Happy New Year from SEEK!
2015 is starting off with a bang with the announcement of several environmental education funding resources -- including the EPA's Environmental Education grants, the LCCMR grants, and a new Innovative Education grant! There are also lots of professional development opportunities to take advantage of!
And don't forget to check SEEK's Jobs, Internships, and Volunteer pages for the latest EE employment openings. Looking forward to a wonderful year ahead!
Colleen Schoenecker
SEEK Coordinator
Follow SEEK on Facebook
In this issue:
 Twin Cities Environmental Education Consulting
(TCEEC) is a small business run by naturalist Lauren Borer. Its mission is to provide quality experiential environmental education focusing on Minnesota ecology. The main target audience is homeschool students in upper elementary through high school. TCEEC provides environmental education classes and workshops to homeschool students, teachers and educators as well as programming for Boy/Girl Scouts. Some of the workshops are in the form of presentations at conferences for teachers and educators.
TCEEC invites both formal and non-formal educators to participate in a one day SciGirls STEM Educator Training located at St. Catherine's University on January 17th.
|
January
-
January 8: Workshop: Enhancing your field trip experience at the Minnesota Zoo with iPADs will be held in Apple Valley
-
January 10: Environmental Education Cohort: Reading your Winter Landscape will be held in Bloomington
-
January 10: Field Experience - Science Institute for Educators: Awakening the Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers will be held in Duluth
-
January 12: Minnesota Naturalists' Association (MNA) Training; Driven to Discover - Using Citizen Science to Spark Scientific Investigations will be held in Hastings
-
January 13: Refuge Partner Teacher Orientation Workshop will be held in Bloomington
-
January 13: Science Institute for Educators: Awakening the Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers will be held in Duluth
-
January 14: Refuge Partner Teacher Winter Workshop will be held in Bloomington
-
January 14 - May 6: Minnesota Master Naturalist Course: Big Woods Big Rivers will be held in Coon Rapids
-
January 16 - May 8: Minnesota Master Naturalist Course: Prairies and Potholes will be held in Cambridge
-
January 17: SciGirls STEM Educator Training will be held in St. Paul
-
January 21: Our World Speaker Series: What "World Heritage" Will We Leave for Future Generations? (with Dr. Jim Perry) will be held in Apple Valley
-
January 27 - March 5: Minnesota Master Naturalist Course: Big Woods Big Rivers will be held in Faribault
Visit the SEEK Calendar for more information about these events.
Environmental Education Proposals Sought to Benefit Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources - Deadline: May 11
The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has issued its 2016 Request for Proposal for funding from Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund beginning July 1, 2016. Approximately $46.3 million is expected to be available in 2016 for projects in the following seven areas: 1. Foundational Natural Resource Data and Information 2. Water Resources 3. Environmental Education 4. Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species 5. Air Quality, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy 6. Methods to Protect or Restore Land, Water, and Habitat 7. Land Acquisition for Habitat and Recreation.
Environmental Education Grants Available from the EPA - Deadlines: February 2 & March 6
Under the EE Grants Program, the EPA seeks grant proposals from eligible applicants to support environmental education projects that promote environmental awareness and stewardship and help provide people with the skills to take responsible actions to protect the environment. This year, the EPA intends to issue two Requests for Proposals (RFP): the EE Model Grants RFP (due February 2) and the EE Local Grants RFP (due March 6).
The Security of Nature: Reassurance that Life is Good is a Seldom-Mentioned Gift to Children
Today's kids live in world where society largely believes that leaving the backyard to play is too dangerous, walking to school is too risky and exploring the small river in the park is a health hazard. The only place to be absolutely safe is inside. This fear-focused parenting style that has become so popular is affecting the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of a whole generation. It's stopping them from taking healthy risks, gaining self-confidence and exploring their surroundings.
 Schools Are Invited to Apply for Green Ribbon School Award - Deadline: January 5
Is your school conserving energy, promoting fitness, and getting students outdoors for environmental studies? The Green Ribbon Schools Awards from the U.S. Dept. of Education recognizes schools, districts and higher education institutions that save energy and reduce operating costs, create environmentally friendly learning spaces, promote student health, and incorporate environmental sustainability into the curriculum.
|
Environmental Education Cohort series for Elementary Teachers Resumes on January 10
You are invited to join a dedicated group of elementary educators focused on integrating and embedding environmental education and outdoor instruction into everyday school instruction. This group typically meets the first Saturday of each month from 9:30-12:00 at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington. Come prepared to spend time outdoors at each session. Join us for one Saturday morning workshop or as many as you can! If you attend at least 3 sessions you're eligible to receive a classroom set of Jeffers Journals for your students.
