
Introduction to Aquatic Toxicology: Understanding Impacts of Organic Chemicals on Aquatic Ecosystems
July 21-22, 2010
8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Course ID: ETOX - 410
Department of Environmental Quality Building
629 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219
This introductory course provides participants with a strong foundation in aquatic toxicology and the way these concepts are applied to managing pollutants in aquatic environments. The course covers terminology, common test designs and endpoints such as lethality, cancer, and endocrine disruption. Discussion includes fate and transport as it relates to bioavailability and pollutant partitioning in aquatic environments, as well as important preexisting and emerging pollutants. Other topics include Water Quality criteria from the Clean Water Act, 2007 EPA updates for Aquatic Life Copper Criteria, and site-specific criteria for metals using hardness correction, water effects ratio (WER), and the biotic ligand model (BLM).
You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976. Register Online!
NOAA Ocean Explorations Teacher Workshop at Nauticus
August 7
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk
From bioluminescent corals to deep vent worms, from tropical underwater volcanoes to the Arctic Ocean floor, we know more about the moon than our ocean. Bring the excitement of current ocean science discoveries to your students after attending this hands-on workshop. Registration is required. Space is limited. This workshop is free and includes a continental breakfast and lunch as well as parking and materials to bring back to your students to recreate the activities you will be experiencing throughout the day. Contact Jennifer Kodolitsch at jennifer.tabor@norfolk.gov or (757) 664-1044.
EETAP & the University of Wisconsin Offer On-Line Environmental Education Courses
Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) in conjunction with The University of Wisconsin are offering on-line environmental education classes starting in September. The classes being offered are:
- Fundamentals of Environmental Education – September 13 – December 3
- Making EE Relevant for Culturally Diverse Audiences – September 13 – December 3
- Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation – September 13 – December 10
- Leadership Development in Natural Resources:
Strategic Planning and Implementation – September 20 – November 19.
For additional information contact Lesley Sheridan at Lesley.Sheridan@uwsp.edu or (715) 346-4748 or visit the website at: https://www.uwsp.edu/natres/eetap/index.aspx
Shenandoah National Park Teacher Workshop
September 24
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Reservations are required. Call the Shenandoah National Park Education Office at (540) 999-3500 or email shen_education@nps.gov.
Teachers will learn how to incorporate the park’s 2nd – 6th grade programs into their classroom lesson plans. Park rangers will familiarize teachers with the Shenandoah National Park and the program materials, introduce classroom pre-visit and post-visit activities, demonstrate ranger-led activities planned for the students, and define the responsibilities of teachers, rangers, students, and chaperones on field trips. Workshop attendance is required before bringing students to a park program.
National Public Lands Day
September 25
Plan to register a site or participate in a National Public Lands event near you. Plan to participate in a litter cleanup, remove invasive plants, build and maintain trails, plant native plants and participate in other types of stewardship activities. For additional information about National Public Lands Day go to: www.publiclandsday.org/.
North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
Early Bird Registration Deadline – August 11
The conference will be held in Buffalo-Niagara, New York on September 29 – October 2. For information and to register go to: www.naaee.org/conference/registration
Website of Interest
First Lady Michelle Obama launched a Let’s Move Initiative to encourage people to eat right and to exercise. Here is her website:
Let’s Move: http://www.letsmove.gov/index.html
President Barack Obama proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month. His Great Outdoors Initiative encourages people to protect natural spaces and to go outside and builds upon the First Lady’s Let’s Move Initiative. Check out America’s Great Outdoors website:
America’s Great Outdoors: http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/
Become Inspired
Parody Song: Dope in the Water
Sung by Steve Anderson to the tune of “Smoke on the Water” about the drugs we ingest that get into the waterways.
http://blog.gayleleonard.com/2010/04/h2o-mp3-dope-in-the-water-steve-anderson/
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