Site offers free biology lesson plans including ecology lab, ecosystems, biomes, the cycles of matter, and environmental science for high school biology teachers. Free science curriculum from Lesson Plans, Inc.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/6838670

Environmental Countdown is a nonprofit video community that allows environmental organizations and activist individuals to create profiles and upload and highlight their videos. With easy to use download technology and tools to create a profile page with information about your group, Environmental Countdown offers ways people can donate and volunteer and add your video to your own Web site with a simple code (known as a widget).
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/6838672

Seeking input by June 30, 2008
Global Water is a humanitarian nonprofit organization focused on building safe water, sanitation, and hygiene-related facilities for rural villages and schools in developing countries. Global Water staff created a children's story about water that includes hydrological and biological concepts, as well as the important humanitarian concept currently being debated today throughout the developing world known as the "human right to water."
Global Water is seeking environmental educators to review this new manuscript to help craft the science descriptions appropriate for the 3rd/4th/5th grade level and confirm that these school grades are the most appropriate for the storyline.
Contact: Ted Kuepper, Executive Director, at 805-985-3057, or email info@globalwater.org
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/6838662

May 27 - July 6, 2008 ~ Online
The Environmental Science Education: Summer Ecological Field Studies (EDCI 580-02) course is designed for educators of children in grades 6-12 to learn and practice basic ecological field techniques and integrate them into their instruction. This course focuses on summer field ecological studies including stream, forest, plant, and bird studies. All studies will be completed outdoors in your local environment. A wide variety of field study techniques will be presented and the participants will share the results of the studies. Basic ecological concepts will be presented in the context of the field studies. Participants will have many opportunities to share their views on a variety of topics related to the environment and education. This course is a great opportunity to meet and interact with educators whose work focuses on ecology and young people. Three graduate credits available.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/6838650

August 4-6, 2008 ~ Westchester County, New York
Would you like to know what the coming Age of Biology will look like? Biomimicry is a new science which borrows nature's best ideas to derive more sustainable designs for human existence. This workshop will (1) introduce biology teachers and environmental educators to how biomimicry creates fresh interest in biology for 5th–9th grade students, (2) expose educators to existing biomimicry educational practices, and (3) help guide educators in incorporating biomimicry into their own curricula to revitalize and bring the most up-to-date science to their curriculum. Target Audience: middle school science teachers.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/6838644

Letter of Intent Due: May 16, 2008
Full Proposal Deadline: July 3, 2008
This program provides funding for graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to acquire additional skills that will broadly prepare them for professional and scientific careers in the 21st century. Expected outcomes include improved communication, teaching, collaboration, and team building skills for the fellows; professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers; enriched learning for K-12 students; and strengthened and sustained partnerships in STEM between institutions of higher education and local school districts.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/6838630

Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is a supplementary educational activity supported by the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife and Trout Unlimited. Teachers using the program provide a unique experience for their students and effectively teach lessons in a variety of disciplines.

Raising trout is a hands-on activity that engages students and helps to connect them to real-life water quality, fish and wildlife issues and problems...and inspires them to seek solutions. Watching fish hatch from eggs and develop from fry to fingerlings generates enthusiasm among students and helps them develop caring attitudes about fish species and their habitats. This is the first step in fostering in students a sense of stewardship for the planet.

The program encompasses not only science, but also language arts, mathematics, social studies and art. The program is easily adapted to the needs and abilities of students, and geared towards middle and high school students. The TIC activity guide is correlated to the New Jersey Science Standards.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife supplies brook trout eggs from the Pequest Trout Hatchery at no charge to teachers who want to raise trout in their classrooms. Members of the conservation group Trout Unlimited (TU) in New Jersey have pledged to support this program through their chapters. This program is a partnership between TU, teachers, and the Division of Fish & Wildlife.

Trout Unlimited members will assist teachers in setting up the aquaria in their classrooms. This includes supplying a product list, and sources of supply. Some chapter members have expertise in aquatic insects and will work with kids on fly tying or aquatic insect identification.

Eggs are delivered in October, and during the course of the school year, students can observe the trout rearing process that culminates in stocking their brook trout into approved streams.

To get started with Trout in the Classroom, please register to attend one of our training classes. The first class will be held on May 13 at 4:30 pm at the Sparta Middle School, in Sparta, NJ. The second class will be held on May 20 at 4:30 pm at the Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, NJ.

To register or for additional information, please call 908-637-4125 or e-mail Jessica Griglak at Jessica.Griglak@dep.state.nj.us

For more information on Trout in the Classroom, please visit our website at http://www.njtroutintheclassroom.org/ ..

All teachers JK-12 in Princeton Area Schools invited to a Two-Day Workshop on Sustainability and Curriculum
June 17-18, 2008 at Princeton Day School

Sponsored by Princeton OASIS (Organizing Action on Sustainability In Schools)
Workshop led by Jaime Cloud of The Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education. (www.cloudinstitute.org)
Cost $300/school plus $40 each participant (easiest if you coordinate and bring a team from your school)
Register on line www.pds.org/OASIS
Registration deadline: June 1 (after June 1 cost is $400/school)
Further information or questions contact Liz Cutler
lcutler@pds.org or (609) 924-6700 ext. 1751

“The significant problems we face cannot be solved with the same level of thinking we used when we created them.” Albert Einstein
Sample Agenda
Two-Day Introduction to Education for Sustainability Workshop
In this workshop, we will create a learning community that engages participants in activities that combine systems thinking, sustainable economics, and the science of sustainability. This two-day workshop is designed to increase participants’ awareness, knowledge, and understanding of sustainability and the core concepts, knowledge, skills and attitudes that characterize education for sustainability. On the second day you will work with other teachers from your discipline or division level to help you incorporate sustainability concepts into your already existing curricula.

DAY ONE
Introduction and “The Fish Game” Simulation
This hands-on workshop engages participants in an interactive, replicable, interdisciplinary classroom activity that combines systems thinking tools, ecological systems, and economics for a deeper understanding of our role in moving toward a more sustainable future.
Lunch
Quality of Life Indicators
What is an indicator of progress? What indicators do we currently use in our society? Are these the best measures of our quality of life and, if not, what would be better measures?
“Diminishing Resources” Activity
How can you, your colleagues, and your students use systems thinking to solve problems? How do you know you are solving the real problem? How can you ensure that you don’t create even more, unintended problems in your attempts?

DAY TWO
Eco-Literacy
What are the natural “laws” and principles of our planet? How can we use them as inspiration for sustainable behavior?
Education for Sustainability Framework
Why educate for a sustainable future?
Lunch
Planning / Work Time and Peer Review
Using a “backwards design template” for project and/or curriculum design with the desired future in mind, participants will apply what they have learned and take some time to work alone or in their school team to think about the goals, indicators and activities they would like to pursue, taking into consideration readiness, and entry points for leveraging change.

Join us for a live Webinar on May 21:
Using HealthySEATv2
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM EDST

Learn how to download, install, customize, and use EPA's free Healthy School Environments Assessment Tool (HealthySEAT). HealthySEAT is designed to help states, school districts and tribes create customized self-assessment checklists and track all school environmental health and safety conditions.

