Join us at our next Book Club meeting on  

 Monday, October 18th at 8:00 pm ET

to discuss the non-fiction book:

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster

by Bill Gates

"It won't be easy, but it's possible." 

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.

The Colorado Coralition focuses on the science of climate change, coral decline, and reef restoration. Middle and high school students from Fort Collins, Colorado worked for an entire year to take part in the learning experience of a lifetime: helping the Coral Restoration Foundation in their efforts to stem the tide of coral reef decline in the Florida Keys.

Read more about the project and the teacher who made it possible. Dr. Matt Strand - who created the Colorado Coralition project - teaches 7th and 8th grade English and serves as the middle school team leader at Polaris Expeditionary Learning School in Fort Collins, Colorado. 

NOAA Planet Stewards has just expanded its library of webinars to 52 offerings by nationally recognized scientists, educators, and communicators from NOAA and partner organizations. These broadcasts are organized into three categories: Climate and Earth Science; Climate and Earth Science Education; and Environmental Science, Education, and Stewardship. We welcome you to explore these mind-expanding talks for yourself and for your students. 

Also, if you're looking for terrific educational resources to plug into your academic planning this year, check out archived issues of The Watch to increase ocean, climate, and environmental awareness. 

Live from the E/V Nautilus, technology demonstrations and concept of operations trials at sea with the HROV Nereid Under-Ice (NUI) and ROV Argus will be presented. Dynamic production and visual effects will be featured by the University of Rhode Island's Inner Space Center. Watch it live here.

Slides / Recordings / Other Materials: Recordings will be available at https://web.uri.edu/oeci/news-and-events/ after the webinar.

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In this webinar NOAA leadership will be coming together to share, inform and engage with NOAA staff and the public on what is being planned for the year ahead. Framing questions include: How is NOAA collaboration relevant across the Nation?; What are the most impactful future mission challenges?; What are exemplary instances of collaborative efforts across NOAA? REGISTER HERE.

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This webinar will feature Judith Enck, President of Beyond Plastics and former Regional Administrator of the EPA under President Obama. She will discuss the nexus between plastic production and climate change, including the immense environmental justice impacts. Graham Forbes, Global Project Leader of the Plastic-Free Future campaign at Greenpeace, will discuss how consumer goods companies’ reliance on single-use plastic packaging is providing a lifeline for Big Oil. This important conversation is especially relevant ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 in November,  with the goal to accelerate action on climate change.

Click Here for more information and to register for the Webinar.

Under the 1987 Montreal Protocol, all countries agreed to regulate ozone depleting substances in a race to reverse the widening "hole" in our planet's ozone layer, which shields us from damaging ultraviolet radiation. Three decades later, scientists are discovering new benefits from this landmark agreement that made natural ozone repair possible. In this webinar, You'll explore the connections between ozone, plants and global climate change. Relevant instructional resources will also be included. Register today!

Join University of Wisconsin-Madison's Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies for a conversation with those leading the nation’s effort to address racism and the outdoors.

Goals of the event:

• Raising awareness of the importance of anti-racism in the outdoors, including the Anti-Racism in the Outdoors guide.
• Challenging concepts and ideas that marginalize people in nature and the outdoors.
• Elevating the voice of national organizations and leaders working on this topic

Register here.

The Smithsonian Science Education Center will host this FREE virtual professional development designed to help educators understand the evolution of culturally based instructional practices and explore how they overlap with principles of universal design for learning (UDL). The sessions also aim to prepare educators to develop goals that demonstrate culturally relevant, responsive, and sustaining teaching, as well as consideration of all students regardless of ability, to ensure all learners have stimulating and meaningful STEM learning experiences  The registration deadline for this opportunity is September 30. Find out more.

Join Cornell University Sea Grant  for the webinar where you'll hear three case studies of how community monitoring programs are providing shoreline flooding data to local and state decision makers. Learn about different tools and partnerships at different scales. Register for the webinar here.

"Big data”—the ability to harness and use data at scale—has transformed our economy, our democracy, and our daily way of life. AI has made navigating social media and online information a societal conundrum. Join us to understand what Federal, state, and local partners are doing to address these gaps, and what resources exist to bring data education programs to your school.

