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Header Picture Captions
Left to Right: Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial S.P. Nature Detectives,
Summer 2010; Academie Lafayette, Kansas City, Stream Class; Sustain Mizzou
Green Team recycling at an MU home football game, Columbia. If you have pictures
of your students learning aout or working in the environment (with permissions)
send them to weaverjc@missouri.edu and we will post them.
Contact Information
Jan Weaver
weaverjc@missouri.edu
MEEA
P. O. Box 13
Columbia MO 65205-0013
Environmental Education Curriculum, Lessons and Resources
from most recent to oldest links
Posted February 1, 2012
Get Mapped with MOST-Science - Leaders of youth out-of-school-time
programs are invited to share their program design and details with MOST-Science,
a nationwide study led by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder.
MOST-Science is collecting data about the organization and practices
of science, engineering and technology-focused out-of-school-time (OST)
programs across the country, and is especially interested in including
programs that focus on environmental science. Contribute a program to
the database (and learn more) at:http://www.colorado.edu/eer/research/outofschool.html
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA)
Releases Six New Publications - The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has released six new
publications in its award-winning North American Conservation Education
Strategy Tool Kit for Achieving Excellence. The new publications include
Fostering Outdoor Observation Skills, Landscape Investigations Guidelines,
Schoolyard Biodiversity Investigations Educator Guide, Project-Based
Learning Model, Outdoor Skills Education Handbook, and Sustainable Tomorrow:
Applying Systems Thinking to Environmental Education Curricula, for Grades
9-12. These and other publications are available for free download. http://www.fishwildlife.org/index.php?section=conservation_education&activator=25
Cool the Earth - Free, fun, and empowering climate change program for
K-8 students and their families that inspires them to take simple actions
to reduce their carbon emissions. Includes action coupons kids earn and
a banner the school can post to show how their actions are adding up
to make a difference.http://cooltheearth.org/our-program/
Operation Reuse It - With colorful illustrations and fact-filled diagrams
complementing the adventure, this picture book tells the story of how
Peter and his friends help Mr. Ogilvy rediscover forgotten belongings
in his shed. They help him organize and distribute the unwanted stuff
to reuse centers in the community, learning the many ways and benefits
of reusing. The children have fun with forgotten treasures such as old
toys, electronics, art supplies, and even a broken-down car, while they
work together to determine how the items should be reused, in the process
saving resources, energy, and money, while diverting materials from the
landfill. For kids 5 and up. https://eelinked.naaee.net/n/eelinked/posts/Operation-Reuse-It
Sustainable Food Systems Education Guide - The education team at the
Stop Community Food Centre has just released a new Sustainable Food Systems
Education Guide for elementary school teachers and community educators.
The guide provides the background information used to design many of
the Stop‚s activities and workshops for children. While this 54-page
guide was originally designed for fifth-grade classroom teachers in Ontario,
it includes information on food systems that can be useful to most teachers
at the elementary level and educators in community settings that are
developing programs around food issues. It is divided into five short
units, includes 25 suggested activities, and four personal stories that
help illustrate issues around social justice. There's also list of additional
resources that includes books, websites, blogs, and videos that have
become popular in our programs. http://thestop.org/grade-5-program
Posted January 23, 2012
Discover the Forest - This campaign from the Forest Service and the
Ad Council aims to inspire tweens (ages 8 to 12) and parents to re-connect
with nature through forests. It includes a link to find forests and parks,
and a "book" of outdoor-related acitivites, animal tracks, leaf rubbings,
exploring leaf litter, direction finding, a nature scavenger hunt, a
waterscope and other activities - http://www.discovertheforest.org/
Natural Inquirer - The Natural Inquirer is a middle
school science education journal that enables scientists to share their
results with middle school students. All the research in this journal
concerns nature, trees, wildlife, insects, outdoor activities and water.
Students can do sicence with they do the Discovery FACTivity, learning
vocabulary that helps in understanding the articles. Download or order
free monographs on private landowners, world's forests, and climate change,
some available in Spanish. http://www.naturalinquirer.org/
EcoAct Environmental Leadership Program - From the
Missouri Botanical Garden. High Schools in the St. Louis area elect to
participate based on the availabilty of a cooperating teacher and a time
slot in the class schedule for the Eco-Act program. Students receive
course credit for participation in the program. Hilights of the program
are presented in January and February and interested students apply.
Students gain, knowledge and understanding of environmental and human
ecology issues, training and experience as teachers, leadership skill
development, increased awareness of their local community, outdoor experience
and skills, and increased self-awareness and confidence. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/learn-discover/students-teachers/student-opportunities/eco-act.aspx
Posted January 7, 2012
Lee's Summit Creates an Outdoor Classroom - The City of Lee's Summit
is creating an Outdoor Classroom in and around the island at the North
Recycling Center. Flower beds, a vegetable garden, a rain garden, two
rain barrels, a compost bin, and stacking, tilted herb pots are currently
demonstrated on-site, along with artwork made from recycled rebar, street
signs, and glass bottles. In addition, several informational signs are
posted at the Outdoor Classroom that describe the benefits of and purposes
for all of the environmental features demonstrated on-site. People of
all ages are welcome to help install plants and maintain gardens and
flower beds in the Outdoor Classroom. Non court-ordered community service
hours are available. If your class or group is interested in taking a
tour, attending a class, or volunteering helping out, contact the Environmental
Programs Coordinator or call 969-1800. http://cityofls.net/Environment/Outdoor-Classroom.aspx
Northwest Earth Institute Discussion Course on
Global Waming: Changing Course - Changing Course is a four-session
discussion course book exploring the history and science of global
warming, personal values and habits as they relate to climate change,
and personal actions to curb the effects of global warming. This course
can easily be offered in your workplace, faith center or home. Discussion
courses are designed to be self-facilitated groups of 8-12 people that
can be used as a roadmap for people to effect change in their own communities.
