The Watch. News You Can Use From NOAA Planet Stewards - 9 March 2021


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News you can use from NOAA Planet Stewards 

"I hope we all understand the need to move from solemn declarations
to concrete actions and initiatives that are commensurate
to the level of present and future challenges,” 

 –Bocchit Edmond, Haiti

NOAA Planet Stewards Program Links:

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Join the Planet Stewards March Book Club Meeting

The Sea Around Us

Join us at our next Book Club meeting on  

 Monday, March 15th at 8:00 pm ET

to discuss:

The Sea Around Us

by Rachel Carson

Published in 1951, The Sea Around Us is one of the most remarkably successful books ever written about the natural world. Quite simply, she captures the mystery and allure of the ocean with a compelling blend of imagination and expertise. 

Find all upcoming Planet Stewards books and Book Club meeting dates here.

The discussion is open to all. To join, just dial 866-662-7513 (toll free!), then, use the pass code: 1170791#

Share this invitation with all interested colleagues and networks.


Community Resilience to Climate Change: A Virtual Workshop for All Educators from NOAA Planet Stewards

July 5 - 29, 2021 (Live panel discussions on July 8th, 15th, 22nd, & 29th)

NOAA Planet StewardsArtist Boat and the NOAA Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary welcome you to join us during the month of July, 2021 from anywhere you can Zoom for an interdisciplinary 70% independent learning/self-paced virtual workshop; The event is meant for all educators. It will focus on climate change impacts to human and natural communities, and the actions you can take to build resilience in light of these impacts. Find out more here and register.

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Women in Science


I. NOAA FOCUS ON WOMEN IN SCIENCE

NOAA celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in February. In March we continue this celebration during Women's History Month. Female ocean scientists have been making waves at NOAA for more than 150 years. Learn about some of them here:

There's so much to discover about women scientists at NOAA, and other women engaged in NOAA related sciences. Like this:

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  • The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation highlights the work of the Marina Club and its faculty moderator, Mara Morales García, of Esculea Especializada en Ciencias, Matematica y Tecnologia (CIMATEC), a specialized school in science, mathematics, and technology in Puerto Rico. These unstoppable young ladies of science are creating a series of informational videos to spread the word about marine debris to their peers at CIMATEC and nationwide. 

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II. NOAA FOCUS ON INVASIVE SPECIES

In this issue of NOAA Planet Stewards The Watch, we're focusing on Invasive species in recognition of Invasive Species Week (February 22-26).

How are some aquatic invasive species introduced? Get the facts and watch a short video.  

Invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels can harm an ecosystem's natural resources and threaten human use of these resources. Some scientists wonder if we could use these "invasives" to measure microplastic pollution. Listen to the NOAA Ocean Podcast to find out what scientists found out and what qualifies as "invasive."

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Students can also learn to  be an Iinvasive Species' Super Sleuth while playing Nab the Aquatic Invader!Find more great activities like this in the Discover Your World with NOAA activity book.

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EXPLORE YOUR OCEAN!

Introducing Ocean Today Executive Producer & Filmmaker Kurt Mann 

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NOAA Ocean Today offers more than three hundred exciting videos on topics ranging from deep sea exploration to climate change to marine life. Kurt Mann, Ocean Today Executive Producer and filmmaker, joins The NOAA Ocean Podcast to tell all about this amazing Program. Listen to the broadcast and find the latest podcast episodes here. 


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NOAA Live! for the Whole Family

During the month of March, NOAA Live! will take kids and their families behind the scenes at different NOAA facilities with a virtual Open House series!  "Tavel"  across the country to experience amazing places where NOAA scientists, engineers, educators, technicians, and interns work from fisheries labs to aircraft hangars, and more!

All NOAA Live! events in the series begin at 4pm ET. The series includes:

Speaking of NOAA Live! NOAA Live! Alaska presents... 

Cold Dark Secrets: Discovering Alaska’s Deep-Sea Corals and Sponges, Tuesday, March 16, 4 pm ET

All NOAA Live! Alaska webinars are offered on Tuesdays at 4 pm ET (11 am AKT)

View Recordings from all previous NOAALive! webinars here.