REGISTER HERE.

This online environmental challenge is open to U.S. middle school teachers (grades 6–8). The challenge features short tasks (roughly 15–20 minutes each) that can excite kids about the environment and teach them the value of collaboration, covering topics such as where energy comes from, why energy conservation is important, and how the use of clean, green power can contribute to a healthier climate. All tasks can be performed virtually or in person, support Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and many common science themes, and requires no additional materials. Register your class online and visit the Climate Superstars portal during the contest period to access tasks and record your activities. The contest begins on October 1 and ends October 31.

This award recognizes one teacher of grades K–8 (or Key Stages 1–3 in the United Kingdom) for their leadership and innovation in Earth science education. The award consists of a $2,500 prize for the winning teacher and a grant of up to $1,000 to enable the recipient to attend a National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) National Conference to accept the award. The winning teacher and their school each will receive a plaque of recognition. Deadline to apply here is January 21, 2022.

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) - including computer science, is now accepting nominations! The PAEMST is the highest honor the U.S. government bestows for K–12 mathematics and science teaching, honoring up to 108 teachers each year. Presidential awardees receive a certificate signed by the President; a trip for two to Washington, D.C. to attend a series of recognition events; and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. They also join a cadre of more than 5,000 award-winning teachers.

Consider nominating a talented teacher or applying for the award yourself here. This year, teachers in grades K–6 are eligible. Nominations close on January 7. Applications will be due by February 6.

The Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) invites applicants from 15 to 30 years of age to propose a solution to address issues related to climate change, marine litter, or both, using environmental education as a key strategy. GEEP personnel are looking for solutions that are innovative, feasible, and informed by research. Your solution could win you a $1000 prize! Learn more >

The submission deadline for proposals is October 25, 2021 at 11:59 PM ET

Applications are now open for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Decathlon which challenges collegiate teams to design OR build high-performance, low-carbon buildings powered by renewables! Collegiate teams can apply now for the 2022 Design Challenge (1-year design-only competition) and the 2023 Build Challenge (2-year design-build competition). Finalist teams will be invited to compete for victory during the Competition Event at DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. Apply here by October 26. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Western Region has launched the “Picture Climate Change'' student photo contest and is looking for images that showcase climate change in the western United States. This photo contest is a chance for students to showcase their climate change experience through the lens of a camera, and to provide a short written narrative. The narrative is meant to highlight the student’s climate change photo and provides the student a chance to add a short story about how the climate variability or change captured within their image has or will impact their local community and future. 

Details are available here.

Share this invitation with parents, teachers, mentors, community members, and students who are interested in the arts and/or sciences. Cool Science is a free and public art competition held each fall for all K-12 artists.  Cool Science is a collaboration between universities in Massachusetts, Kansas, Missouri, and Southern New Hampshire. 

• What did you learn about extreme weather and climate that you want to teach adults?
• Why is a weakening Polar Vortex causing wild ups and downs in winter temperatures?
• How will our lives change as weather becomes more severe?

For further information about the contest, visit this website.

California students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to submit artwork or poetry with a California coastal or marine theme to the Coastal Art & Poetry Contest. Entries can be submitted online until midnight January 31st, 2022. For rules, contest flyer, entry form (and helpful links for teachers and students), please visit www.coastal.ca.gov/art-poetry. 

Climate Video Challenge:  California middle and high school students are challenged to answer the question: What is your vision for a thriving future? Entry deadline is midnight on March 31st, 2022. For rules, brainstorming prompts, climate change resources, and how to enter, please visit https://www.coastal.ca.gov/climatechallenge/.  

The 2022 Contest challenges teens ages 11-18 worldwide to learn about climate change and its impact on the ocean, and to explore new ways to communicate the urgency of the climate crisis. The contest is seeking innovative submissions that challenge expectations for what climate change messaging should look like. How can you talk about climate change in a fresh way? How can you capture attention without sacrificing your message? Find out more here.