The four session course is now available for $15.
http://www.nwei.org/discussion_courses/course-offerings/global-warming-changing-co2urse
Northwest Earth Institute Discussion Course: Healthy
Children, Healthy Planet - This course examines the impact of media culture on our children,
explores alternatives to the material focus of celebrations, considers
the importance of nutrition and healthful eating, and addresses the importance
of a child’s connection to nature. Healthy Children, Healthy Planet shows
that to care for Earth is to care for your family. This course
can easily be offered in your workplace, faith center or home. Discussion
courses are designed to be self-facilitated groups of 8-12 people that
can be used as a roadmap for people to effect change in their own communities.
This seven session course is now available for $12. http://www.nwei.org/discussion_courses/course-offerings/healthy-children-healthy-planet
Discover Water Interactive Website - Use a coursor to mouse over and
explore "Blue Planet", "The Water Cycle", "Discover Our Ocean", "Investigate
Fresh Water", "Explore Watersheds", "Use Water Wisely", "We All Use Water",
"Healthy Water, Healthy People" - http://www.discoverwater.org/
Water-Sanitation-Hygiene (WASH) Program in Spanish
from UN and WET - Consisting of an Educators Guide
with seven hands-on didactic activities for teachers to use in a classroom
setting and a companion student activity booklet with seven interactive
and engaging activities for students, the materials were created based
on suggestions from teachers and education officials in writing and
development workshops in each country. Moreover, all materials have
been field tested by local schools in the area of implementation. http://www.projectwet.org/use-project-wet/local-community-actions-water/using-attitudes-and-actions-to-teach-wash-in-latin-america/
Project WET Portal - A place for WET coordinators
and teachers to meet and share tips, find a coordinator or network on
facebook or twitter - http://portal.projectwet.org/
Game Aps from Ranger Rick and the National Wildlife
Federation -" Raiders
of the Lost Ardvark" (Join Ranger Rick the raccoon on a wild ride through
Africa in this thrilling detective game that tests your sleuthing skills.
For Ages 7 and up.$1.99) "Click the Birdie" (Score points, discover cool
bird facts, and have tons of fun in Ranger Rick's adventure-packed app.
Perfect for ages 7 and up. $1.99) "What Did Snakey Eat?" (Gulp! Sammy
the Skunk's friend Snakey has swallowed something he shouldn't have.
Match the shape in Snakey's belly! Perfect for ages 2 to 5. $0.99) -
http://www.nwf.org/Kids/Kids-Apps.aspx
Documentary "Burning in the Sun" - Burning in the Sun An inspirational
portrait of a young West African man who starts a business building solar
panels from scratch and selling them to rural customers in Mali. $95
rental, $295 purchase (preview available) - http://www.bullfrogfilms.com/catalog/burn.html
Becoming an Effective Environmental Educator:
A Commitment to Competence - The need for professional development in environmental education (EE)
was first formally addressed by the federal government when the 1990
Environmental Education Act was passed. Various learning opportunities
were created to meet this need....This article describes what it means
to be a competent environmental educator and the various paths individuals
have taken toward that goal. The article also profiles three individuals
who share how professional development has benefitted them in their work.
Finally, the article offers considerations for deciding which kinds of
professional development are a good fit and resources for creating a
professional development plan. http://cms.eetap.org/repository/moderncms_documents/effective_env_educator_2.25_sm.1.pdf
Tillbury House Publications: Children's Division -
selected science and nature books
Riparia's River- Gretchen, Jason, Mark, and Daphne are horrified
to find their favorite swimming hole filled with green slime. A mysterious
naturalist named Riparia helps the children understand how pollution
is affecting the nature of the river. Friends and neighbors help
restore clean water to the river they love. Filled with information
and action, Riparia’s River features lush, realistic illustrations
that illuminate the children’s passion for their river - http://eelinked.naaee.net/n/eelinked/posts/New-EE-Articles-and-Program-Profiles
Bearly There - Bear-ly There is a fascinating book for kids about
how to react constructively when a bear moves into your back yard.
Filled will beautiful paintings/illustrations of bear and other creatures
of northern woods in their natural settings, Bear-ly There is a book
infused with a love of nature that is communicated directly to its
young readers, through both the written word and visual appeal. http://www.tilburyhouse.com/childrens/bear-ly-there.htm
Everybody's Somebody's Lunch - Many children—indeed, many adults—believe
that there are "good" animals and "bad" animals.