HealthySEAT will help you get ahead of your environmental issues and prevent problems before they arise.

Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/174023804

For more information on HealthySEAT, visit: http://www.epa.gov/schools/healthyseat

For more information on EPA's programs for schools, visit: http://www.epa.gov/schools.

The U.S. Department of Education's Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative has opened registration for its free summer workshops. The workshops will be held across the country starting June 18 and will target specific grade levels (K-12) and subject areas (reading, math, science and history).

For more information about specific workshops, dates, locations and draft workshop agendas visit: https://www.t2tweb.us/mgmt/Events/EventFiles/E0000-F01101.htm.

For online registration: https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/Registration.asp.

Purpose: To provide high school and middle school social studies and science teachers with a better understanding of the history, ecology, and public policy issues involving the million-acre New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve and to share and discuss curricula and teaching resources about the Pinelands for use in their classrooms. Attendees receive 35 hours of professional development hours. (NJDOE registration #3327)

When: July 14 - 18, 2008. Monday - Friday, 8:30a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Lunch and refreshments provided daily. (Registration deadline is June 20)

Where: Bishop Farmstead (Pinelands Preservation Alliance HQ), Southampton Twp., Burlington County.

Format: Seminars and fieldwork led by experts in Pinelands ecology, history, and public policy issues.Included as part of the Institute (subject to change): a guided canoe trip, a water quality survey, an archeological dig, and a hike to a “lost town” in the Pine Barrens.

Topics:
Agriculture and other economic uses of the Pinelands today
Human use of the Pinelands before 1900 (on-site archeological dig)
Land use management challenges in the Pinelands entering
the 21st century, including legal and political issues
Geology and soils of the Pinelands
Pinelands plants and animals, past and present, threatened and endangered
Hydrology of the Pinelands--streams, swamps, and aquifers
Human impact on the Pinelands
Conservation of the Pinelands
Pinelands curricula -- examples of lessons and activities
developed by New Jersey environmental educators and PPA
Discussions of curriculum development and design

Cost: $100.00 registration fee (includes meals, transportation and course materials)
(non-refundable after June 26). A limited number of scholarships are available, courtesy of the Bonazzi Foundation for the Promotion of Science Education. Call for information.

Contact: Pinelands Preservation Alliance, 17 Pemberton Road, Southampton, NJ 08088

To request a registration form: Ph#: 609-859-8860 x24or E-mail: mikeh@pinelandsalliance.org

Register online at www.pinelandsalliance.org (click “Education”)

http://www.earthscienceliteracy.org/index.html

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Earth Science Literacy Initiative (ESLI), funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to gather and codify the underlying understandings of Earth sciences into a succinct document that would have broad-reaching applications in both public and private arenas. It will establish the “Big Ideas” and supporting concepts that all Americans should know about Earth sciences. The resulting Earth Science Literacy framework will also become part of the foundation, along with similar documents from the Oceans, Atmospheres and Climate communities, of a larger geoscience Earth Systems Literacy effort.

The primary outcome of the Earth Science Literacy Initiative will be a community-based document that clearly and succinctly states the underlying principles and ideas of Earth science across a wide variety of research fields that are funded through the NSF-EAR program, including Geobiology and Low-Temperature Geochemistry, Geomorphology and Land-Use Dynamics, Geophysics, Hydrologic Sciences, Petrology and Geochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology, and Tectonics.

The Earth Science Literacy framework document of Big Ideas and supporting concepts will be a community effort representing the current state-of-the-art research in Earth sciences. It will be written, evaluated, shaped and revised by the top scientists working in Earth science. Because of its validity, authority and succinct format, the ESL framework will be influential in a wide variety of scientific, educational and political settings. Future governmental legislation will be guided by it, and future national and state educational standards will be based upon it.

May 12-24, 2008
Online Workshop: A 12-day workshop involving more than 100 participants from the Earth science research, education and policy communities will converse online in an effort to generate and organize the “Big Ideas” and supporting concepts in Earth Science.-- M. Lee Allison, PhD, PGState Geologist & DirectorArizona Geological Survey416 W. Congress, #100Tucson, AZ 85701520-770-3500 fax-3505www.azgs.az.govPresident, Arizona Geological Society (www.arizonageologicalsoc.org)Steering Committee, Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS www.copusproject.org)Steering Committee, Geoscience Information Network (GIN)--------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: aasgmembers-l-unsubscribe@stategeologists.org For additional commands, e-mail: aasgmembers-l-help@stategeologists.org

www.nj.gov/dep/seeds/docs/0908factrain.doc

NEW JERSEY ASTRONOMY CENTER
RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GET READY TO TEACH ASTRONOMY IN THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR!

Enroll in one of our 2 or 3 day Summer Institutes or become Starlab Certified!

Summer Institute 1 - Sun, Earth, Moon & Solar System - Grades 5-12
Summer Institute 2 - Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe - Grades 5-12
Summer Institute 3 - Solar System & Stars - Grades K-4
Starlab Training - Grades K-12

A brief description of these summer workshops is given below.For more detailed information and to obtain registration forms, see click on the links above, or contact Theresa Moody at 908-526-1200 x 8942 or email tmoody@raritanval.edu.

Astronomy is one of six science content areas in the New Jersey Science Standards.These astronomy standards include many challenging topics, such as the understanding of Moon Phases and Eclipses, the Reasons for Seasons, Stellar Evolution, and the Expansion of the Universe.

At NJACE workshops, teachers do the activities while presenters model true inquiry-based learning.Teachers walk away with lots of resources, an increased understanding of astronomy, increased confidence to teach it, and a binder full of hands-on inquiry-based activities they can do tomorrow in their classroom.

All workshops are held in our state-of-the-art Conference Center at Raritan Valley Community College, located near Bridgewater.

Tuesday - Thursday, July 22-24 (9am-4pm)
Summer Institute 1 - Sun, Earth, Moon & Solar System - Grades 5-12
This three-day workshop covers astronomy strands A (Earth, Moon, Sun) and B (Solar System). Get new ideas for adding more inquiry to your lessons. Learn how to address misconceptions. Discover what causes the phases of the Moon and tides. Investigate the reasons for seasons. Explore the size and scale of solar system. Play with gravity and investigate its effect on moons and planets.
Cost: $300 (18 PDUs or 30 PDUs with optional homework)

Tuesday - Thursday, August 5-7 (9am-4pm)
Summer Institute 2 - Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe - Grades 5-12
This three-day workshop covers astronomy strands C (Stars) and D (Galaxies and the Universe).Learn to locate stars and constellations in the sky, and how planets move among them.Compare our Sun to other stars.Investigate the properties of stars.Explore the life cycle of stars.Discover what the Universe is made of.Investigate if the Universe is expanding forever.
Cost: $300 (18 PDUs or 30 PDUs with optional homework)

Tuesday – Wednesday, July 15-16 (9am-4pm)
Summer Institute 3 - Solar System & Stars - Grades K-4
This two-day workshop covers astronomy strands A (Earth, Moon, Sun) and B (Solar System), C (Stars), and D (Galaxies and the Universe).Use literature to introduce astronomy concepts and do hands-on science activities to expand on those concepts.
Cost: $200 (12 PDUs or 20 PDUs with optional homework)

Tuesday – Wednesday, July 8-9, (9am-4pm)
or Tuesday - Wednesday, August 19-20, (9am-4pm)
Starlab Training - Grades K-12
Starlab, a portable planetarium, helps teachers work toward meeting the NJ State Science Standards by having students "do" hands-on science and not just read about it. Abstract ideas such as the Earth's daily and annual motions, moon phases, constellations and the reason for the seasons are easily presented in Starlab.School administrators and supervisors are also encouraged to enroll in the workshop. During the workshop, participants will practice setting up and taking down Starlab and practice how to operate the Starlab projector.
Cost: $200 (12 PDUs or 20 PDUs with optional homework)

All workshops are limited to the first 20 registered participants!

