Phoenix Mars Mission Arctic Field Experience for Science Teachers

Phoenix Mars Mission Arctic Field Experience for Science Teachers

June 25-July 1, 2006

Fairbanks, Alaska

Since 2001, the Mars 2001 Odyssey spacecraft has been collecting neutron and gamma ray data confirming the presence of large amounts of buried water ice in the arctic regions of Mars. In 2008, the Phoenix Mars Lander plans to land in a north polar region of Mars, chemically analyze soil and ice samples collected there, and search for organic signatures and evidence regarding climate change on the planet.

The Phoenix Mars Lander and Mars 2001 Odyssey missions invite eight pairs of middle and/or high school science teachers (including one Canadian pair) to immerse themselves in a weeklong summer field experience in Fairbanks Alaska featuring current polar science research on both Earth and Mars!

For more information: http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/events/2006/alaska.asp

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Mission martienne Phoenix - Expérience en Arctique pour les enseignants des sciences

Du 25 juin au 1^er juillet 2006

Fairbanks, Alaska

Depuis 2001, l’engin spatial Mars 2001 Odyssey recueille des données sur les neutrons et le rayonnement gamma, lesquelles tendent à confirmer la présence de grandes quantités de glaces d’eau enfouies dans les régions arctiques de Mars. En 2008, l’atterrisseur de la mission Phoenix Mars Lander se posera au pôle Nord de la planète Mars pour y effectuer des analyses chimiques d’échantillons de sol et de glace et tenter d’y trouver des traces de vie organique et des preuves d’un changement climatique.

Dans le cadre des missions Phoenix Mars Lander et Mars 2001 Odyssey, huit groupes de deux enseignants des sciences des niveaux intermédiaire et/ou secondaire dont deux enseignants canadiens sont invités à venir vivre une expérience unique d’une semaine à Fairbanks, en Alaska, où ils étudieront d’un point de vue scientifique les régions polaires de la Terre et de Mars!

Pour plus d'informations: http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/fr/evenements/2006/alaska.asp

Schools on Board---what an opportunity!

Schools on Board announces its 2006 Field Program! The 2006 expedition will take place October 29-November 11, 2006. Schools on Board will join the ArcticNet science teams on board the CCGS Amundsen (Canada’s state-of-the-art research icebreaker), in Iqaluit, Nunavut. The onboard program will take participants through Frobisher Bay, across the Hudson Strait, along the Labrador Shelf and into the fjords of northern Labrador, proceeding into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and ending at the Coast Guard port in Quebec City.

Visit Iqaluit (Nunavut) - meet community leaders and learn about Northern culture Attend a VIP tour on board the CCGS Amundsen Attend presentations by leading Arctic scientists Work side-by-side scientists in the labs and on the decks Learn about life onboard a research icebreaker Communicate with your school on a live conference call from the ship Conduct your own experiment Travel to the magnificent fjords of Northern Labrador – including Nachvak Fjord in the Torngat National Park Visit Quebec City – local school and historical sites

Schools can apply today to send one of their students and/or teachers on board this exciting science expedition – join the team of 2 program leaders, 8 students, and 2 teachers. Preliminary schedule, costs, and application information are all available on the website – www.arcticnet.ulaval.ca (click on Schools on Board banner). Schools will be selected by the end of June (2006) so that they are ready to select their participant in September.To join the Schools on Board Network and receive updated information on Schools on Board initiatives, or for more information on the 2006 Field Program contact: Lucette Barber (barberl@cc.umanitoba.ca).----The Schools on Board Network consists of educators, scientists and agencies who are interested and connected to Arctic climate change research and science education. The network is used to announce field opportunities for high school students and teachers, inviting them to to join ArcticNet scientists and the Canadian Coast Guard, onboard the CCGS Amundsen, to experience a real science expedition in the Arctic/Sub-Arctic. Through its network Schools on Board informs members of field opportunities, classroom resources, and upcoming Arctic Climate Change Youth Forums. Please feel free to forward this email to other educators and scientists. If you would like to be added to, or removed from the network, please send an email to Lucette at barberl@cc.umanitoba.ca. Visit our website at: www.arcticnet.ulaval.ca .