The Big Bad Wolf myth lives on. This new story puts predators in
an entirely new light as a sensitive young girl, shocked and confused
by the death of her cat, learns the roles that predator and prey
play in the balance of nature. Gently and gradually, she comes to
understand why some animals kill and eat other animals in order to
live. It is one of nature's most exciting and important lessons.
http://www.tilburyhouse.com/childrens/everybodys-somebodys-lunch.htm
Just for Elephants - Most elephants in America live in circuses
and zoos, and their lives are very different from what they would
be in the wild. But there's a very special place in Tennessee called
the Elephant Sanctuary, where elephants can finally have the freedom
to roam and have elephant friends. http://www.tilburyhouse.com/childrens/just-for-elephants.htm
Saving Birds - This new book focuses on the experiences and efforts
of grownups and children, scientists and volunteers working to save
birds in very different corners of the world. Sometimes political
and economic realities push their way into the picture, and at other
times the challenges are more physical: scaling treacherous cliffs
or braving rough seas to do the work that needs to be done to save
birds. But as we learn about each bird and its problems, we see how
our heroes use their imaginations to "think outside the box," coming
up with unconventional and unusual methods-that work! http://www.tilburyhouse.com/childrens/saving-birds.htm
Sea Soup: Phytoplankton and Zooplankton (2
vols.) - A teaspoon
of sea water can hold a soupy serving of a million phytoplankton
and zooplankton! These tiny floating plants and animals come in thousands
of amazing variations. Invisible to the naked eye, phytoplankton
are the source of our atmosphere, our climate, our ocean food chain,
much of our oil supply, and more. They're also food for zooplankton,
tiny animals that often look like weird life forms from outer space.
http://www.tilburyhouse.com/childrens/sea-soup.htm
Shelterwood - Discover and learn to care for the
forest through this richly illustrated children's book. Sophie's
grandfather is a logger, and she watches as he harvests trees that
will be cut into boards to build houses and furniture-but lets the
tallest, wind-firm trees stay, to drop their seeds and start a new
generation. Deer and birds and even a bear share the forest's shelter,
and Sophie discovers that when we take care of the woods, it provides
for us for generations to come. Teachers Guide also available. http://www.tilburyhouse.com/childrens/shelterwood.htm
Stonewall Secrets - What can the rocks in old stone walls tell
us about how the earth's crust was shaped, melted by volcanoes, carved
by glaciers, and worn by weather? And what can they tell us about
earlier people on the land and the first settlers? . A children's
science book explores the ages through geology; accompanied by an
engaging teacher's guide. http://www.tilburyhouse.com/childrens/stone-wall-secrets.htm
Posted December 14, 2011
NSF Framework for Assessing Environmental
Literacy - New, comprehensive,
research-based description of environmental literacy and its application
to the creation of a framework for an assessment of environmental
literacy. The framework is proposed as an optional component to
the OECD's (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development)
2015 PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment. Includes
descriptions of the Competencies, Knowledge and Dispositions required
for Environmental LIteracy. An essential tool for developing any
environmental literacy assessment. http://www.naaee.net/framework
EPA Climate Change Website for Students - This self-directed website
is designed primarily for middle school students in both formal
and informal educational contexts, including classrooms, camps,
and after-school programs. Educators can use this website: to create
their own lessons, as a reference tool for students, as classroom
activities or homework assignments: take a climate change expedition,
calculate your footprint, research impacts and solutions, explain
the evidence, learn about energy and emissions. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html
RaceBridges for Schools: 12 Ways to Create
a Diversity Program (Diversity and Inclusion is a major initiative of NAAEE) - A Diversity
Dozen Questions for Teachers1. Celebrate Differences, 2. Highlight
Cultural Awareness, 3. Assess the Diversity Climate of Your School,
4. Begin a Diversity Interest Group, 5. Develop Diversity Goals,
6. Create a Simple Diversity Mission Statement, 7. Guest Speakers
With a Difference, 8. Bridging Differences, 9. Create More Than
an International Day, 10. Illuminate Differences and Similarities,
11. Walk the Talk, 12. Be Patient. Get lesson plans and resources
for putting these ideas into practice at http://www.racebridgesforschools.com/wp/?p=1989
Framework for Evaluating Impacts of Informal
Science Education (ISE) Projects (NSF Report) -The ISE orking group adopted a broad
framework for identifying areas or potential project impact for
both public and professional audiences that will be used to identify
measurable project outcomes.
http://caise.insci.org/uploads/docs/Eval_Framework.pdf
Impacts
Public Audiences
Professional Audiences
Awareness, knowledge or understanding
STEM concepts, processes, or careers
Informal STEM education/outreach research
or practice
Engagement or interest (in)
STEM concepts, processes, or careers
Advancing informal STEM education/outreach
field
Attitude (towards)
STEM-related topic or cababilities
Informal STEM education/outreach research
or practice
Behavior (related to)
STEM concepts, processes or careers
Informal STEM education/outreach research
or practice
Skills (based on)
STEM concepts, processes or careers
Informal STEM education/outreach reasearch
or practices
Education for Sustainability Starter Kit The Education for
Sustainability Starter Kit is a professional development tool
that prepares educators and schools to start using sustainability
as an integrating theme, and to catalyze school change with
efficient use of existing resources through a series of self-guided
learning opportunities.http://www.sustainableschoolsproject.org/tools-resources
Guide to Education for Sustainability The Guide to Education
for Sustainability provides an introduction and exploration
of EFS practices and pedagogies. The Guide to EFS is currently
being revised by the Sustainable Schools Project staff and will
be ready as a free download here soon! For now, follow this
link to download the chapter on Strategies for EFS.