Call Theresa Moody at 908-526-1200 x 8942 to reserve your spot, while the district processes your paperwork!

Theresa Moody
Astronomy Educator
Raritan Valley Community College
Email: tmoody@raritanval.edu
Website: http://www.raritanval.edu/planetarium/teachinginstitute.htm
Phone 908-526-1200 x 8942 - Fax: 908-526-7938

The New Jersey Astronomy Center for Education (NJACE) includes a 100-seat Planetarium and the Science Education Institute

Below find directions to download a 10 page list of NASA education websites with a description of each site.I hope you find this list helpful.If you have any specific questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at: sonya.lawrence-1@nasa.gov.

Sonya Williams
AESP NASA Goddard

You have 30 days from 04-23-2008 to download the file(s) from the following URL:
https://webdrive.gsfc.nasa.gov/longauth/100/Sonya.R.Lawrence.1/SA9v6IC
Please use the following to login:
username = educationwebsites
password = educationwebsites

iEARN Launches (OF)2 - Our Footprints, Our Future, an Online Environmental Campaign with Zerofootprint for Earth Day

With the arrival of Earth Day, iEARN has launched a new initiative "(OF)2 -- Our Footprints, Our Future" to enable young people aged 5-19 throughout the world to learn about carbon footprinting, measure their footprint, compare the results with students in other schools, ages, countries, etc. and then interact online on specific lifestyle changes.

This calculator is the first one to be youth-friendly and truly global in its questions and answer options, taking into account, for example, that students go to school using very different transportation systems and have significant variations in their habitats and usage of water and other resources.

Access the Zerofootprint Youth Calculator at http://of2.iearn.org/youthcalculator.html

EE Connections   An electronic newsletter linking Pennsylvanians with environmental news and information.   www.pcee.org Spring 2008

Special Issue forEducators!

Summer"Professional Development" Issue Thisissue of "EE Connections" is dedicated to summer professionaldevelopment opportunities for educators. Interested in gaining more tools to teach PA's Environment & EcologyStandards? Looking to learn more about your local environment?  These events will help you bring anarcheological dig into your classroom, plan a wetland at your school, becomefamiliar with Pennsylvania forests and expand your knowledge about nocturnalcritters.  Many programs allow for directintegration with your lessons and are aligned to state academic standards.  Have a great summer! Additionalsummer events can be found in PCEE's Events Calendar, searchable bydate, region or key word.

June 'CapturingNature with Watercolors' and 'Field Geology' 'ProtectingPublic Drinking Water' Workshop 'NativePlants in the Landscape' Conference 'ArchaeologyField School' Workshop 'PASongbirds' Educator Workshop 'ForestResources' Institute at Penn State

July 'SustainableHealth' Workshop 'Introductionto PA Forests'   'SolarEnergy Shakedown' Workshop 'WatershedManagement' Workshop for Teachers ProjectLearning Tree Workshop PAFarm Bureau's 'Ag in the Classroom' 'BatEcology' Workshop

August 'Batsin the Classroom' 'Grasses,Sedges and Brushes' Workshop 'POW'Workshop Sponsored by PCEE and Jennings 'Strategiesfor Environmental Education'

Contributions welcome!  The Centerreceives news and information from a variety of sources across Pennsylvania and beyond. We appreciate all of the organizations,agencies and individuals who provide EE services and share their relevantinformation.  If you would like tocontribute to future issues of EEConnections, please submit your article before the 15th of the month.  Articles should be of statewide interest and are subject to space availability. Share EE Connections!  If youknow of others who would appreciate receiving EE Connections, please complete the on-line form or call724-738-9020.  To see all of theresources available on the PCEE Web site, go to: http://www.pcee.org/

The Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education Housed at Slippery RockUniversity 164 South Main Street, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 Phone: 724-738-9020 Fax: 724-738-9018 E-mail: info@pcee.org Web: http://www.pcee.org/

June 23 - 27, 2008

Goals: To offer to educators a multi-day field science experience in order to strengthen field-based investigations in their teaching and improve student performance. The program will introduce participants to a variety of terrestrial and aquatic habitats as various topics in the biological and environmental sciences are explored, including general ecology, population dynamics, community interactions, field sampling techniques, endangered species conservation, biodiversity, water pollution, resource use and biostatistics.

***Attendees receive 35 hours of professional development hours. (NJDOE registration #3327)
***Graduate credits are available for this course through Rutgers University.

When: June 23 - 27, 2008. Monday - Friday, 8:30a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Lunch and refreshments provided daily.

Where: Bishop Farmstead (Pinelands Preservation Alliance HQ), Southampton Twp., Burlington County.

Program Highlights:
• Exploring abiotic and biotic parameters in ecosystems
• Use of biostatistics
• Canoe trip and investigation of aquatic habitats of the NJ Pinelands
• Resurrection of taxonomy – field journals
• Transects and vegetation analysis
• Biodiversity and community ecology
• Species area curves and population dynamics
• Tour of the Rutgers University Pinelands and Marine Field Stations
• Merging field exercises with service projects
• Citizen Science Program – the Shorebird Project

Who Should Participate?
• Teachers interested in complementing existing Life Science courses or developing Advanced Placement Biology and Environmental Science Programs.*
• Facilitators of science independent study or honors projects in science.
• Math educators interested in incorporating field data sets in the classroom.
• Interested educators needing Professional Development Credits.

*Advanced Placement Program and AP are a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.

Cost: $350.00 registration fee (includes meals, transportation and course materials)(non-refundable after June 13).

Contact: Pinelands Preservation Alliance, 17 Pemberton Road, Southampton, NJ 08088 Ph#: 609-859-8860 x24Fax#: 609-859-8804E-mail: mikeh@pinelandsalliance.org

For Middle and High School Educators in the Hackensack Watershed
(Bergen and Hudson Counties)
****************************************************************
Join the Honeywell Institute for Ecosystems Education and Experience the watershed, firsthand. Support your curricula with lessons & activities correlated with the NJCCCS.Meet with professionals in the environmental field. Earn 30 PD hours.Receive a weekly stipend for attending. Receive NJ-specific materials and other resources.

Dates: Monday, August 18 - Friday, August 22, 2008.

Location:The Hackensack Watershed - field experiences will be throughout the watershed area.More specific information will be given after registration.

