News you can use from NOAA Planet Stewards
November 5, 2024
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In November Planet Stewards will be holding two - that's right two book club events!
Scroll down for all the information and join us along with attendees from across the U.S. - and occasionally other countries! All are welcome!
On Tuesday, November 12th, we’ll discuss Mark Kurlansky’s Book: The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell.
Time: 7 p.m. ET Video Conference Log In: meet.google.com/mxo-fkqc-owb Phone Dial In #: (US) +1 484-641-8305 Pin:732 637 522#
Before New York City was the Big Apple, it could have been called the Big Oyster. Author Mark Kurlansky tells the remarkable story of New York by following the trajectory of one of its most fascinating inhabitants–the oyster, whose influence on the great metropolis remains unparalleled.
For centuries New York was famous for its oysters, which until the early 1900s played such a dominant a role in the city’s economy, gastronomy, and ecology that the abundant bivalves were Gotham’s most celebrated export, a staple food for the wealthy, the poor, and tourists alike, and the primary natural defense against pollution for the city’s congested waterways.
Filled with cultural, historical, and culinary insight–along with historic recipes, maps, drawings, and photos–this dynamic narrative sweeps readers from the island hunting ground of the Lenape Indians to the death of the oyster beds and the rise of America’s environmentalist movement, from the oyster cellars of the rough-and-tumble Five Points slums to Manhattan’s Gilded Age dining chambers.
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19 de Noviembre a las 7:00 PM hora del este
Júntense con nosotros para una conversación sobre El Libro de Esperanza por Douglas Abrams y Jane Goodall.
Hora: 7 p.m. Hora del Este Acceso a la videollamada: meet.google.com/mxo-fkqc-owb Llamada por teléfono: (US) +1 484-641-8305 PIN:732 637 522#
La naturalista y conservacionista de renombre mundial Jane Goodall ha pasado más de medio siglo advirtiendo sobre nuestro impacto en el planeta. Desde sus famosos encuentros con chimpancés en los bosques de Gombe cuando era joven hasta su incansable campaña por el medio ambiente a finales de los ochenta, Jane se ha convertido en la madrina de una nueva generación de activistas climáticos.
En El libro de la esperanza, Jane se basa en la sabiduría de toda una vida dedicada a la naturaleza para enseñarnos cómo encontrar la fuerza frente a la crisis climática y explica por qué todavía tiene esperanza para el mundo natural y para la humanidad. En conversaciones extraordinarias con su coautor Doug Abrams, que entretejen historias de sus viajes y activismo, ofrece a los lectores una nueva comprensión de la crisis que enfrentamos y un camino convincente para que todos creemos esperanza en nuestras propias vidas y en el mundo.
Este libro profundo de una figura legendaria en la lucha contra el cambio climático muestra que, incluso frente a una gran adversidad, podemos encontrar esperanza en la naturaleza humana y en la naturaleza misma.
Esperamos que se una a nosotros y hable sobre "El Libro de Esperanza.” Recuerde, no es necesario haber leído el libro para unirse a nosotros. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!
En la página de próximos eventos de NOAA Planet Stewards se publica una descripción completa del libro, la información de inicio de sesión de la reunión, las preguntas de discusión y las fechas y selecciones para todo el año académico 2024-2025.
Vea libros previamente seleccionados y preguntas de discusión en nuestro Archivo del Club de lectura NOAA Planet Stewards.
¡Regístrese para recibir anuncios recordatorios en la lista de correo de NOAA Planet Stewards!
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New Resource: All About Corals!
Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Thousands of species rely on reefs for survival. Millions of people all over the world also depend on coral reefs for food, protection, and jobs.
The Corals Tutorial is an overview of the biology of and threats to coral reefs, as well as efforts being made to conserve and protect them. Along with vivid images and animations, A Roadmap to Resources directs users to a broad array of coral data, information, and additional education resources.
Check it out today!