Healthy Neighborhoods, Healthy Kids is a civic engagement
and service-learning framework that can be used across K-12
grade levels as well as community settings
Wetland Restoration and Construction: A Technical
Guide - Clear,
logical step-by-step instructions explain how to design naturally-appearing
and functioning wetlands for wildlife and fish habitat, cleaning
run off, recharging groundwater and preventing flooding - http://www.thewetlandtrust.org/wetlandrestorationbook.html
What's On Your Fork? An Action Guide for
a Meatless Monday Campaign from Water Planet Challenge -
The guide offers students the opportunity to engage students in
a service-learning process focused on creating a Meatless Monday
campaign. (Focus is on cutting back on meat for health and environmental
reasons, not on becoming a vegetarian). Materials model development
of a service learning project. *"Meatless
Mondays" is an idea used in WWII to help reserve resources
for troops. - http://www.waterplanetchallenge.org/wpc/
Survival, An Endangered Animal Game from
ARKive - An online game.
Play alone, with friends or family to reveal the identities of 9
of the world’s most endangered animals. The longer you survive,
the more stars you earn. Stars unlock hidden photos and release
new characters. Download for Free. http://www.arkive.org/apps/survival
Our Daily Poison, a Documentary About the
Chemicals Used in the Food Industry - A three part film covering the impacts of chemicals
on farmers' health, the regulation of chemicals and food additives,
and the adequacy of testing individual compounds when the average
person is exposed to dozens at the same time. http://www.icarusfilms.com/new2011/pois.html
NSTA Publications
Predict Observe Explain $32.95 for non members - John Haysom
and Michael Bowen provide middle and high school science teachers
with more than 100 student activities to help the students develop
their understanding of scientific concepts. The powerful Predict,
Observe, Explain (POE) strategy, field-tested by hundreds of teachers,
is designed to foster student inquiry and challenge existing conceptions
that students bring to the classroom.
http://www.nsta.org/store/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9781935155232
Fuel for Thought $25.95 for non members - The concept of energy is central to all the science disciplines,
seamlessly connecting science, technology, and mathematics. For
high school and upper middle school teachers, this compendium comprises
inquiry-based activities, lesson plans, and case studies designed
to help teach increased awareness of energy, environmental concepts,
and the related issues. Drawn from NSTA’s award-winning, peer-reviewed
journals, the book is divided into three overarching segments for
learning and teaching: Student Investigations includes several activities
that tackle such topics as “Energy, Heat, and Temperature,” “Vehicles
and Fuels,” and “Living Connections.” Projects and Case Studies
includes examples of extensive, question-driven student projects,
and the last section, Issues in Depth, provides background content
knowledge for deeper understanding of the critical energy issues
facing the world today. These interesting and meaningful investigations
demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of energy, preparing students
for the complex reality of our global energy economy. http://www.nsta.org/store/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9781936137206
Schoolyard Science: 101 Easy and Inexpensive
Activities $27.95 for non members - With 101 easy and inexpensive
activities to do on school grounds, Schoolyard Science can help
students develop their observation and inquiry skills as well as
an appreciation of their outdoor environment. Covering topics such
as lower plants, gardens, insects and other invertebrates, energy,
and Earth science, Thomas Lord and Holly Travis provide activities
that will help teachers become more comfortable with incorporating
the outdoors into their curriculum. The activities have been tested
successfully in K–12 classrooms, youth camp programs, and science
education classes in teacher preparation programs, so teachers can
feel confident when using this book in their classrooms. http://www.nsta.org/store/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9781936137169
Growing Up WILD curriculum for 3 to 7 years - Recommended by the
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and correlated to the
Head Start Domains and NAEYC Standards, Growing Up WILD provides
a consistent, tested, developmentally appropriate, interdisciplinary
and attractive teaching tool for educators encouraging nature exploration,
outside play, and scientific inquiry among young learners ages 3-7.
With 27 easy-to-use activities which include crafts, art projects,
music, conservation activities, and reading, written by educators
and wildlife professionals and reviewed by experts in early childhood
education, Growing Up WILD provides early childhood educators with
the knowledge and skills to comfortably lead explorations with young
children on various topics and subject areas, particularly in math
and science. Contact Missouri's WILD Coordinator: Briedi Scott for
information on setting up a workshop http://www.projectwild.org/GrowingUpWILD/Missouri.htm or,
if you cannot attend a training, order a copy here http://www.projectwild.org/GrowingUpWILD/sendmail/order.htm
Project Learning Tree New High School
Curriculum- Nine
activities in PLT’s Exploring Environmental Issues: Focus on Forests
teach students about forest health, watersheds, climate change,
who owns America's forests, and more. The 176-page guide integrates
teaching about forests into a multitude of subject areas using hands-on
classroom studies and outdoor field investigations. High school
educators and junior college professors can obtain a copy of PLT’s
Exploring Environmental Issues: Focus on Forests curriculum by attending
a PLT professional development workshop in their area. PLT’s 50-state
network trains more than 30,000 PreK-12 educators every year through
1,500 workshops held across the country. http://www.plt.org/focus-on-forests
Posted June 18, 2011
Burning in the Sun- Bullfrog Films has just released
Burning in the Sun, an inspirational documentary featuring a young
West African man who starts a business building solar panels from
scratch and selling them to rural customers in Mali. Addressing
climate change, poverty, and self-sufficiency, the film demonstrates
how a small-scale, local business model can provide jobs, appropriate
technology, and empowerment to people everywhere. http://www.bullfrogfilms.com/catalog/burn.html
Green Schools Are Better for Students - Published
by the American Institute of Architects and the U.S. Green Building
Council, this report details what mayors, superintendents, and other
local leaders can do to advance the movement for environmentally
friendly schools. http://www.centerforgreenschools.org/docs/USGBC
Mayors Summit Report_FINAL.pdf
Dinner
at the Reef – Food
Chains This fun and interactive game explores food chains in
a marine environment, predator-prey relationships, and the fine
balance of an ecosystem.