For registration information, please visit:
http://www.njaudubon.org/Education/Summerinstitute.html or email
education@njaudubon.org

Registration Deadline: June 6, 2008

Recognized children's author and educator Jane Kirkland has made one of her Take A Walk book series for educators available on-line for free, in support of current Environmental Education Week and Earth Day education interests and growing interests in climate and weather.

TAKE A CLOUD WALK
6th book in acclaimed Take a Walk® Series
FREE DOWNLOAD at www.nostudentleftindoors.com

Online book for kids age 8 and up is all about the magical world of clouds!

Philadelphia, PA, April 16, 2008—“April is 'Earth Month' in most people's minds,” says Jane Kirkland, author of TAKE A CLOUD WALK, Stillwater Publishing’s first free downloadable Take A Walk® book.“The earth's health is on children’s minds too, and I wanted to bring climate and weather awareness to kids in a positive, non-threatening and fun way. Clouds are an ever-present natural laboratory for learning about weather and climate. This book is a light-hearted and enjoyable introduction to the wonderful world of clouds.” This full-color, 30-page book can be downloaded now at Jane's new website for educators, www.nostudentleftindoors.com.

Take A Cloud Walk, like its predecessors, helps kids make new and amazing discoveries—this time right above their heads! Readers will learn: The basic names and shapes of clouds, what makes clouds move, why clouds are white, how clouds affect climate change, the difference between weather and climate, weather terms and conditions such as hail, lightning, and fog, and much more!

Teachers can download and print the book for their students. Homeschoolers can download the book for their science studies. With this photo-filled, family -friendly guide in hand, readers age 8 and up learn new and exciting facts about clouds and weather. Jane provides plenty of space and instructions for readers to take field notes and make their own drawings of their exciting discoveries.Jane introduces her readers to the weather experts who helped her with this book—Jim Cantore, meteorologist for The Weather Channel, and “Storming” Bob Swanson, one of USA Today’s “Weather Guys.” Kathy Orr, Chief Meteorologist for KYW Television in Philadelphia was also interviewed. These professionals give children a closer look at the amazing world of weather and how it affects our lives each and every day.

There is no question that too many of our kids have “nature deficit disorder.” But Jane Kirkland believes the cure is simple—getting kids to spend time outdoors for a few moments a day, with her series of award-winning interactive nature books.Take A Backyard Bird Walk, Take A Tree Walk, Take A Walk With Butterflies and Dragonflies, Take A City Nature Walk and Take A Beach Walk showed kids that nature is not a destination—it is everywhere kids go. With the free download of Take A Cloud Walk, children have the opportunity to discover even more about their world. As she does in all her books, Jane reminds readers to remember that they should “Take a minute to be in it” and find adventure, discovery, beauty, and inspiration in nature.

Editors / Producers: Jane Kirkland is available for interview.Review copies of Take A Walk® books and photographs are available.Learn more about Jane at www.takeawalk.com.
Contact: Kae Tienstra, 610-395-6298, kae@ktpublicrelations.com.

Take A Cloud Walk
Stillwater Publishing
Spring 2008
FREE DOWNLOADABLE BOOK at www.takeawalk.com and at www.NoStudentLeftIndoors.com
Full color
30 pages

Media contact:
Kae Tienstra
KT / PR & Literary Services
1905 Cricklewood Cove
Fogelsville, PA 18051
610-395-6298
www.ktpublicrelations.com
Visit our new blog:
www.newliteraryagents.blogspot.com

Free Workshop!
May 8, 2008
American Museum of Natural History
9:30 am- 4:00 pm

The Bird’s Eye View: Exploring Changes to NY/ NJ Harbor Estuary Environments

Engage your audience: Help students better understand features (natural and human influenced) of NY/NJ Harbor Estuary landscapes. Participants will learn how to use widely available geospatial data to develop lesson plans and learning activities.Hands-on workshop activities include:

·USGS Topographic Map Reading
·Interpreting Current and Historic Air Photos
·Finding Spatial Data Resources
·Introduction to USEPA Harbor-Estuary Program habitat restoration

This free workshop is open to all levels formal and non-formal educators and teachers.Activities shared meet several NYC Science Scope and Sequence for middle school students.
Please contact New York Sea Grant to reserve your space no later than May 1, 2008.

For more information and to register contact:
New York Sea Grant at
845) 340-3983
or email:
Nordica Holochuck, Sea Grant Specialist
at nch8@cornell.edu

Annenburg Media Web site offers The Power of Place instructional video series for high school and college classrooms. Visitors can watch any of the VODs after completing a free online registration form, and further explore Web content on each program.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/5781242

The Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) and the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (UWSP) have announced these online courses for the 2008 summer and fall semesters. Three undergraduate or graduate credits are available, and all participants are eligible for the in-state tuition rate. The courses are also offered as a non-credit workshops for those who are not seeking college credit.
Scholarships available. See Web site for details.
Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation
Summer 2008 course: June 2 – August 22
Fall 2008 course: September 8 – December 5
This 13-week online 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.
Fundamentals of En! vironmental Education
Summer 2008 course: June 2 – August 15
Fall 2008 course: September 8 – November 28
12-week online course about the fundamentals of environmental education is appropriate for both classroom teachers and for non-formal educators who work with students and/or teachers. 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.
Contact: Angela Lemar at Angela.Lemar@uwsp.edu
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/5781214

The Science (and Economics) of Green Design: Teaching Materials Science, Product Life Cycles and Environmental Design
Program features the interdisciplinary curriculum "Designed by Nature."
http://www.creativechange.net/content/economy/designbynature.htm
July 10-11, 2008 ~ Westchester County, New York
Details and registration: http://www.celfoundation.org/programs.html
Questions: info@celfoundation.org
Stipend, graduate credit, and CEUs available.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/5781202

This Earth Day, the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Programs is marking Earth Day Sunday (the Sunday closest to Earth Day) by recognizing the interconnectedness of poverty and climate change and offering a resource for worship, adult study, and youth activities. Copies are available online.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/5781192

New Guide on the Health and Environmental Effects of Pollution and Toxins for Congregations
Pollution of the air, land, and water, along with toxic chemicals found in products ranging from children’s toys to baby bottles are leading to unprecedented illnesses and disease. These conditions range from asthma to cancer. The National Council of Churches is offering this resource to give people of faith the tools to respond in their home, their congregation, and their community. Learn more about Mindful Living: Human Health, Pollution, and Toxics.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/5781194

NJPEP PD-Online course registration is now open for May 2008! These online courses are free. The courses are aligned with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and may be used towards professional development hours. We urge you to take advantage of these professional development opportunities. For further information and course registration, click on the following:
http://www.nj.gov/education/njpep/pd/onlinePD/index.html

Honeywell Institute for Ecosystems Education FIELD STUDIES IN THE HACKENSACK WATERSHED For Middle and High School Educators in the Hackensack Watershed Monday, August 18 – Friday, August 22, 2008

The New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) and Honeywell have partnered to create an exciting, week-long program, the Honeywell Institute for Ecosystems Education, for science and social studies middle and high-school teachers. The program offers in-depth experiences that use inquiry as a basis for building effective field studies. By connecting the classroom to the real world, teachers can help students become more aware of the world around them, take an active role is preserving  their local environments and acquire the critical thinking, problem solving and basic life skills to be informed global citizens.

Experience the watershed, firsthand

This week of professional development is designed to provide teachers with:

• New Jersey-specific content information that focuses on the natural systems that unite urban, suburban and rural communities. 
• In-depth experiences that use inquiry as a basis for building effective field studies.
• Practice using the same skills and tools that they will use with their students so that content information can be effectively integrated into existing curricula.
  CCCS Science: 5.1, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10; Social Studies: 6.2, 6.6
• Access to printed, technological, and organizational resources to enhance classroom investigations and field trips.
• Chances to model lessons and field trip techniques used in outdoor experiential learning situations.

Earn 30 PD hours.

Receive a weekly stipend for attending.

Receive NJ-specific materials and other resources.

Click this link to learn more about the program, see the week’s agenda and download registration information.

http://www.njaudubon.org/Education/Summerinstitute.html

Ms. Dale Rosselet

Vice President for Education

Center for Research and Education

600 Route 47 North

Cape May Court House, NJ  08210

609-861-0700 x14 (p) 609-861-1651 (fax)

www.njaudubon.org

The New Jersey Department of Education has established a newsletter to serve the information needs of the state's education community and the general public.DOE f.y.i.will provide readers with regular updates on news involving state-level programs affecting the public schools in digest form.It will also contain news about upcoming events and recent postings on our Web-site.

Please take some time to review the inaugural issue by clicking on the link at the end of this message.We have taken the liberty of sending you the first issue because of your expressed interest in education.If you would like to continue to receive this free newsletter, we are asking you to fill out a brief subscription request.You will be subscribed upon submission of your request.

To review your issue of DOE f.y.i., click on this link:

http://www.nj.gov/education/newsletter/08/0402.pdf

For your free subscription to DOE f.y.i., click on this link:

http://www.nj.gov/education/newsletter/

If you have any questions or comments about DOE f.y.i., please contact the Office of Public Information at 609-292-1126.

NJHEPS Spring Energy Workshop

***Please Hold These Dates for Other Events***

NJHEPS Spring Green Design Workshop
May 2nd, 9 am to 2 pm
Cook College Campus Center Multipurpose Room – Rutgers University

NJHEPS Climate Change Management Workshop
May 30th, 9am to 2 pm
West Lecture Hall, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, UMDNJ – Piscataway Campus

This new book Feet Wet, Hands Dirty: Environmental Projects in Maryland Public Schools, highlights 15 different elementary school student-developed environmental projects. Maryland's EE program provides students with the opportunity to investigate environmental issues and take action to preserve or restore the environment.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/5182266

Exploratorium site links to real-time NOAA imagery and graphs on atmosphere, hydrosphere, global effects, etc. Students can explore scientific data relating to the atmosphere, the oceans, areas covered by ice and snow, and the living organisms in all these domains.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/5182268

When the weather changes daily, how do we really know that Earth’s climate is changing? A new book from Lynne Cherry and co-author Gary Braasch, written especially for middle schoolers, How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming (Dawn Publications, March 2008) presents the evidence behind the headlines—gathered by scientists from all over the world, sometimes with the assistance of young "citizen scientists" and told in an age-appropriate manner with clarity and hope.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/5182270

New online journal, Lessons in Conservation (LinC), provides educators and students with the most up-to-date resources and thinking in biodiversity conservation. Published semi-annually, the official publication of the Network of Conservation Educators and Practitioners (NCEP) is a collaborative project to develop capacity aimed at sustaining Earth's biological and cultural diversity. The teaching modules presented include documents summarizing a wide range of topics, field or laboratory exercises, and relevant short case studies with teaching notes to help educators tailor their lessons to local issues or questions. All modules include current, peer-reviewed content and are designed to facilitate active approaches to teaching and learning.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/5182262

HippoWorks.com has just produced a new 12-part cartoon series "One by One, Ton by Ton, Let's Stop Global Warming!" to help teach kids about this important environmental issue and what they can do to stop it. A new episode will air every week.
As an educational tool for teachers, each episode concludes with questions and a glossary for a follow-up classroom discussion. Previous cartoons from Hippo Works have promoted energy conservation, awareness about animal extinction, and green living. The weekly cartoonlets are a free offering, for subscribers or for your Web site!
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/5182258

This Spring, National Geographic Explorer Will Steger and a team of young adventurers from Norway, Great Britain, Canada, and the U.S. will bring their High Arctic dogsled expedition to educators and learners through multimedia dispatches.
Endorsed by the National Education Association (NEA), this adventure learning project includes standards-linked multidisciplinary lesson plans appropriate for middle school and older students that explore how climate shapes the past, present, and future for members of the High Arctic community. In addition to the free lesson plans, the site includes discussion starters that challenge students to think critically and form well-supported opinions.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/5182240

July 7 - August 21, 2008
The EPA Student Environmental Development Program (SEDP) is seeking teachers, students, and partners for this community-based environmental leadership development program which uses a holistic approach to teach inner-city students (ages 12-14) about environmental and health related issues, such as lead poisoning, air pollution, water quality, radon, and pesticides that are prevalent in their communities. This is the 15th year of the program and we will host students from all racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds in Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia, PA; Wheeling, WV; and in Wilmington, DE.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/5182230

A NJ Landscape Project training will be hosted by Brookdale Community College in Lincroft (Monmouth Co.) on Thursday, March 27th, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

***Please note***In addition to the below information, the session will also include a short presentation and preview of New Jersey's Landscape Project Version 3.0: Highlands.***

Participants will learn about the Landscape Project and utilize GIS in a hands-on training to learn how to access critical habitat maps for threatened and endangered species.Seating is limited so please register as soon as possible.

For information regarding the training, scheduling and registration please consult http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/landscape_train.htm or e-mail patrick.woerner@dep.state.nj.us.

Version 2.0 of New Jersey's Landscape Project that identifies critical habitats throughout the state can be obtained:

- Online via download: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ensp/landscape/download.htm
- Online via i-MapNJ: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/gis/depsplash.htm#
- On Compact Disc by request to the Division of Fish and Wildlife's Endangered and Nongame Species Program by calling 609-292-9400; faxing 609-984-1414; or writing to P.O. Box 400, Trenton, NJ 08625-0400.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
This message has been sent to you as a subscriber to the njendangeredspecies
automated mailing list by the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife.
If you need assistance please email njfishandwildlife@dep.state.nj.us.

The application for the 2008 Toyota International Teacher Program to the Galapagos Islands is now online.The deadline to apply is due May 9th, 2008.All teachers starting from grades 6 – 12 and full time Library Media Specialists are eligible for the Toyota International Teacher Programs!And Toyota program alumni who have not participated in a program for 5 years may apply again!

If you are eligible, you are encouraged to apply online by visiting the website (www.iie.org/toyota) for instructions.Also, please share information about the Toyota International Teacher Programs with your colleagues at the local, state and national level.

One-third of amphibian species are currently endangered. Join the Amphibian Project and Amphibian Ark in celebrating 2008 as The Year of the Frog by educating your students about amphibians, their importance, and the current global crisis. You and your students can help protect amphibian species.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/4682966

The CAPCO Classroom Aerosol Adventure Kit contains all of the materials necessary to teach your students about the Earth’s protective upper ozone layer, CFCs, and aerosol products in a fun and active way. The kit includes a teacher’s guide, classroom activities, experiments, homework assignments, and the DVD, "Another Awesome Aerosol Adventure," created by the makers of "Beakman’s World." It is a perfect compliment to standard teaching materials and an excellent way to meet state SOLs. The kit is free and can be ordered or downloaded from CAPCO’s Web site.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/4682954

Special Offer for Classroom Teachers! Free 1-Year Subscription to YES! Magazine.

YES! magazine is an ad-free quarterly journal published by the Positive Futures Network, an independent, nonprofit organization supporting people’s active engagement in creating a just, sustainable, and compassionate world. Our stories are about real people making positive change in the real world. They are stories of hope that are especially inspiring to young people.

YES! honors classroom teachers for engaging and inspiring the next generation. Thanks to the generosity of our funders we can provide K-12 classroom teachers and college faculty with a one-year introductory subscription at no cost.

Sign up now and start your free year of YES! with our next issue devoted to climate change solutions with compelling stories by Bill McKibben, Joanna Macy, youth, and others about what's needed for us to meet this global challenge.

Sign up today at: http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/4682952

Free Climate Change Curriculum & Cameras Available to Document Climate Change Solutions

Food for Thought: What's the Buzz?

In spring, Vermonters have maple syrup on their minds. But this time of year the quiet hum from beehives indicates another natural sweetener is on its way. As soon as the weather is warm enough for flowers to make pollen, honeybees are out of the hive and ready for action. Raw, unfiltered honey is a natural byproduct of pollination and retains the beneficial traces of pollen, propolis, and... >>more

Edible of the Month: Kiwi

When they hear the name "kiwi" most people think of New Zealand, the flightless bird, or the fruit. They're all connected. Although kiwi fruit is associated with New Zealanders... >>more

Brie Glazed with Kiwifruit

The soft, delicate taste of baked brie cheese is complemented by sweet-tart kiwis and savory spices. This dish makes a great appetizer or snack... >>more

Quick Spring Greens

Ahh spring, when a young man's fancy turns to greens. Well, greens may not be the first thing on a young man's mind in spring, but they certainly are something my taste buds are craving. After a long winter of less-than-fresh vegetables, the thought of homegrown spinach... >>more

Send Your Ideas!

Do you have any tips to share? Are there topics you'd like me to address?
E-mail me at ediblelandscaping@garden.org

E-mail your question and I'll choose two to answer in each newsletter.

Free "Kids Outdoors" magazine that can be ordered for visitors centers, events, workshops, outreach--targets families, communities, recreation, green living--a deal!

Children & Nature Network (C&NN)
Kids Outdoors Magazine

We have exciting news!As part of the "Leave No Child Inside" campaign, the Children & Nature Network (C&NN) has endorsed a magazine titled Kids Outdoors Magazine.Kids Outdoors Magazine focuses on helping parents, grandparents, and caregivers reconnect children with nature by providing compelling evidence of how children learn and grow by spending time outdoors.The look, feel and content makes getting kids outside fun and easy and promotes the benefits to their physical and psychological health.

Kids Outdoors Magazine has four distinct sections focusing on:
* Outdoor recreation (biking, hiking, skiing, camping, snowshoeing, etc..)
* Healthy and green living (safety, organic foods, non-toxic cleaning, recycling, plant a garden)
* Nature-based family vacations (visit a nature center, raft the Grand Canyon, volunteering)
* Connecting with nature (crafts, scavenger hunts, build a butterfly house)

Our goal is to reach as many families as possible and expose them to the concept.That's where you come in.Nature Centers get regular visitors, school children on field trips, host events and have many other opportunities to put copies of the magazine in the hands of the people who are most likely to respond to the message.And, you are a highly respected source. The best part is that you will have the opportunity to distribute the magazine absolutely FREE OF CHARGE to your visitors, members, and the general public in your community!You simply request them and we ship them to you.

An advisory board made up of ANCA members will oversee the editorial content for this magazine.That way we can ensure that all the information comes from experts and that it fits the missions of both the C&NN and ANCA.

It will include advertising.It couldn't be funded otherwise.ANCA will have the opportunity to reject any advertisers it feels are controversial or would cause any other conflict.The great thing is that advertisers want the same thing we want-to get a message to as many people as possible.

Our projected launch is Spring 2009 but Please respond now.You can help by letting us know if you are willing to participate and how many single copies you will distribute annually.Keep in mind, it costs you nothing and we are trying to reach as many families as possible with this important message.Our target goal is a minimum of 2,000,000 copies across the nation annually.Don't forget to include visiting groups, events, PR functions and other gatherings in your calculations.

Again, these are free single copies, not subscriptions.We do intend to solicit subscriptions (a tear out card will be included in every copy) and a portion of that money will go to the Children and Nature Network.

It is a quarterly magazine; we will ship every three months.How many can you distribute?Please try to estimate in multiples of 100. Please also keep in mind that the more you can give away, the better.From our perspective, and building a base that is attractive to advertisers (our source of funding), it is better to overestimate than underestimate.We can always cut back on shipments later.Let us know as soon as possible.We need to establish our total numbers.

Kids Outdoors Magazine will be published by the same company that publishes Whisper in the Woods Nature Journal. Yes, we are moving full speed to find a sponsor for the Whisper in the Woods project. The two publications work hand in hand.Whisper in the Woods has the staff in place to handle both simultaneously.As they seek sponsors for one, they are recruiting and building relationships for the other.

You may download a sample PDF of the prototype issue at http://www.whisperinthewoods.com/sample/sampleissue.htm

We can also help you find ways to use the magazine to market your center. Don't hesitate to call Kimberli to discuss it.

Please send your numbers directly to Kimberli at kim@whisperinthewoods.com

If you have further questions, feel free to contact Kimberli Bindschatel at (866) 943-0153 ext. 83.

Produced by the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in association with the Harvard University Center for the Environment, the course consists of 13 half-hour streaming video programs, online text, professional development guide, and a Web site. Graduate credit is available from participating institutions. All online materials are free of charge and hard copies of materials are available at nominal cost.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/4154928

EPA is working with 20th Century Fox in connection with their new movie, Dr. Seuss' "Horton Hears a Who" to help Americans and their kids learn about energy efficiency and ENERGY STAR. Using the lyrical rhymes and colorful illustrations that are the hallmarks of Dr. Seuss, EPA has two new brochures to remind us that - with help from Horton and ENERGY STAR - we can all do our part to fight global warming, save energy, and protect the earth. Both brochures are downloadable from the Web site.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/4154930

The US Environmental Protection Agency has developed the "Teach English, Teach about the Environment" curriculum to assist teachers of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) to teach English to adult students while introducing basic concepts about the environment and individual environmental responsibility.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/4154932

Classroom teachers, home school educators, naturalists – if you are committed to teaching children about the world in which they live and how they are an integral part, you will appreciate these 230 illustrated pages of hands-on activities. These activities have been created from the first-hand experience of the Ferry Beach Ecology School Staff on the coast of Maine or adapted with permission from other environmental organizations.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/4154926

The SAI (STEM Accelerator Initiative) Guide to Building Effective STEM Education Programs has just been made available by the National Alliance of State Science and Mathematics Coalitions (NASSMC). Written by Brett Pawlowski of DeHavilland Associates, the SAI Guide is a complete resource for anyone designing a new education program or conducting a strategic review of an existing program.
http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/4154924

We are looking for Earth Science teachers who are interested in working on an ongoing project we have with the National Science Foundation developing activities for the classroom using real science data.The activities are developed for Earth Science curriculum.

In order to fit the needs of the program teachers would need to be:

1. Close enough to the New York New Jersey border to be able to commute to Liberty Science Center (Jersey City, NJ) for a summer workshop, and visit Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades NY for follow up workshop dates.

2. Newly teaching Earth Science (within the last 3 years) OR NOT using data in your teaching.

Again, we are looking for a group of teachers who are not currently using data in the classroom who would be willing to work with us on this project.

I am including the commitment letter for the project.It would involve 3 days in early August '08 for a Liberty Science Center (LSC)teacher workshop, and then approximately 3 additional non school workshop days. We have teacher stipends of $100/day to offer for one of the LSC days (8/6), and then for any additional workshop days we hold during the school year.

Please review the information below and let me know if you would like to be included in this exciting project.

Margie Turrin
Education Coordinator
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
845-365-8494
fax 845-365-8179
mkt@ldeo.columbia.edu
--
Earth2Class Workshops for Teachers
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University
Palisades, NY 10964
http://www.earth2class.org

NESTA President-Elect 2006 - 2008
http://www.nestanet.org

Teacher Opportunity - Improve Your Use of Earth Science Data in Your Teaching

We are recruiting High School/Middle School Teachers who teach Earth Science courses to work with Liberty Science Center and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in testing classroom activities that use real data (Data Puzzles).Accepted teachers would be data novices, with little to no previous use of data in their classrooms.Participants will register and attend a three day Summer 2008 Earth Science Teacher Institute hosted by Liberty Science Center, Liberty Park New Jersey – August 4th-6th.Full information on the workshop will be provided when available.

What is a Data Puzzle?Each Data Puzzle is a discrete, stand-alone lesson, designed to fit into one class period. Data Puzzles use carefully selected Earth Science data to illuminate Earth systems science concepts included in the New Jersey and/or New York core curriculum. Existing puzzles can be viewed at: http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/~kastens/curriculum/data_puzzles/puzzles.html

Expectations:
Teachers in this phase of the project are currently NOT actively using data in their classroom teaching, and must be willing to:
Register and participate in 3 day summer 2008 Earth Science Teachers’ Institute hosted by Liberty Science Center, Liberty Park New Jersey.
Test the Data Puzzles in their own classroom and provide feedback for the improvement of the puzzles and the supporting teach information.
Attend up to 3 days (non school days) of workshop/meetings to be held at Lamont-Doherty or Liberty Science Center to plan for or debrief from the use of the Data Puzzles during 2008-2009.
Teacher Benefits:
Stipends will be provided to teachers for participation in one day of the 2008 Earth Science Institute where Data Puzzles will be covered 8/6/08.
Stipends would be paid for the additional workshops/meetings.
Eligibility for Professional Development credits.
Assist in a National Science Foundation funded project to improve Earth Science Education.
Offer new activities to your students, designed to illuminate fundamental Earth processes, providing an ‘aha’ moment of insight.

The Principle Investigators for this project are Kim Kastens, Doherty Senior Research Scientist at Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University (http://www,ldeo.columbia.edu), and Anthony Bisulca, Manager of Teacher Programs, Liberty Science Center (http://www.lsc.org).

Teacher involvement in this project will begin Summer 2008.If you would like to participate as a teacher and agree to fulfill the expectations listed above, please sign below and return this form to: Margie Turrin mkt@ldeo.columbia.edu.Please feel free to direct any additional questions on the project to me as well @ 845-365-8494.Forms may also be faxed to 845-365-8179.

Print Name _____________ Sign Name _____________
Date _____________ Phone _____________
E-mail _____________ School & Subjects Taught _____________

POW! The Planning of Wetlands - May 16, 2008
and
Wetland Plants: Know ‘Em and Grow ‘Em - May 17-18, 2008

at the Hackettstown Natural Resource Education Center
Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

POW! The Planning of Wetlands is a guide for the design, construction and monitoring of a wetland on school grounds or within the community. The 25 exciting and challenging activities promote conservation and stimulate interests in community service, conservation, science, math and engineering careers. Correlated to National Science Standards, all activities are presented in lesson plan format with Student Activity Pages ready for copying.
Topics Include:
Wetland functions and values
Wetland regulations and permits
Use of topographic & NWI maps
Wetland Assessment Hydrological calculations
Land-use Planning Surveying
Biological monitoring

Wetland Plants- Know ‘Em and Grown ‘Em-Environmental Concern has synthesized its over 30 years of wetland horticultural experience into a course for educators.
Educators leave the workshop with:
• a firm understanding of wetland plant ecology
• the ability to identify plant species in the field utilizing dichotomous keys
• skills to collect, store, and clean seeds and how to transplant and divide plants
• tips for weed & pest control, over wintering of plants, and correct planting techniques
• designs and all materials needed to set up a waterbox with irrigation line to grow native wetland plants at their schools or nature centers
• inspiration to construct schoolyard wetland habitats as permanent homes for the plants

This workshop set is intended for formal and non-formal educators interested in or currently using wetlands and raingardens as an educational space and to bring wetlands alive in your classroom!Professional Development credits available!

Fee is $50 for POW; $75 for Know ‘Em and Grow ‘Em
To register, please call Liz Jackson at (908) 637-4125.
Any questions about the program, please call Jamie Schofield with Environmental Concern at (410)745-9620.
-------------------------------------
Help Evaluate New Jersey’s Project WILD Program

Starting February 15, 2008 an online assessment of the Project WILD program can be found at www.njfishandwildlife.com/pwinfo.htm.

This survey is intended ONLY for individuals who have taken the Project WILD workshop, regardless of how long ago. The survey will take about 10 minutes to complete.

The purpose of the assessement is to: 1) clarify by whom and how the program is being used; 2) suggest programmatic changes such as implementation strategies or target audience; 3) determine if the program meets the agency’s mission and goals; and 4) determine how we may better serve constituents.

Completing the online version is prefered, however, if you would like to receive a paper copy of the survey, please contact Liz Jackson at (908) 637-4125 or send your request to ejackson@dep.state.nj.us.