HEY EDUCATORS: Did you know that Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs recognizes educators who incorporate the Ocean Awareness Contest into their curricula each year? Nominated educators have a chance at winning $750 awards! Learn more.

Earth Science Week 2021 learning resources and activities explore the importance of water — and water science — for living things, Earth systems, and all the activities people of all backgrounds undertake. Learn more at Earth Science Week 2021.

To grasp on the decisions, technologies, and historical events that have led to our current climate crisis, check out the interactive infographic Climate History. The page is organized chronologically, and you can navigate the climate history timeline by scrolling through or jumping to specific historical moments between the years 1800 and 2020.  Explore the infographic.

• Mr. Tornado documentary: The 1974 Outbreak was the most violent tornado outbreak ever recorded.
  
  
• Extreme Weather Film and Lesson Plans: Students will practice forecasting and measuring weather, identifying weather patterns, and making connections between weather and climate.
  
  
• NOVA Cloud Lab: Scientists look at clouds to understand and predict weather events and climate patterns. In this hands-on lab, learners practice classifying types of clouds, analyzing data like cloud temperature and rainfall rate, and using data to predict storms. Learners will utilize the same real-time satellite data and imagery that scientists use

While COVID-19 pandemic continues, UCAR/NCAR Center for Science Education is bringing cool science to you virtually! 

Check out the wide array of opportunities they have as well as their collection of educational resources that help students learn more about the atmosphere, weather, climate, Sun and space weather, and the Earth as a system.

A new Pew Research Center survey in 17 advanced economies spanning North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region finds widespread concern about the personal impact of global climate change. Most citizens say they are willing to change how they live and work at least some to combat the effects of global warming, but whether their efforts will make an impact is unclear. Access the report here.

The COASTAL LEARNING CONFERENCE (virtual) is the Oregon Coast Aquarium's annual professional development opportunity for educators on the coast and beyond. The goal of this conference is to give educators content, activities, and resources to engage students in learning about marine life and ecosystems. The 2021 theme is How the Ocean can Renew Joy in Learning! Join via Zoom. The event is free and open to all. Find more info and register here.

Join NAAEE and environmental educators from around the world as they celebrate the power of connection and the restorative role of nature. During this multi-day event you can explore how environmental education is bringing people together to solve our most pressing problems and create more just and sustainable communities.

50th Annual Conference: October 12–15
18th Annual Research Symposium: October 7–8
Meetings and Workshops: October 4–15

Tiered pricing is available to help make this online experience accessible to all.

Learn more. Register. Share. >

The Pisces Foundation’s Environmental Education Program has announced a new funding opportunity for environmental and outdoor learning in the United States. This opportunity is designed to equitably build  the relationships and shared tools that empower people and organizations to work together in states and regions. 
 
Pisces is now accepting concept notes for a round of grants that will range in amount from approximately $50,000 up to $150,000 for a 12-month period. More information can be found here.

Concept note deadline: Friday, October 29, 2021, 5 pm EDT

Vernier Software & Technology will award $1,000 grants to 40 STEM educators. Each educator will receive $1,000 worth of Vernier technology of their choice, an annual license for Vernier Graphical Analysis Pro, and virtual professional development to further support their teaching. The grants are open to all K–12 and college educators who are actively teaching at an educational institution in the United States. Find out more and apply.

 DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 5, 2021

The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF) Program provides unique opportunities for accomplished K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educators to serve 11 months in a Federal agency or U.S. Congressional office. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who are currently employed full-time in a U.S. public or private elementary or secondary school or school district. Applicants must have been teaching full-time in a public or private elementary or secondary school for at least five of the last seven years in a STEM discipline. The application deadline is November 18, at 8pm ET.

The NOAA Office of Education has issued a competitive funding opportunity for projects that develop the collective environmental literacy necessary for communities to take actions that build resilience to extreme weather and climate change in ways that contribute to community health, social cohesion, and socio-economic equity.

This funding opportunity is soliciting two types of projects through separate competitive priorities. Priority 1 will support new projects and Priority 2 will support the evolution of existing projects.

Deadlines and details can be found here.