ARKive’s Adaptation – Design a Species
Activity (7-11 year olds) This creative activity is designed
to teach 7-11 year olds about the concept of adaptation. Using
the marine environment as an example, students learn about how
different species are adapted physically or behaviorally to
survive in a particular type of habitat. Students then design
their own species adapted to a particular habitat.
Biodiversity Hospital - Working in medical
teams, students balance competing priorities for the conservation
of an endangered species and devise a ‘treatment’ plan.
Students learn the importance of biodiversity and species conservation,
the fine balance of the ecosystem, and how to measure competing
priorities.
ARKive’s Adaptation – Design a Species Activity
(11-14 year olds) This creative activity is designed to teach
7-11 year olds about the concept of adaptation. Using the marine
environment as an example, students learn about how different
species are adapted physically or behaviorally to survive in
a particular type of habitat. Students then design their own
species adapted to a particular habitat.
Sexual Selection - The Dating Game ARKive's Dating Game teaches
students the main principles of sexual selection and the difference
between intrasexual and intersexual selection. Using species
from ARKive (www.arkive.org) as examples, students discover
why some animals have ornaments to attract mates (intersexual
selection) while others have weapons to fight for mates (intrasexual
selection)
Design a Conservation Program – Graphic Science In this
activity, students research and design their own conservation
program to learn about the importance of biodiversity as well
as the economic benefits and services ecosystems provide. Using
examples of successful conservation programs within the UK Overseas
Territories, students learn about the fine balance of an ecosystem,
the impacts of human activity, and the economic benefits and
services an ecosystem can provide.
The Fish Game by The Cloud Institute for
Sustainability This online
game is designed to teach sustainability by demonstrating the problems
overfishing can cause. Players fish for 10 days, earning money for
each fish, along with other people doing the same. They learn the
rate that the lake restocks the fish population over the 10-day
period and how to balance that with their own needs as well as having
to consider what impact others are having on the fish population.
http://www.cloudinstitute.org/fish-game
Biomimicry Institute Curricula The lesson plans on the Biomimicry
Institute Web site provides educators with the teaching materials
they need to introduce their students to the inspiring concept and
powerful innovation methodology of biomimicry. Materials are relevant
for all ages. http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org/education/k-12/curricula.html
Four Green Steps Four Green Steps.com offers free curriculum to
schools with green ideas for students of all ages and a strong focus
on sustainability and natural resources. The program also features
a special 'one-day curriculum' perfect for substitutes or special
events like Earth Day. The site also offers opportunities for students
to share their projects and ideas online as well as compete for
incredible prizes. http://www.fourgreensteps.com
Lesson Plans from EcoTipping Points Project How Success Works
assembles some of the most instructive environmental success stories
of restoration and sustainability and their messages into a package
of powerful and engaging case studies. http://www.ecotippingpoints.org/education/how-success-works/index.html
New IBM Game Helps Students Learn About Environmental Issues "PowerUp" challenges
players to save the imaginary planet and learn engineering and science
principles by carrying out missions to supply solar, wind, and water
power. http://www.powerupthegame.org/
Posted March 3, 2011
National Education for Sustainability K-12
Student Learning Standards, Version 3 - The NES Standards
define what K-12 students should know and be able to do to be
sustainability literate. Included are three overarching student
learning standards or essential understandings followed by a summary
chart (Table 1) of Education for Sustainability (EfS) concepts
by K-4, 5-8, and 9-12 grade bands. Grade band concepts are organized
by components which are directly connected to the three learning
standards. Following the summary chart are three individual grade
band tables (Tables 2, 3, and 4) that include the EfS concepts
with example performance indicators. A glossary of terms is found
at the conclusion of the document. The Education for Sustainability
(EfS) standards were developed by the K-12 and Teacher Education
Sector of the U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development
(USPESD) with input from K-12 educators in public, private, and
pre-service (teacher education) fields. For more information about
the USPESD please visit www.uspartnership.org. For the standards
go to http://usp.umfglobal.org/main/show_passage/48
9 Curriculum Models for Cimate Change from
NCSE and NASA - NASA
Time Machines, Climate Change Impacts on the Colorado River, Seasonality,
Intro to Remote Sensing Metrics, Advanced Topics in Remote Sensing,
Ice Core Data, Recent Climate Change, Climate Change and Wine, Societal
Contributors to Climate Literacy - http://www.eoearth.org/article/NCSE-NASA_Interdisciplinary_Climate_Change_Education
Power Couple: The Shocking True Story of
Water and Electricity - 8 minute educational movie for students in grades 6 and up shows
how saving water saves electricity and vice-versa. Student Guide
and Student Guide Answere are available along with curriculum, activity
(in English and Spanish), poster. http://abcwua.org/education/Energy_Water_Nexus.html
Phenology Wheel Curriculum Grades 3-8 - Downloadable file includes
Birthday Phenology Game, Wheelscapes-Enhancing a Sense of Place,
Habitat Assessors-Summarizing, Organizing and Analyzing, Habitat
Detectives- Investigating Sites and Collecting Data, Habitat Enhancers-
Creating a Habitat Improvement Project - http://uwarboretum.org/eps/tools_for_teachers.php
Posted February 13, 2011
Earth Smarts- Essential Ecoliteracy for Everyone
- Earth
Smarts is an educational construct that answers the question:
What qualities do we need to justly improve or maintain our quality
of life in a changing world? It is transdisciplinary and designed
to be practical, apolitical, and adaptable across cultures and
bioregions. http://www.earthsmarts.info/
Raptors in the City - The "Raptors in the City" real-time
science and technology program stars the peregrine falcon, one of
the great success stories in the field of wildlife conservation.