Upcoming OneNOAA Science Seminars

The OneNOAA Science Seminar Series is a voluntary effort by over 40 NOAA seminar coordinators to produce and distribute a comprehensive list of NOAA-hosted, publicly accessible science seminars. Check out the OneNOAA Seminar Series website, and register to attend one of their upcoming webinars listed below:

Educator opportunities

2021 Virtual Ocean Classroom Teacher Workshop

March 16-17, 2021, 3-5 pm ET

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Join educators from the Waikiki Aquarium and NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries to learn about new lessons that students can complete virtually or in a classroom. The workshop is geared towards teachers (grades 3-8), but open everyone. Topics will include humpback whale biology and coral reef ecosystems. Register here to attend day 1 of the workshop on March 16 and again to attend day 2, on March 17th.


Climate Generation's Talk Climate Institute Workshop

March 23-24, 2021, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

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Climate Generation's The Talk Climate Institute will deepen your understanding of climate change in an era of disinformation. This transformative two-day experience will take you beyond your computer screen for intentional reflection and active listening, tapping into creativity and building community together. All are welcome! Registration is $200 Full and partial scholarships are availablewith priority given to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Register here.

Also, Climate Generations' Teach Climate Network connects teachers with experts who work and live at the intersections of climate science, climate justice, and climate change education. Check out their Ask an expert! program, watch their Fall Workshop Series, and jump into The Hub to get more resources about the intersection of gender equality and climate change.


Upcoming Webinar to Introduce REEF Virtual Field Trips 

Tuesday, March 9 at 8 PM EST via Zoom

Field Trips

All ocean educators, especially those teaching 3-5th graders, are invited to join in a free webinar to learn more about REEF’s newly-launched Virtual Field Trips Program. REEF Virtual Field Trips are interactive simulations that bring marine science to life with engaging lesson plans and activities that connect students to the ocean, without leaving their classroom. The Virtual Field Trips Open House will be held on Tuesday, March 9 at 8 PM EST via Zoom. Parents, students, teachers, and all ocean enthusiasts are welcome to attend and learn more. Register here. 


Building Renewable Energy Technologies w/ STEAM Webinar

Wednesday, March 10th, 2021; 7:30-8:30 p.m. EST 

What are renewable energy technologies and why is it important to teach students about them? This one-hour webinar will answer these questions and provide practical tools, ideas, and resources for incorporating hands-on learning about renewable energy technologies in your classrooms. Preparing students for their energy future using Canada's GreenLearning’s Re-Energy Program, which employs STEAM-Based learning.  Find out more and register.       

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Webinar: Heat Stress on Species & Ecosystems

March 10, 2021 at 2:00 pm ET

Rising temperatures have significant impacts on ecosystems. This session will consider the effects of heat stress on a range of species and ecosystems across North America , including aquatic, terrestrial and marine habitats, and natural resources management strategies to adapt to these challenges to protect species as well as ecosystem services that support human communities.

Brought to you by the National Adaptation Forum. Register.

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Dive into a Changing Ecosystem: Kelp Forests 

March 11, 2021, 9 - 10:30 pm ET

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Tucked along California's coast is a vibrant underwater forest of towering kelp and diverse wildlife. In the last six years, unprecedented outbreaks of purple sea urchins have decimated kelp forests within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. What caused the urchin outbreak? How have sea otters responded? Will intervention and urchin culling enhance kelp recovery?  Register to learn answers to this questions and more.


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When You Picture a Scientist, Who Do You See?

March 24th, 3 pm ET

Nobel Prize-winning Dr. Jennifer Doudna (featured in the film Human Nature and biochemist co-inventor of CRISPR Technology), Dr. Eva Pietri, and scientists featured in Picture A Scientist, and will welcome your questions at this live online panel conversation on advancing diversity and inclusion in STEM. The discussion will focus on:

  • the experience of each panelist as leaders in their field
  • the journey and obstacles each overcame to get here
  • what they identify as positive solutions that will allow for continued equity and inclusion within the scientific community and beyond.