EPA Regional Administrator Tours Duluth Composting Facility, Highlights the Benefits of Reducing Food Waste
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Susan Hedman highlighted the environmental benefits of diverting food waste from landfills at the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District's composting facility. WLSSD turns food scraps and yard waste from homes and businesses into high-quality compost, which can be added to soil to help plants grow. Making compost keeps food waste out of landfills. WLSSD also works with businesses to reduce the amount of food waste generated and encourages any surplus edibles to be donated to local programs to feed the hungry.
DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition - Deadline: January 31
The DuPont Challenge calls on students in grades 6 through 12 to research, think critically, and write a 700-1,000 word science essay that provides innovative ideas on our most pressing global challenges, or demonstrates an application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to our daily lives. The essays categories are: Together, we can feed the world; Together, we can build a secure energy future; Together, we can protect people and the environment; or Together, we can be innovative anywhere. Prizes include $200 - $5,000 US Savings Bonds plus the top three students in each division get a trip to Orlando.
 MnTAP Intern Program Looking for Business Hosts and Projects - Deadline: February 1
The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) invites businesses interested in reducing waste, conserving water, and improving energy efficiency, to submit a project idea to MnTAP’s intern program. MnTAP is an outreach program at the University of MN that helps Minnesota businesses develop and implement industry-tailored solutions that prevent pollution at the source, maximize efficient use of resources, reduce energy use, and reduce costs to improve public health and the environment. MnTAP's interns are science or engineering students that offer their talent, time and creativity to research alternative equipment, procedures, chemicals, and raw materials.
|
Announcing the 2015 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards - Deadline: February 2
The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities invites applications for the 2015 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards for outstanding after-school and out-of-school programs that are transforming the lives of young people. Programs that receive the award exemplify how arts and humanities programs outside of the regular school day enrich the lives of young people throughout the country by teaching new skills, nurturing creativity, and building self-confidence. Twelve award-winning programs will receive $10,000 and an invitation to accept their award at a ceremony at the White House.
New Environmental Education Funding Award Announced - Deadline: February 27
The North American Association for Environmental Education announced a new collaboration with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) --the UL Innovative Education Award! The Award aims to recognize and support the critical work of U.S. and Canadian nonprofits that embrace E-STEM to inspire school-aged children to be the next generation of game-changing scientists, business leaders, researchers, inventors, and engineers. One $100,000 grant, two $50,000 grants, and two $25,000 grants will be awarded.
 International Young Eco-Hero Awards - Deadline: February 28
Action For Nature created the International Young Eco-Hero Awards to recognize and reward the successful individual environmental initiatives of young people ages 8 to 16. Winners receive public recognition, cash prizes and certificates for their outstanding efforts to help protect and preserve the environment. Winners will also serve as role models for other young people by demonstrating that each individual can make a difference.
|
Presidential Award Application and Nominations are Now Available - Deadline: April 1
Grades 7-12 science and mathematics teachers are eligible for the 2015 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The prestigious award from The White House provides a great opportunity to examine and improve your instruction. Mentoring assistance is available. Nominate your colleagues or yourself by April 1.
Find more environmental education news and updates in SEEK's News section.
 How Not to Hibernate Winter Activity Guide
During the winter when the weather is cold and the days are short, it doesn't have to mean less quality time outside enjoying nature. This free guide from Be Out There - a program of the National Wildlife Federation can help! Our How Not to Hibernate Winter Activity Guide is full of tips, ideas, games and more to help your family get outside in the colder months of winter. Activities include Making an Ice Lantern, Penguin Waddle Race, Iceberg Hopping, Edible Ornaments for the Birds, Matching Animal Facts and more.
|
School Health Index (SHI): Self-Assessment & Planning Guide
The School Health Index (SHI) is an online self-assessment and planning tool that schools can use to improve their health and safety policies and programs. It's easy to use, confidential, and available as an interactive, customizable online tool or downloadable, printable version. It was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in partnership with school administrators and staff, school health experts, parents, and national nongovernmental health and education agencies to: 1. Enable schools to identify strengths and weaknesses of health and safety policies and programs 2. Enable schools to develop an action plan for improving student health and 3. Engage teachers, parents, students, and the community in promoting health-enhancing behaviors and better health. This tool can help schools assess their current policies and practices as well as track progress over time.
 DEEPER: Deepening Environmental Education in Pre-Service Education Resource
This 125-page resource guide was created by the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. It is full of practical strategies, case studies, and recommended resources for teachers, staff and students in education institutions to help embed EE into their pre-service programs. It shares the expertise of environmental educators who have found successful ways of integrating EE into initial teacher education. It provides much needed professional development for those just starting in this field, and demonstrates the power of a collaborative approach to EE when faculties of education, school boards and NGOs work together.
|
Find additional resources for your environmental education programs in SEEK's Browse Resources section.
Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) Grants - Deadline: January 8
The EREF is a private, grant making institution, whose mission is to support solid waste research and education initiatives, is inviting researchers to submit proposals on solid waste management issues contained in EREF’s Strategic Research Plan or on educational projects. Grants range from $15,000 to over $500,000 with the average amount at $160,000.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Justice Small Grants - Deadline: January 9
The Environmental Justice Small Grants Program supports and empowers communities working on solutions to local environmental and public health issues. This year’s program will have a special emphasis on proposals supporting community-based preparedness and resilience efforts (community climate resiliency). Applicants must be non-profits, tribal governments, or tribal organizations working to educate, empower and enable their communities to understand and address local environmental and public health issues. Four grants up to $30,000 will be awarded for a 1-year project per EPA region.
Air and Waste Management Association Scholarships & Awards - Deadline: January 12
Each year, the Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) recognizes outstanding students who are pursuing courses of study and research leading to careers in air quality, waste management, environmental management / policy / law, and sustainability. This includes student scholarships, thesis/dissertation awards, and awards for best student paper and poster at the Association’s Annual Conference & Exhibition.
Ag Literacy Grant Program – Deadline: January 15
The Ag Literacy Grant Program is for K-12 educators to encourage them to bring agriculture and food systems education "to life" by integrating it into their classroom or school. Non-formal education applications will also be considered. First time applicants will have priority for funding. Grants can be used for field trips but not for student entry fees to field trip sites. The maximum grant award is $400.
 Captain Planet Foundation Grants - Deadline: January 31
The Captain Planet Foundation provides grants to schools and organizations to serve as a catalyst to getting environment-based education in schools, and inspire youth and communities to participate in community service through environmental stewardship activities. Grants range from $500 - $2,500 with preferential consideration given to requests that have secured at least 50 percent matching or in-kind funding.
|
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Undergraduate Scholarship Program - Deadline: January 31
NOAA offers scholarships to students who have completed their sophomore year and majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields that directly support NOAA's mission. This program targets students attending minority serving institutions (MSIs). The goal is to increase the number and diversity of students who undertake course work and graduate with degrees in targeted academic fields integral to NOAA's mission.
 National Education Association (NEA) Learning & Leadership Grants - Deadline: February 1
These grants support public school teachers, public education support professionals, and/or faculty and staff in public institutions of higher education for one of the following two purposes: Grants to individuals fund participation in high-quality professional development experiences, such as summer institutes or action research; or Grants to groups fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson study, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff new to an assignment. The grant amount is $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for groups.
National Education Association (NEA) Student Achievement Grants - Deadline: February 1
The NEA Foundation provides grants to improve the academic achievement of students in U.S. public schools and public higher education institutions in any subject area(s). The proposed work should engage students in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen their knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students' habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection. Proposals for work resulting in low-income and minority student success with honors, advanced placement, or other challenging curricula are particularly encouraged. Grant amount is $2,000 - $5,000.
|
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Education Grants - Deadlines: February 2 & March 6
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Education Model Grant Program is currently accepting applications for grant proposals to support environmental education projects that promote environmental awareness and stewardship and help provide people with the skills to take responsible actions to protect the environment. This year, the EPA will issue two Requests for Proposals (RFP): the EE Model Grants RFP (due February 2) and the EE Local Grants RFP (due March 6). Three grants, for approximately $192,200 each, will be awarded under the Model Grants RFP.
 Christopher Columbus Awards - Deadline: February 2
This national award is a community-based science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program for middle school students. It challenges students to work in teams of 3-4, with an adult coach, to identify a problem in their community and apply the scientific method to create an innovative solution to that problem. Eight finalist teams will receive a place at the National Championship Event and compete for cash prizes, plus a $200 development grant to further refine their idea.
|
 Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grants - Deadline: February 13
These grants up to $5,000 are for permanent facility enhancements (both indoor and outdoor), such as school nature trails, landscaping projects, building gardens, and other projects that encourage parent and community involvement. We challenge ourselves to seek ways to provide the tools that help our educators and parent groups through these challenging times efficiently and with the greatest impact. Public K-12 schools or parent groups associated these schools are eligible to apply.
|
SEEK stands for Sharing
Environmental Education Knowledge and is the online home of Minnesota's
environmental education resources.
For further information visit
the SEEK website or Facebook page or contact Colleen Schoenecker,
SEEK Coordinator, at seek.pca@state.mn.us or 651.757.2700 or
800.657.3864
To unsubscribe, to set
subscriber preferences, or to subscribe to other MPCA e-newsletters, see the
links below.
|