Children can watch the falcons via cameras mounted on a skyscraper
through the nesting season (February to June). The low-cost curriculum
supports one semester of study, and students learn environmental,
biological, and technological lessons, as well as research skills
tied to national science and technology standards. http://www.raptorsinthecity.org/
Posted July 11, 2010
Missouri's Wild Mushrooms - A guide to hunting, identifying and cooking the state's most common mushrooms - The guide provides color photos and detailed descriptions of 102 common Missouri mushrooms, including nine poisonous species. Written by Maxine Stone, past president of the Missouri Mycological Society, and edited by Barbara Bassett, former Conservation Department naturalist, the book includes tips for finding, gathering, preparing and preserving wild mushrooms. An easy visual key aids identification and clear guidelines help distinguish edible mushrooms from poisonous ones. The section on “cookery” includes 24 favorite recipes featuring edible mushrooms. While not a comprehensive guide to all fungi in Missouri, it’s an excellent introduction to mushroom hunting and identification. The price is $14 - http://www.mdcnatureshop.com
Show-Me Herps - A colorful and compact guide to 50 amphibians and reptiles in Missouri. (“Herps” is an abbreviated word from the Greek herpeto, meaning “animals that creep.”) Illustrator Steve Buchanan, who so stunningly brought Show-Me-State insects to life in Show-Me Bugs, works his same magic here with salamanders, toads, frogs, turtles, lizards and snakes. Written by MDC Naturalist John Miller, the guide features common and scientific names, descriptions, habitat and food preferences and “cool facts” for each species. The guide also describes what amphibians and reptiles have in common and what makes them different, along with how they grow, look and act and how and where to find, study and conserve them. The price is $7.95 - http://www.mdcnatureshop.com
Posted June 18, 2010
Climate Communications and Behavior Change, A Guide for Practitioners - Excellent
advice for framing the climate issue in ways that people can understand
and that can motivate them to change. For example, using the term "too much carbon" and
the idea of carbon management can recruit budget thinking in people
and get them into problem solving mode. http://climlead.uoregon.edu/node/156
Gulf Oil Spill Teaching Resources -This website collects a number of resources, lessons on cleaning oiled feathers, a guided tour of dispersants, and links to the Deepwater Horizon websites - http://www.education.noaa.gov/oilspill.html
Project Learning Tree Releases New Curriculum for Early Childhood Educators to Get Young Children Outdoors - Activity Guide and Music CD Teaches Children Ages 3 to 6 About the Natural World Around Them Early Childhood Experiences - Cover Washington, D.C. – Just as more attention is being focused on the need to connect students to nature at a younger age, Project Learning Tree® (PLT) releases a new curriculum guide and music CD to engage children ages 3 to 6 in outdoor exploration and play. Eleven field-tested, hands-on activities showcase over 130 “early childhood experiences” which integrate investigations of nature with art, literature, math, music, and movement. Early childhood educators and caregivers can obtain a copy of PLT’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood curriculum by attending a PLT professional development workshop in their area. http://www.plt.org/cms/pages/31_41_67.html
New Film Release: Big River - Following up on their documentary King Corn, the filmmakers have returned to Iowa to investigate the impact their acre of corn has had on the people and places downstream. In a journey from the heartland to the Gulf of Mexico, Ian and Curt trade their combine for a canoe, and set out to see the bigger world their little acre of corn has touched. The pesticides they sprayed, the fertilizers they injected, and the soil they plowed now lead to new questions, explored by new experts in new places. Is industrial agriculture worth its hidden costs? http://www.bullfrogfilms.com/catalog/brkc2.html
2010 Film Catalog Released -The Video Project has been distributing independent films on environmental topics for over 25 years. Current films cover sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, species decline, pollution, resource protection and conservation, climate change, and more. All films are award-winning and many have appeared on PBS. Most of the Video Project films have robust companion Web sites and additional resources to expand learning opportunities. The new 2010 catalog is available online: http://www.videoproject.com/
Audubon International's Free Webinars in 2010 - To celebrate the mid-way point of the United Nation's Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, throughout 2010 Audubon International will be hosting a series of free training Webinars designed to help people become better stewards of the environment where they live, work, and play. Webinars will focus on topics such as community sustainability, greening your business or property, eco-development practices, and community outreach ideas. Registration is free, but space is limited. http://www.auduboninternational.org/webinars
X-Stream Green School Field Trips, April through June - 10 am to 1:30 pm, Kemper Outdoor Education Center in Fleming Park, Kansas City - School groups, grades 1 to 5 will better understand their environment by participating in fun-filled outdoor programs at the Kemper Outdoor Eudcation Center. Teachers can design their own activity list from a menu of topics including soil conservation, recycling, habitat hikes, fishing, skins and bones, bird watching and mores. Groups up to 150 students can be accommodated - http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/parksandrec/Calendar.aspx
Peter Sinclair's Climate Crock of the Week - OK, this is a little edgy for the K-12 classroom but these ~7 to 8 minute videos deal with climate change denier claims in a clear, funny, logical and evidence based way. There are videos on the hacked emails, the role of the sun, the medieval warm period, etc. etc. Sinclair's signature is to follow the denier claims back to the original publications and show how the data or statements were cherry-picked or don't show what the deniers claim. This link is to the hacked emails video http://www.grist.org/article/climate-denial-crock-of-the-weekclimate-crock-smacks-hack-attack/. If you search of Peter Sinclair on YouTube, you can find the others.