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Image: A GPS antenna and receiver determine an accurate position and elevation for a geodetic control mark on the top of Mt. Blue Sky, Colorado, elevation 14,266 feet. (Photo Credit: Brian Shaw, NGS) (2023)
Since 2007, NOAA’s National Ocean Service has been working to update the National Spatial Reference System. This huge project will modernize the system for measuring the horizontal positions and vertical elevations of the United States and its territories. During the course of this work, NOAA scientists realized that the heights of Colorado’s famous “Fourteeners” — or mountains with peak elevations of at least 14,000 feet — had been overestimated. In this episode, we learn why this occurred, how this impacts the status of these mountains, and what benefits this project will have for the nation. Our featured expert is Derek van Westrum, physicist with NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey. Listen to the NOAA Ocean Podcast "Moving Mountains" episode!
November 14, 2024 I 3-4 p.m. ET
Increasing Implementation of Citizen Science Across NOAA
November 15, 2024 I 12-1 p.m. ET
NEDTalk - U.S. Billion-dollar Weather and Climate Disasters
Into the Clear Blue Sky: the Path to Restoring our Atmosphere
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 | 10-11:15 p.m. ET
Rob Jackson is the Chair of the Global Carbon Project, a Senior Fellow at Stanford’s Woods Institute for the Environment and Precourt Institute for Energy, and a professor of earth science at Stanford University. Rob will tell us about restoring the atmosphere for methane, examining sources from natural systems such as the Amazon and anthropogenic sources, including oil fields, pipelines and homes. Register now for the Friends of Hopkins Lecture from Stanford University.
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HEART Force Veteran Teacher Refresher Workshop
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 | 6-7 p.m. ET
Have you participated in a HEART Force workshop before? Would you like to learn about the latest developments in the program? Explore new lessons that incorporate trauma-informed practices, activities that guide students toward action projects, and a lesson that helps students understand why certain populations may be more vulnerable to hazards.
The workshop will also showcase resilience action projects that students have completed and explain how you can use your HEART Force unit to help students qualify for a Seal of Climate Literacy on their diploma! Learn more and register for the HEART Force workshop on the CEEE website.
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Webinar: An Introduction to the Center for Climate Change Education at PRI
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 5-6 p.m. ET
The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) announces the establishment of the Center for Climate Change Education, furthering its commitment to climate and energy education. The initiative equips educators and the public with practical tools for addressing climate change. The Center produces educational resources, creates exhibits, offers educator professional development, and provides climate education designed for diverse audiences. It also supports the broader climate education community.
“Our mission is to provide and support action-oriented climate change education everywhere,” said Don Haas, PhD, Director of Teacher Programming at PRI. “We believe humanity is facing a climate emergency and education is a fundamental tool for addressing this challenge.” The session will provide an overview of Center resources and highlight selected learning activities for anyone who wants to learn or teach about climate change!
Explore Center resources at: https://climate.earthathome.org/
Register for the introductory webinar today!
Data Puzzle Webinar: Wind Farms of the Future
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 6-7 p.m. ET
Calling all MS/HS science teachers! Join Colorado University at Boulder curriculum developer Alyse Thurber as she guides participants through the "Wind Farms of the Future" Data Puzzle, a 2-day MS/HS lesson in which students explore where new wind farms should be constructed. In this Data Puzzle, students analyze surface roughness and wind speed data to construct an evidence-based explanation for the investigative question, "Where in the United States (lands and waters) should new wind turbines be constructed to generate the most energy?"
Learn more and register for the data puzzle webinar on the CEEE website.
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Thursday, November 14 , 2024 | 7 - 8:30 a.m. ET
This is the first in a series of webinars from Ocean and Coastal Futures where they will create a space to learn about, discuss and debate aspects of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in the marine and coastal sector.
Join this Ocean Justice webinar to discuss and debate:
Why we need a more diverse and inclusive marine and coastal sector.
Why we need to transfer more power to young people/communities in marine decision-making.
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Thursday, November 14, 2024 I 7 p.m. ET
Did you know that simple and familiar rocks and minerals play a critical role in responding to, recording, causing, and even solving climate change? During this Science Update web seminar, Ethan Baxter, Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Associate Dean of the STEM Disciplines at Boston College, will explain how rocks and minerals affect the Earth and environmental processes and challenges that face our society today.