 

Register for this live event!

The Picture a Scientist film is now available to watch in Academic Video Online  The film chronicles the groundswell of researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists.The film will be an integral part of our live conversation on March 24thLearn more.


READ STEM ACROSS AMERICA LESSON PLAN COMPETITION

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The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) wants to see how teachers incorporate STEM and literacy into one of their existing content-specific lesson plans. Teachers of any grade level or subject are invited to submit a STEM lesson plan that relates literacy to STEM. Three teachers will win a Kindle Oasis with one year Kindle unlimited subscription and a Bluetooth speaker. For more information, visit the ORISE website.

Student opportunities

Ocean Expert Exchange Webinar Series begins March 11th

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ANGARI Foundation and the University of Florida's Thompson Earth Systems Institute have announced their spring Ocean Expert Exchange webinar series! Each 30-minute event includes a presentation on the speaker’s area of expertise followed by a Q&A session with participants. Upcoming live events are accessible via Zoom and YouTube Live and recordings of past webinars are available

For more information on these free events or to register, visit: https://angari.org/oceanexpertexchange

CALLING ALL FANTASIES AND TALL TALES

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As part of its Read STEM Across America Student Challenge (listed above), the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) invites students to create a STEM-focused short story for a chance to win an awesome literary prize. Eight prizes will be awarded—two for the K-2nd grade category, two for the 3rd-5th grade category, two for the 6-8th grade category, and two for the 9-12th grade category. For more contest information and a list of prizes, visit the ORISE website.


The OurEcho Student Challenge

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The OurEcho Challenge is a STEM competition that empowers U.S. middle school students (grades 5 - 9) to take a closer look at biodiversity in their communities. Students will first identify threats to local ecosystems and then propose solutions to help preserve, protect, or repair those natural resources. 10 finalist teams will join EarthEcho International on June 10-11, 2021 to virtually present their ideas to restore and protect local biodiversity. The top three teams will be awarded grants to turn their projects into a reality. Grand prize is $5,000. Learn more.


We All Rise Prize

$15,000 in Awards for Black, Indigenous & Latina/o/e Students

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The We All Rise Prize is offered by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs' The Ocean Awareness ContestTen $750 awards in the Junior (ages 11-14) and Senior Divisions (ages 15-18) for a total of 20 awards and equaling $15,000 will be offered to students in the U.S. who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Latina/o/e, and whose entries demonstrate notable artistic achievement in their chosen category. Cash awards are not restricted and can be used for tuition, art supplies, or personal expenses.

The Ocean Awareness Contest is an online platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, becoming advocates for positive change. The Contest accepts submissions in visual art, creative writing, poetry and spoken word, film, music, dance, and multimedia. Find out more!


Attn All Anglers: Recast & Recycle Contest

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This contest from the Boat US Foundation, makes recycling of fishing line and soft bait more efficient, more attractive and more accessible! Give your best idea for a chance to win $15,000!  We’re talking about fishing line and soft baits used by recreational anglers. Whether it’s monofilament line, braided line or soft baits – we want there to be a sustainable, large scale solution to keeping it out of our waters and our landfills.Deadline for submissions is May 14th, 2021. Learn more and enter here.


Calling All Engineers: The Recycle Regatta

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The Recycle Regatta is a fun, hands-on competition that students can participate in from the safety of their own home. Students will build small-scale, un-crewed, model sailboats, test them, and calculate their speed. Challenge other students from around the world as you do your part to reduce marine debris by repurposing and recycling. Prizes will be awarded to the winners! This event is sponsored by New England Science & Sailing (NESS)Educational Passages, and the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA)Learn more

Ed Resources

Turtle Trash Collectors Goes Virtual!

Turtle Trash Collectors, a University of North Carolina Wilmington MarineQuest outreach program funded by the NOAA Marine Debris Program has gone virtual! Hands-on marine debris education, videos and interactive challenges are now available on the site.

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A Student Exploration of the Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the US

Check out this lesson from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences on the clear link between climate change and negative health impacts that disproportionately impact women, people of color and Indigenous communities.