Play Matters: Best Practices in Play. In municipalities across America, engaged citizens and civic leaders are actively seeking innovative ways to improve the accessibility, quality, and quantity of play and play spaces for children. To help cities build awareness & political capital and develop a policy on play, KaBOOM! identified 12 relevant and innovative best practices in play. Learn how to become a Playful City USA. http://kaboom.org/help_save_play/playful_city_usa/best_practices_play
Schoolyard Habitat Program - The Schoolyard Habitat program helps teachers and students create wildlife habitat on school grounds. Habitat is the collective term for the food, water, shelter and nursery areas that all wildlife needs to survive. The loss of habitat is one of the greatest threats facing wildlife today. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides and coordinates with other agencies to give technical assistance and project guidance; provides teacher training; develops written resources; and works with the state Departments of Education on incorporating habitat issues into new school construction and renovation projects. http://www.fws.gov/chesapeakebay/schoolyd.html
Eco-Schools Whole-School Initiative - Through school-based action teams of students, administrators, educators and community volunteers, Eco-Schools combines effective "green" management of the school grounds, facilities and the curriculum. Schools that are certified in the Eco-School program undergo a thorough application process and succeed in organizing and implementing a comprehensive assessment of their school. The Eco-Schools USA program is made up of seven steps, incorporating eight environmental pathways. http://www.nwf.org/ecoschools/index.cfm
Will Steger Foundation K-12 Interdisciplinary Global Warming Curriculum - Global Warming 101 Lesson Plans for Grades 3–6: These five lesson plans are interdisciplinary in nature, standards-based, help students master the requisite background information on global climate change processes and how to communicate about the issue using communication strategies, and are free for download. Global Warming 101 Lesson Plans for Grades 6-12: These six interdisciplinary lesson plans were edited and approved by National Geographic Xpeditions and Union of Concerned Scientists, are standards-based, and help students master the requisite background information on global climate change processes, the importance of the Arctic to global climate, the potential effects of global warming in the Arctic, and consider what could/should be done in response. They link to exciting Global Warming 101 expeditions and are free for download. Global Warming 101 Expedition Supplements: View exciting educational video footage, audio footage, and written journal entries from Will Steger and partner expeditions to the Polar Regions, documenting the impact of global warming on the Arctic environment. Expeditions are linked to lesson plans for grades 3-12 and activities via the Educator Resources index. NEW! Citizen Climate Lesson Plans for Grades 9-12: These lesson plans build on the WSF’s original six lesson plans on the basics of global warming. The lessons emphasize civic engagement and helps teachers and students understand the critical and complex climate solutions being discussed on the national and international stage. Also, What Now?: Action Resources and a collection of hands-on activities linked to the Grades 3-12 Lesson Plans. http://willstegerfoundation.org/index.php/programs/k-12-education-program/educator-resource-binder
As of November 4, 2009
Nature Unleashed - Untamed World of Missouri Ponds, Forests and Prairies (grades 3-5) - Teacher and Student Guides online now
Growing Up WILD - Reaching Out to Early Childhood Educators - The Council for Environmental Education (CEE) has just launched its much anticipated new early childhood guide and training program, for connecting young children to nature called Growing Up WILD. Through a wide range of activities and experiences designed for children ages 3-7, Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children provides an early foundation for developing positive impressions about nature and lifelong social and academic skills. With activities written by educators and wildlife professionals and reviewed by experts in early childhood education, Growing Up WILD provides a consistent, tested, developmentally appropriate and attractive teaching tool for early childhood educators to encourage nature exploration, nature play, and scientific inquiry among young learners. Educators receive Growing Up WILD materials by participating in interactive, hands-on workshops that allow them to experience Growing Up WILD activities first-hand and discover how to connect young children to nature. Training information is available through your state’s Project WILD Coordinator found at http://www.projectwild.org/ProjectWILDCoordinators.htm.
Classroom Earth Success Stories : How to reduce your carbon footprint and save your school $11,000 Doreen Petri teaches AP Environmental Science and Anatomy and Physiology at the Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy in Erie, Pa. Petri has translated classroom content into action through an energy initiative at her school. The initiative helps students understand the connection between their energy use and climate change and allows them to take a lead role taking actions that save the school energy and money on the electric bill.
Project
BudBurst -
Fall has arrived - celebrate the change of seasons with Project
BudBurst! Get outside with your students and have them make observations
of seeds ripening, leaf color change, leaf drop, and other interesting
changes. It's easy to participate and provides a great learning
opportunity at any time of the year. The Project BudBurst team
has a goal of reaching 5,000 phenophase observations this Fall
and need your help!
EPA Data Finder - EPA recently launched DataFinder, a single place to find EPA's data sources so people can better access and understand environmental information. Visit the site, suggest new content, and comment on its functionality. EPA also will use Data Finder to discover raw data that can be accessed via Data.gov, a federal site that helps people find, download, and use datasets that are generated and held by the federal government
Conservation Case Studies Needed by November 18, 2009 - Audubon and EETAP are seeking additional examples of projects that have successfully used education to help solve conservation problems. We will highlight these case studies in a Conservation Education Toolkit designed to help conservation practitioners better integrate education as a key conservation strategy. Ideal case studies identify a specific biodiversity target; address threats to the target, focus on specific audience(s); focus on education, communication, outreach, and/or social marketing strategies to reach that audience; and include an evaluation component. Please click on link below by November 18, 2009, to submit a short screening questionnaire. We’ll follow up ASAP! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ALvBAsgp8ys1
Homo Toxicus - New release from Bullfrog Films, it explores the link between toxic substances and increasing health problems, with interviews of industry scientists and independent researchers that shed light on the inconsistent standards used for evaluation and regulation of chemical agents. 88 and 52 minute versions on DVD. Appropriate for grades 10 and above according to the website. http://www.bullfrogfilms.com/catalog/homo.html
2009 Earth Science Week Toolkits Now Available- Earth Science week October 11-17, 2009, this toolkit enables students, educators and public to fully explore this year's theme "Understanding Climate". Includes a 12-month school-activity calendar and poster provided by the American Geological Institute and its member societies, and publications, reports and resources from USGS, NASA and NOAA http://www.earthsciweek.org/materials/
Climate Protection Toolkit for Small Communities ICLEI—Local Governments for Sustainability has released a free resource to help communities with 25,000 people or fewer launch and maintain climate, energy, and sustainability initiatives. ICLEI’s Small
Communities Toolkit provides detailed resources, case studies, and insight to help small communities succeed despite limitations of staff and funding. The toolkit also helps smaller communities understand how to take advantage of their significant opportunities. For example, in a small, close-knit community, a local government can more easily influence community members to make individual changes to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. With this toolkit in hand, small communities can become empowered to reach their goals. To use the toolkit, go to www.icleiusa.org/action-center/learn-from-others/small-communities-toolkit .
Toolkit to Enhance Middle School Students' Understanding of Climate Change The kit, "Climate Change, Wildlife, and Wildlands Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators," contains case studies and activities based on climate science, environmental education and stewardship information. It is designed to educate and engage students to become stewards of wildlife and ecosystems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency partnered with six other federal agencies in developing this new kit, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. More information on the toolkit is online at www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/CCWKit.html.
Climate Crossroads - A research based framing guide for reaching those not yet engaged in climate change issues, from Earth Justice
St.
Louis DNR Office
Outreach - hands
on programs on macroinvertebrates, water cycle,
pollution, wastewater for residents of Franklin,
Gasconade, Jefferson, Lincoln, Montgomery, St. Charles,
St. Louis, and Warren counties
Missouri
Envirothon - the
envirothon is a national, hands on, problem solving
competition for high school age students
State--Peggy Lemons,
573-893-5188 ext 3
Northwest&emdash;Travis
Dinsdale, St. Joseph Area Office, 816-232-6555 ext. 6;
Teona Harris, Clinton County Office, 816-539-3741 ext.
3
Kansas City--Bill
Bohnert, Jackson County Office, 816-228-1161 ext.
3
Northeast--Lena
Sharp, Monroe County Office, 660-327-4117 ext 3;
Audrey Rayle, Lewis County Office, 573-767-5276 ext
3
St.
Louis&emdash;Mary Burt/Theresa Dunlap, St. Charles
County Office, 636-922-2833 ext. 3
Central&emdash;
Linda Young, Cooper County Office, 660-882-6347 ext.
3;Tina Hovendick, Benton County Office, 660-547-2353
ext. 3
Southwest&emdash;Michelle
Lee, Christian County Office, 417-581-2719 ext. 3;
Fred Feldmann, 417-966-7289
Southeast-- Rachel
Griffin, Ripley County Office, 573-996-3619 ext. 3;
Wilma Carlyon, St. Francois County Office,
573-756-6488 ext. 3
What
you should know if you want to work with Classroom teachers
Missouri ShowMe Standards -
these are the general expectations of Missouri students.
They set the overall goals for student learning, but are
quite broad.
Missouri Grade Level
Expectations or GLEs - these are what students are tested on
in the Missouri Assessment Program or MAP. For many teachers
and all administrators, student scores on the MAP are
critically important because they are currently the only
measure used to assess student progress for the No Child
Left Behind act of 2001. The potential for a curriculum,
field trip or activity to improve scores on the MAP are one
of the first things a teacher would consider in determining
whether to include something new in her or his lessons.
Therefore, the more explicitly your material connects to the
GLEs, the more likely a teacher is to use it.
No Child Left Behind is the
federal law requiring all schools to demonstrate adequate
yearly progress for all categories of students in school or
district. Failure to demonstrate progress on standardized
tests like the MAP may be cause for a school to be
sanctioned, or even, if it fails to improve for a long
period, be taken over or closed.
Copyright (c) 2010 Missouri Environmental Education Association , P.O. Box 104505,
Jefferson City, MO 65110-4505