FOUR NEW US ARTICLES HIGHLIGHT EE WORK

EETAP has completed four new articles on key initiatives in environmental education (EE). Each highlights work by EETAP, its partners, and others in related areas within EE. The articles are written in a popular style to inform EE practitioners and other educators about trends in EE and their significance for the field. EETAP will post the articles in PDF format on its web site for educators to read and download. See below for a short description of each article and links for accessing. http://eetap.org/pages/ee_articles.php Leading the Way to Environmental Literacy and Quality: National Guidelines for Environmental Education Ed McCrea, former executive director of North American Association for Environmental Education, calls the development of the environmental education guidelines the single most important event that has occurred in the field of environmental education in the last decade. For the first time in its history, environmental education has a set of tools that promotes unity, a common language, and the professionalization of the field. The Guidelines grew from NAAEE's desire to ensure that environmental education was a part of the national standards movement. But most of all, the guidelines offer a way to ensure that environmental education materials, programs, and practitioners are of the highest possible quality. Are you or is your state using the Guidelines? Are you a part of this quiet revolution? Click below for a more detailed look at the g! uidelines project and to find out how to obtain free copies of guidelines publications. http://eetap.org/media/pdf/Guidelines.Final.20060319.pdf EE Certification: Making Best Practice Standard Practice Pursuing environmental education certification is difficult, so why do it? What does it mean to be certified? Who benefits? How? These are just a few of the compelling questions addressed in "EE Certification: Making Best Practice Standard Practice," a new article exploring advancements and challenges in state and national EE certification. A growing trend in almost every profession, certification offers a way to assure that professionals in the field meet certain minimum standards and experience. It provides legitimacy for the individual and for the field. Several states, supported by the North American Association for Environmental Education, have thus far established certification programs based on NAAEE's Guidelines for the Preparation and Professional Development of Environmental Educators. The approaches within the four states vary widely, with different methods fo! r demonstrating competency in required areas: environmental literacy, history, professional requirements, planning and implementation, and assessment and evaluation. Even seasoned professionals are seeking certification and finding the process valuable. Says Cheryl Stanco, Project Learning Tree Co-Coordinator at the Texas Forestry Association, "I've been [in the field] for 19 years. When you get to the level I've reached, it's easy to get stagnant. * [Certification] has boosted me out of my complacency." Read the complete article to learn more about certification programs in the United States and how such programs are likely to impact the professional practice of environmental educators. http://eetap.org/media/pdf/Certification.Final.20060227.pdf Distance Education: A User Friendly Learning Option If curling up comfortably in your favorite chair while engaging in a rich exchange of ideas and information with a diverse group of people sounds appealing, then distance learning might be for you. Environmental education is just beginning to tap the potential of the virtual classroom, with courses offered by University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Project Learning Tree, and others. The courses fill gaps in the learning opportunities available to formal and nonformal educators, and have drawn students, educators, resource management specialists, and others from across the country and around the world. Convenience is the hallmark of distance learning, but there are many compelling reasons to consider online education. Read the complete article to explore those reasons and learn about current online offerings in environmental education. http://eetap.org/media/p!df/Online.Final.20060302.pdf The Roots of Environmental Education: How the Past Supports the Future Even a young field like environmental education has deep roots. Some trace the origins of the field back to 18th century philosophers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who felt that education should maintain a focus on the environment. The nature study movement of the early 1900s certainly influenced modern-day environmental education, as did the conservation education programs of the 1930s Dust Bowl era. For some, the passage of the Tbilisi Declaration in 1977 is the seminal event that laid the foundation of the field of environmental education. For others, Tbilisi is remote history and the 1990 Environmental Education Act, which gave rise to the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP), has more significance. Whatever your place along the timeline, it is fascinating to review the many and varied events that have shaped environmental education and given the fi! eld its diverse, resilient, and inclusive nature. Click below to read a history of the field and a detailed environmental education timeline. http://eetap.org/media/pdf/History.Final.20060315.pdf

Natural Science Experiential Workshop for Educators in McCarthy, Alaska

Workshop Announcement

Natural Science Experiential Workshop for Educators

13-16 June 2006

McCarthy, Alaska

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A natural science experiential workshop for educators will be held at

the Wrangell Mountains Center in McCarthy, Alaska, which is in the heart

of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Participants will

learn the tools, techniques, and background for incorporating the

natural world into K-12 curriculum. This intensive 4-day, 2 credit

workshop includes lesson modeling, interactive hands-on activities from

the Alaska Wildlife Curriculum, content information about Alaska natural

history, and focused discussions. Participants will also receive a CD

with four books from the Alaska Wildlife Curriculum.

K-12 teachers, home schoolers, outdoor educators, teacher's aides, and

community leaders are all invited to attend. The cost is $450 per person

which includes all food. Two graduate credits are available for an

additional $25. Sliding scale fees and local scholarships may be

available based on need. Families are invited to dine with participants

for an extra $15 per person per day.

To register or for further information about facilities, costs, and

scholarships, please contact the Wrangell Mountains Center at

wmc@alaska.net or 907-554-4464.

For questions regarding course content only, please contact instructor

Lilly Goodman at lgoodman@mtaonline.net.

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ArcticInfo is administered by the Arctic Research Consortium of the

United States (ARCUS). Please visit us on the World Wide Web at:

<http://www.arcus.org/>

Summer and Fall offerings of online EE courses

Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation – NEW online course

This 11-week on-line course entitled "Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation," will be offered this summer (June 12 – August 25, 2006) and fall (September 18 – December 1, 2006) through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

The course is designed to assist environmental educators and natural resource professionals in evaluating their education programs. Participants have the opportunity to develop and apply skills in designing evaluation tools such as surveys, observation forms, and interview and focus group guides. This course was developed as a cooperative effort between the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) National Conservation Training Center. Participants may obtain three undergraduate or graduate credits from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. All participants, regardless of location, are eligible for the in-state tuition rate. The course is also offered as a non-credit workshop for those who are not seeking college credit.

“I loved the way the course content was laid out. The units and course content flowed together very well. The course also provided me with ways to test/assess our programs and show results, conclusions, and recommendations in a legitimate way.” – Fall 2004 AEEPE course participant

For more information, please visit http://www.eetap.org/ and click on “Online EE Courses” or contact Angela Arkin (mailto:aarkin@uwsp.edu) for a registration form.

Please act quickly the preference registration deadline for the summer course is May 12, 2006.

The preference registration deadline for the fall course is August 18, 2006.

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Fundamentals of Environmental Education Online Course

A 10-week online course about the fundamentals of environmental education will be offered this fall (September 11 – November 17, 2006). The course is appropriate for both classroom teachers and for non-formal educators who work with students and/or teachers. Participants may obtain three undergraduate or graduate credits from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. All students, regardless of location, are eligible for the in-state tuition rate. The course is also offered at a reduced cost for those who are not interested in obtaining college credit.

The "Fundamentals of Environmental Education" online course was developed by the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) in collaboration with national EE experts. It provides educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate quality environmental education into their instruction. Participants discuss the history, definition, and goals of environmental education; develop an understanding of the professional roles and instructional methods of environmental educators; and interact with other educators from across the country. Past course participants have given the course excellent reviews.

“This is a remarkable course. It is very well organized and in a way that I find models teaching organization we can all strive for. I enjoyed the opportunity to read about other people's experiences and to benefit from their knowledge and experiences. I also enjoyed reading the helpful comments the instructor gave me and others on the discussion board. What a wonderful opportunity!” – Spring 2005 FEE course participant

For more information, please visit http://www.eetap.org/ and click on “Online EE Courses” or contact Angela Arkin (mailto:aarkin@uwsp.edu) for a registration form.

Please act quickly the preference registration deadline for the fall course is August 11, 2006.

Summer Field Course Opportunities - Alaska Natural History Institutes

Summer Field Course Opportunities

Alaska's Glaciers, Rainforests, and Wildlife

Alaska Natural History Institutes

University of Alaska Anchorage

 

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Explore Alaska's wilderness and ecosystems this summer through nine new

accredited teacher trainings. As part of each course, participants join

scientists in the field, as well as explore curriculum and teaching

tools and practice ways to incorporate natural history education into

classroom settings. These teacher trainings are accredited through the

University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) for continuing education credit.

 

Bears and Wilderness of Admiralty Island

http://www.alaskanha.org/anhi-tt-bears-wilderness.htm

5-11 June 2006

$750 including 3 credits

 

Study brown bear behavior and experience the concept of true wilderness

by foot and by kayak in the heart of the Tongass National Forest in

southeast Alaska. Offered in partnership with Discovery Southeast, U.S.

Forest Service, Alaska Discovery, Alaska Natural History Institutes, and

Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

*****

 

Sculpted by Ice: Geology and Ecology of Chugach National Forest

(A course of the Anchorage School District Teacher Academy. Open to

teachers statewide)

http://www.alaskanha.org/anhi-tt-sculpted-by-ice-chugach.htm

12-17 June 2006

$750 including 3 credits

 

Discover the rainforests and coastlines of the Chugach National Forest

and Prince William Sound - and the glaciers that have shaped them - by

charter boat and on foot. Offered in partnership with the Alaska Natural

History Institutes, U.S. Forest Service, and the Anchorage School

District Teacher Academy.

*****

 

From the Forest to the Sea: Glaciers, Ocean, and Rainforest of the

Copper River Delta

http://www.alaskanha.org/anhi-tt-from-forest-to-sea.htm

19-23 June 2006

$600 including 2 credits

 

Based out of a field camp 25 miles outside of Cordova, study the dynamic

wetlands and ocean ecosystems of Prince William Sound and the Copper

River Delta by canoe and by trail. Offered in partnership with Prince

William Sound Science Center, U.S. Forest Service, and the Alaska

Natural History Institutes.

*****

 

Using I-Movie to Capture Interest In Science

http://www.alaskanha.org/imovie-teacher-training.htm

26-28 June 2006

$340 including 1 credit

 

Come to Denali National Park to discover how I-movie helps students

demonstrate abstract concepts and tackle project-based learning,

renewing student interest in science. Offered through the Murie Science

and Learning Center, in partnership with the National Park Service and

the Alaska Natural History Institutes.

*****

 

Seals, Ice, and the Wilderness Idea

http://www.alaskanha.org/anhi-tt-seals-ice-wilderness.htm

27 June-3 July 2006

$750 including 3 credits

 

Experience the calving glaciers, towering granite fjords, and harbor

seal habitat of Endicott Arm, southeast of Juneau, by foot and by kayak.

Offered in partnership with Discovery Southeast, U.S. Forest Service,

Alaska Discovery, and the Alaska Natural History Institutes.

*****

 

Science Writing in the Heart of Denali

http://www.alaskanha.org/science-writing-tt.htm

7-9 July 2006

$400 including 2 credits

 

Surround yourself in Denali's natural history and ongoing research as we

explore the literacy of science, learning ways to reinforce Alaska State

Standards for both language arts and science. Offered through the Murie

Science and Learning Center, in partnership with the National Park

Service and the Alaska Natural History Institutes.

*****

 

Denali's Dinosaurs

http://www.alaskanha.org/denali-dinosaurs-tt.htm

10-12 July 2006

$340 including 1 credit

 

Investigate rocks of the Cantwell Formation, learn how to record

geological data, and take home paleoecology lessons for classroom use.

Offered through the Murie Science and Learning Center, in partnership

with the National Park Service and the Alaska Natural History Institutes.

*****

 

Connecting Natural History and Test-Taking

http://www.alaskanha.org/natural-history-tt.htm

24-26 July 2006

$340 including 1 credit

 

Investigate the natural history, habitat, and ecology of Denali National

Park as this living classroom is correlated to Alaska State Standards

and testing scenarios. Offered through the Murie Science and Learning

Center, in partnership with the National Park Service and the Alaska

Natural History Institutes.

*****

 

Whales of Icy Strait

http://www.alaskanha.org/anhi-tt-whales-icy-strait.htm

28 July-3 August 2006

$850 including 3 credits

 

Travel by kayak through humpback whale feeding grounds in the rich

waters near Point Adolphus and Glacier Bay National Park. Explore forest

ecology with a naturalist's perspective. Offered in partnership with

Discovery Southeast, U.S. Forest Service, Alaska Discovery, and the

Alaska Natural History Institutes.

*****

 

FW: Scoping of Arts and Ecology Collaborations

Dear all

I am currently writing a review/report for UNESCO and the Canada Council for the Arts on EcoARTs collaborations - specifically in Canada - and am soliciting input from those involved in Sci/Arts EcoARTs collaborative Projects and arts/environmental group partnerships. In particular, I wish to include a good overview of work done across Canada. If you have been involved in, or can think of any such arts collaborative EcoARTs projects – particularly in mid and eastern Canada - that I should consider, please let me know asap, since I am on a very tight time-line.

I am looking specifically for collaborations between/among professional artists and environmental/ecology groups, env. scientists, ecologists - Canadian works where artists work/collaborate side by side with scientists, environmental groups, engineers, etc, in ways that blur traditional and disciplinary boundaries. These need not be community based projects, but could be.

Particularly, I am interested in not only the projects, but also the experiences of the collaborators as follows:

Who initiated the project (artist or env. group)? Why? How long was (or is) the process from inception to completion? Was the work well-supported? Who funded it? Do you feel the project was a success? How were the terms of participation, evaluation arrived at? Were there questions/issues of ownership? How resolved? How was the work received? What worked well? What did not? What were the challenges? Would you work =ogether, or in this way again? What additional support is/was required and how could the level of support for this genre of work be improved?

This is an overview of EcoARTS collaborations that are taking place so we may map the terrain, understand why these collaborations are strong (if they are), consider what works and what does not, and look to the future... I am very much wanting to assure that a broad spectrum of these collaborative works is well represented in the report, so information is much appreciated. Of course, any contributions will be acknowledged if quoted, and a list of sources and resources will be appended. This document is for public release. Your permission to include the general content your remarks and comments is signified by your reply to this enquiry. No verbatim comments or remarks will be quoted and attributed without explicit permission.

Many thanks in advance.

All the best,

Beth Carruthers

beth@bethcarruthers.com

FW: NSON - science outreach resources

Here is some science education resource information for schools and communities.

The Global Education Project http://www.theglobaleducationproject.org/.

One of the most compact and comprehensive resources ever published, Earth presents essential data and commentaries on the condition of the world's environment - both natural and human.

The Canadian Association of Science Centres Conference, May 25-27, in Ottawa.

The conference targets anyone who plays a role in enhancing and promoting public understanding and enjoyment of science and technology. For more information visit: http://www.canadiansciencecentres.ca/conferences.htm.

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The Nunavut Science Outreach Network (NSON) is a group of scientists, engineers, technologists, educators and interested individuals involved in making meaningful connections between science and technology and Nunavut communities. Through its list server, NSON aims to bridge the cultural and knowledge gap that exists between science, technology and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit so that Nunavummiut may fully participate in and benefit from scientific, technical, land, water and wildlife management opportunities in Nunavut. If you would like to post an article, subscribe or unsubscribe to this list, please send an email to Claudia .

FW: The Green TV

Remy here! I am experimenting with a new EEAY blog. In essence, these newsy notes that I often forward will be recorded at eeay.blogspot.com. You will still get the notes…just that now, the news will be posted for the world to see.

RR

From UNEP Web site

www.green.tv is the brainchild of environmental film Director/Producer, Ade Thomas: green.tv will be a kind of green Google for green films. If you want to see a news item about climate change, watch a kids’ story about penguins or a feature about wind farms, go to www.green.tv and you’ll be able to see some engaging and thought-provoking films about the environment, at a time when a greater understanding and awareness of these issues is critical.”

www.green.tv will carry films from around the world produced by NGOs, community filmmakers, public sector bodies and companies with a firm interest in protecting our environment.

Elliot Morley, UK Environment Minister, said: “There are more people using the internet than watching TV and we also know that there is enormous interest in environmental issues. I think green.tv has tremendous potential, bringing together new technology and innovation in terms of how we spread information.”

www.green.tv will have seven channels covering: air, land, water, climate change, people, species and technologies. In each of these channels there’ll be a feature, a news item and a kids story. green.tv will have the look and feel of a global TV channel but it will combine this with the best elements of the internet, giving users access to online chatrooms and the ability to watch video on demand.

www.green.tv will be online in a form where everyone can view some fantastic video content about the environment. All they’ll need is a broadband connection and all of green.tv’s films will be available to view in full screen, no matter what browser or media player people are using,” Thomas added.

Highlights from EE News

From: EE-NEWS@NAAEE April 12, 2006 This is from the bi-weekly email bulletin provided by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), with funding from the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP). Subscribe by sending a blank email to: ee-news-subscribe@naaee.org Unsubscribe by sending a blank email to: ee-news-unsubscribe@naaee.org View previous issues: http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/457936 and this issue online: http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/457937 6. INTERNSHIPS FOR CANADIAN YOUTH Deadline: May 30, 2006 The 2006-2007 Circumpolar Young Leaders Program (CYLP) six-month internships for Canadian youth originally from, or living in, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, northern Quebec, and Labrador. CYLP provides young professionals with the knowledge, skills, resources, and experience necessary to develop international sustainable development policies to become effective agents of change. http://www.iisd.org/interns/arctic/ 18. EE WEEK ~ APRIL 16 - 22 EE Week is around the corner! Get ready for Earth Day 2006 and sign-up now for a week of educational activities that will involve thousands of educators and millions of students. Make a difference in your home and school! http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/4579170. EE TEACHER WORKSHOP ~ ALASKA Deadline extended: May 31, 2006 June 18-24, 2006 ~ Seward, Alaska Experience six days of pristine glaciers, fjords, and wildlife in Alaska while learning IEEIA, a nationally acclaimed EE program based on the Hungerford issue investigation model. Sponsored by Center of Instruction, Professional Development, and Evaluation. Contact: Versil Withrow teachu@wabash.net http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/457919 17. ZEROFOOTPRINT Zerofootprint (ZFP) is a global green lifestyle hub bringing together green people, products, stories and events. Check out the Green Events calendar for an extensive listing of global opportunities and add your own event: http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/457926 Catch up on the latest "Stories of Sustainability" on ZFP: http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/457927 Take the ZFP challenge -- "Small Ideas to Change Our Planet": http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/457928 http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/457929 20. SALMON SALLY’S UPSTREAM SPRINT Online game from Rainforest Heroes. Help Salmon Sally get back to the river where she was born and swim upstream to the home of her friend Sappy, a young tree living in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/457932