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Spring Weather Is Coming! Be Safe and Informed.

Get ready for Spring weather hazards by visiting NOAA's Spring Safety website!

You can find NOAA's Spanish-language safety materials at: weather.gov/wrn/spanish.

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NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research Video Shorts

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View short videos from past NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research-led expeditions on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer that have been featured on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

World Whale Day Every Day

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World Whale Day was celebrated in late February but whales deserve our attention all year! Learn tons of interesting whale facts while creating a beautiful piece of origami. Learn how here.

Ocean Quiz and Annual National Ocean Science Bowl

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What do you know about the ocean?
Take the Ocean Science Quiz from the National Ocean Science Bowl (NOSB) and find out! You can play the quiz alone or with a friend - two player mode. You can learn more about the NOSB and how to enter a team in this annual national competition here.

The World Ocean Radio podcast is now available online

The BLUEprint Series: How the Ocean Will Save Civilization 

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Part twenty-seven of the multi-part BLUEprint series talks about a carbon-free future: one that requires batteries that currently rely on rare metals being extracted from the sea floor in the central Pacific  Will the short-term financial profit over the long-term social and ecosystem loss be worth the trade off?

WORLD OCEAN RADIO is a weekly series of five-minute audio essays on a wide range of ocean issues and exemplary projects. Available for RSS feed and for broadcast by college and community radio stations worldwide. Find them at iTunes or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.


Ocean Storymaps of the Ocean Floor and More

These storymaps reveals amazing features of the ocean floor or Ocean Geomorphology. A variety of resources based on seafloor mapping expeditions are available for elementary or middle/high school students, or as a background reading. Find more at www.nautiluslive.org/education.
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Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Resources from NAAEE

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View lists of resources curated by NAAEE (North American Association of Environmental Educators) and partners to help you continue your work to inspire change in the field of Environmental Education and create a more just and sustainable future for all.

More >


AAAS Digital STEM Education Resources

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The American Association for the Advancement of Science’s (AAAS) STEM Education department has a collection of interactive online K–12 educational resources for families and teachers. Perfect for at-home and distance-learning environments, the activities are designed be completed in about 45 minutes or less, and cover a range of STEM topics.  Each activity is presented in a simple, three-part format (Materials, Steps, and To Learn and Do More) and includes embedded links for more information. Find them here.


NSF’s Four Awesome Discoveries Video Series

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Help your students stay current on engaging science research with the fast-paced science video series Four Awesome Discoveries You Probably Didn’t Hear About This Week, produced by the National Science Foundation (NSF). From singing robots to odd animals to medical marvels, the videos present quick summaries of scientific breakthroughs and research discoveries pulled from the headlines. Most appropriate for ages 13 and up.  Find them on YouTube here.

Conference Reports

From Climate Generation: Summer Institute for Climate Change Education

July 28-30th, 2021 (Virtual)

energy

Join Climate Generation, the NOAA Climate Office and The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program, virtually this summer at its Summer Institute for Climate Change Education! Gain the skills to bring climate change into your educational setting, whether it be a classroom, nature center, or museum!

Climate Generation is offering full and partial scholarships to attend the virtual Summer Institute, to help cover the registration fee of $250.  Priority is given to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color applicants and applicants with financial need. Learn more and register here.


Brookings Instutition Report: A New Green Learning Agenda: Approaches to Quality Education for Climate Action 

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As countries work to “build back better” from COVID-19, the education sector has a once in a lifetime opportunity to build back differently. Unprecedented school disruptions have laid bare how existing inequalities within our education systems, including those structured along the intersections of gender and poverty, are exacerbated in times of crisis. Yet COVID-19 school disruptions are only a sample of what is to come as extreme weather events and zoonotic disease transfer become a more regular occurrence in the context of ecological collapse and climate breakdown. Find the Agenda here.

Grants

Grants 

Jobs, Internships 

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Education News You Can Use


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Science News You Can Use

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Ocean, Coastal Weather

Wildfires, Floods, and Other Weather-related Natural Disasters


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Report: Climate Change in the American Mind

By the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication