Upcoming Workshops and Webinars for Educators

An Introduction to Earth's Climate (UCAR, NASA, NSTA)

September 22, 2010
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
website

Learn the basic science about Earth's climate. In this web seminar, participants will examine techniques to help students understand the difference between weather and climate and highlight a classroom activity that fosters student understanding of climate averages. An overview of the factors that impact climate such as Earth's orbit, volcanic eruptions, greenhouse gases, and clouds will provide an overview of the climate system. Then, participants will explore a classroom activity about how the climate system is in a delicate balance and what happens when that balance is disrupted. Webinar Registration

Advancing Environmental Literacy about Transitions and Tipping Points in Complex Environmental Systems (American Institute of Biological Sciences)

September 28, 2010
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time
website

Participants in this event will hear from the authors of the 2009 NSF report "Transitions and Tipping Points in Complex Environmental Systems" who will provide an introduction to the report and its recommendations specific to environmental literacy. They will share examples of projects that are moving these recommendations forward. Participants will have multiple opportunities to discuss how the report's educational recommendations can inform the conversations at the Ecology & Education Summit, October 14th-15th in Washington DC. Webinar Registration

GSA Workshop on Teaching about Energy in Geoscience Courses (On the Cutting Edge)

October 30, 2010, 8am-5pm, held at GSA in Denver
Registration DEADLINE: Sept 27

Web page and access to the online registration form: http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/energy2010/index.html

Workshop fee: $70 (see the note about the GSA and Cutting Edge registration process)

In conjunction with the GSA Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado, On the Cutting Edge will be hosting a one-day workshop about energy issues in the geoscience classroom. To address tomorrow's energy challenges, our students must be conversant with both traditional energy and alternative energy sources, as well as a host of emerging topics such as carbon capture and storage, life cycle assessment, carbon footprint, and energy return on investment. Thus, there is a clear need for effective approaches for teaching about energy topics in our classrooms.

This workshop is for faculty who teach about energy and geoscience and for graduate students who anticipate teaching about energy or are engaged in research about energy resources. Participants will learn about emerging science in the fields of traditional energy, alternative energy, carbon capture and storage and nuclear energy. The workshop will also showcase approaches for teaching about energy and provide a forum to develop new educational materials. The workshop will both build on and disseminate the results of a longer workshop that took place in May 2009, at the University of Wyoming.

For more information, contact Karin Kirk.

Using Online Volcano Monitoring Data in College and University Courses: The Volcano Exploration Project, Pu`u `O`o (VEPP, NAGT)

This short course will be held on Saturday, October 30, 8 AM – 12 PM at the 2010 Annual GSA meeting in Denver, Colorado. The purpose of the course is to inform participants about volcano-monitoring techniques used in Hawaii and introduce an educational website that provides near-real-time volcanological data from the Pu`u `O`o eruptive vent at Kilauea Volcano. Specific examples for utilizing the website in different college and university geoscience classes such as introductory geology, volcanology, natural disasters, and geology of national parks will also be discussed and made available. The registration deadline is September 27, 2010, and the cost is $84.00 (which includes continental breakfast and wi-fi access for hands-on demonstrations). Participants should bring their own laptops. Additional information is available at http://www.geosociety.org/meetings/2010/courses.htm.

Teaching About Earth's Climate Using Data and Numerical Models (On the Cutting Edge)

A virtual workshop held October 21-22 and 25-27, 2010
Application/Registration DEADLINE: October 1, 2010

Web page and access to the online registration form: http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/climatemodels/index.html

Workshop Fee: $50

Note: The workshop size is limited to the first 30 participants who register.

This workshop is for faculty who would like to enhance their teaching about the climate system and climate dynamics by incorporating numerical models and model output data, and for those interested in sharing their experiences teaching climate change. This workshop focuses on the utility of numerical models in past, present, and future climate change research, and their potential role in teaching students about the climate system. Simple numerical models that are available online, as well as vast quantities of numerical output available in professionally collected databases offer teachers and students endless opportunities for data-rich instructional activities. Learn about resources available online, hear from other faculty with experience using numerical models in the classroom and develop or adapt classroom exercises and assessments for your own use.

The workshop will consist of a blend of synchronous presentations, online discussions, work time and collaborative efforts. Prior to the workshop participants will be required to submit a learning activity or activity idea focused on using numerical models to teach climate change. During the workshop, participants will build on that activity, or complete a new activity or classroom assessment for use in their own teaching. Submitted materials will become part of the On the Cutting Edge website.

Please join us in forming a community of scholars who are interested in finding new and engaging ways to communicate the science of climate change!

For more information, contact Cindy Shellito.