Liz Jackson, Public Information Assistant
NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife
Pequest Trout Hatchery
Oxford, NJ 07863
Phone: (908) 637-4125
Fax: (908) 637-6735

POW! The Planning of Wetlands - May 16, 2008
and
Wetland Plants: Know 'Em and Grow 'Em - May 17-18, 2008

at the Hackettstown Natural Resource Education Center
Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

POW! The Planning of Wetlands is a guide for the design, construction and monitoring of a wetland on school grounds or within the community. The 25 exciting and challenging activities promote conservation and stimulate interests in community service, conservation, science, math and engineering careers. Correlated to National Science Standards, all activities are presented in lesson plan format with Student Activity Pages ready for copying.

Topics Include:
Wetland functions and values
Wetland regulations and permits
Use of topographic & NWI maps
Wetland Assessment Hydrological calculations
Land-use Planning Surveying
Biological monitoring

Wetland Plants- Know 'Em and Grown 'Em-Growing A Brighter Future - Environmental Concern (a wetlands advocacy organization) has synthesized its over 30 years of wetland horticultural experience into a course for educators.
Educators leave the workshop with:
* a firm understanding of wetland plant ecology
* the ability to identify plant species in the field utilizing dichotomous keys
* skills to collect, store, and clean seeds and how to transplant and divide plants
* tips for weed & pest control, over wintering of plants, and correct planting techniques
* designs and all materials needed to set up a waterbox with irrigation line to grow native wetland plants at their schools or nature centers
* inspiration to construct schoolyard wetland habitats as permanent homes for the plants

This workshop set is intended for formal and non-formal educators interested in or currently using wetlands and raingardens as an educational space and to bring wetlands alive in your classroom!Professional Development Credits available!

Fee is $50 for POW; $75 for Know 'Em and Grow 'Em
To register, please call Liz Jackson at (908) 637-4125.
Any questions about the program, please call Jamie Schofield with Environmental Concern at (410) 745-9620.

New interactive software collects bird sightings at parks and refuges

Ithaca, NY-­Parks, nature centers, and wildlife areas can now enhance their visitors’ experience with the installation of eBird Trail Tracker software from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The program includes maps and checklists of birds customized for each site. Visitors check Trail Tracker to find out which birds have been seen recently and where they may find them. After going out on the trails, visitors can record their own sightings, creating a continuous, updated record of bird observations for the site. Users can also view photographs, listen to sounds, and read life history information about all the birds on the site’s checklist, using simple touch-screen technology. Trail Tracker may be used at a regular computer work station or self-contained kiosk.

The program is already in use at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, Texas. “It’s an easy, user-friendly way for our visitors to get an update on the species they are interested in seeing and then share their experiences with future visitors,” says Estero Llano Grande park natural resource specialist Jennifer Owen. “People enjoy mapping their sightings and comparing them to what others have seen, plus the new sound and video features make it an educational tool.”

All eBird Trail Tracker reports are pooled in eBird, a database containing millions of bird observations maintained by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Anyone can explore this data at www.ebird.org, using charts and graphs that highlight patterns in bird distribution over time.

For an online demonstration of eBird Trail Tracker, visit www.birds.cornell.edu/is/ett. For more information contact Barry Bermudez at bab78@cornell.edu or 607-254-1143.

News Brief 
If you need more information on this subject, call the listed Press Officer
 
For Release: (Washington, D.C.Jan. 30, 2008)

EPA Releases Multi-cultural Environmental Outreach Materials

Contacts:  Roxanne Smith, (202) 564-4355                 Andrea Drinkard, (703) 308-0214
EPA has released two publications specifically designed to increase environmental awareness among multilingual communities. "Teach English, Teach about the Environment" is a curriculum designed to help teach adult students English, while introducing basic concepts about the environment and individual environmental responsibility. The concepts introduced in the curriculum can help immigrants understand their role in contributing towards cleaner and healthier communities by reducing, reusing and recycling.

The second publication, "Working Together for a Healthy Environment – A Guide for Multi-Cultural Community Groups," is designed to help community-based organizations plan and execute community events that promote reducing, reusing and recycling. It has a brief introductory paragraph on the inside cover in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. 

Read "Teach English, Teach about the Environment" at: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/education/teachers.htm
Read "Working Together for a Healthy Environment – A Guide for Multi-Cultural Community Groups" at: http://www.epa.gov/osw/community.htm

Rutgers Office of Continuing Professional Education and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey are partnering to present a two-day intensive course on March 18 and 19, 2008 entitled 'Endangered and Threatened Species of Southern New Jersey'.

This course will provide you with information about rare and protected species and the habitats they depend on in southern New Jersey. Speakers from the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife Endangered and Nongame Species Program and Land Use Regulatory Program and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey will present on southern species and the regulations that impact them.

This two-day course is ideal for planners, engineers, developers, municipal officials, planning board members and environmental commission members working in the southern region of our state.

Please follow this link http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/assets/events/E&Tflyer.pdf for information about the course and how to register.

Teacher Summer Institute
The Science of Water Through the World of Art
Integrating Science & Art in the Context of Watersheds
June 23 – 27, 2008
9am – 3:30 pm

Target Audience:educators of upper elementary to high school students
Fees: $15 registration fee (check to Stroud Water Research Center)
Where:Stroud Water Research Center, Avondale, PA

Description:Engage in creative exploration of the science of watersheds by using art as a vehicle for documentation and understanding.Investigate the environment and find out how creating art can assist your students in learning about watershed delineation, what influences the color of water, how to assess the health of a stream, life cycles, the importance of habitat and ecosystem services, agriculture and society, and best management practices for conservation.

The workshop is based at the beautiful 1800 acre Stroud Water Research Center.Field investigations at several stream sites and visits to the Delaware Natural History Museum,Brandywine River Museum, Pt. Lookout and to a farm showcasing sustainable growing practices will be part of the agenda.

Participants will receive:
Classroom Resources
Continental breakfast,2 lunches
Museum and field trip visits
Continuing Professional Education hours - 30

Registration Enrollment limited to 20(10 teachers from Chester County, PA; 10 open enrollment)
For questions contact: Vivian Williams, 610-268-2153 x 249, Email: vwilliams@stroudcenter.org

REGISTRATION FORM

Name: ______________________________________________________________________________

School Name & Address:_______________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

School Phone: ____________________School Fax:__________________Grade Level:_____________

Home Address:_______________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone:______________________E-mail:__________________________________________

Return registration form and check to:
Vivian Williams, Stroud Water Research Center,
970 Spencer Rd., Avondale, PA 19311

Ever wonder what it would be like to live with your own garbage? In Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home, director Andrew Nisker takes an average urban family, the McDonalds, and asks them to keep every scrap of garbage that they create for three months. He then takes them on a journey to find out where it all goes and what it's doing to the world. http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/2431714

This new e-learning Web site provides science-based, introductory information about invasive plants. The five self-study modules address the purpose and history of the Refuge System, how volunteers help in invasive plant management, how refuges manage invasive plants, and tips for community outreach. The program is part of a larger U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service program in conjunction with partners to engage volunteers in managing invasive species on National Wildlife Refuges. http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/2431716

This site features printable (K-6) teacher worksheets all aligned to National Standards and can be sorted by grade level of subject. http://eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/newclick/2431718

These are just in from the current (just landed) space mission. The