Register now for the Rocks and Minerals of Climate Change webinar and discover how rocks and minerals impact climate change.
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Science in the Virtual & Actual Pub is a twice monthly program offered by the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) in Buffalo, NY, where you can grab a drink and engage in some friendly science! Join them on second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 7:00 pm Eastern Time from October through May, excepting holidays. Most sessions will be fully virtual. Some special events will be hybrid, livestreamed from different locations.
All meetings are broadcast on Zoom and links to join are sent upon registration. Sessions are generally live streamed on PRI’s YouTube Channel and shared in the Science in the Virtual Pub Facebook Group, but participation in the discussion requires joining the Zoom meeting.
Thursday, November 14, 2024 | 7 p.m. ET
Resilience Hubs are a new cornerstone of the climate justice movement and focus on building resilience by centering on the community to drive mitigation. How can we sustainably and equitably operationalize Resilience Hubs in New York State? The goal is to build a replicable playbook for community organizations, local governments, nonprofits, as well as local and state partners to guide and empower them.
Here is a recent article highlighting the Resilience Hub project.
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November 20, 2024 | 6 -7 p.m. ET
Meet students where they are in their understanding of climate change and empower them with a sense of agency and hope. Join high school science teacher Julie Ackerman as she shares several examples of how she successfully engaged teens in becoming change agents—sometimes without them even realizing it!
Register for the Tech Climate Network workshop to receive a recording and additional resources to your e-mail within 1 week of the event.
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Thursday, November 21, 2024 | 4 p.m. ET
Join this virtual Climate Storytelling Summit workshop and explore the use of climate fiction (or cli-fi) to engage young adults in climate conversations.
The discussion will be led by the Youth Climate Institute and feature Chelsea McClure and Dr. Laura Jacobs of Towson University.
It’s a can’t-miss opportunity for all climate educators who work with young adults! And if that’s not incentive enough, everyone who attends will be entered into a free raffle to win some cool prizes!
You must RSVP for this event to receive the Zoom link. Seats are free, but limited, so register for the Climate Storytelling Summit today!
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Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | 6-8 p.m. PT
Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, CA
Hosted by Black in Marine Science (BIMS) in partnership with Paddle for Peace, the BIRCH Aquarium, and UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography, students will have the chance to explore mesmerizing bioluminescent displays, engage with interactive exhibits, and delight in complimentary food and refreshments. This is an event not to be missed!
This event is an immersive learning opportunity. Classes, afterschool programs, community groups, homeschool groups, sports teams, school clubs, and families are ALL WELCOME!
Event Highlights:
Explore Marine Science: Meet professionals, discover marine ecosystems, and explore career paths.
Interactive Exhibits: Hands-on learning with engaging displays focused on ocean conservation.
Community Engagement: Connect with organizations fostering diversity in marine science.
Educator Benefits (networking happy hour 8-9 p.m.):
Curriculum Support: Workshop on intertidal zone curriculum and an algae pressing activity.
Professional Growth: Network with experts and access valuable teaching resources.
Register for the BIMS Week Youth Night by November 22, 2024. Have questions? Want more information?Contact: engage@bims.org. If needed, transportation can be arranged; please indicate those needs via email.
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Earlybird Application Due: December 15, 2024
Final Application Due: January 15, 2024
Planting Science is a Student-Teacher-Scientist partnership founded in 2005 by the Botanical Society of America. This no-cost program facilitates mentoring relationships with real plant scientists and teams of three to five students in grades 6–12 classrooms. Through asynchronous online conversations, the scientists provide support and encouragement as students design and carry out a plant-focused scientific investigation in the classroom. Teachers will receive free materials that will provide the content information needed, along with support from the participating scientists.
The next session will run from February to April 2025. Your class can start their projects anytime during the session, as long as they can finish their projects before the session ends.
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Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Presentation at 12:15 p.m.
Meet and Greet 12:30 - 1 p.m.
Ever wondered what it’s like to work at NOAA? Here’s your chance to find out! Join us at the NOAA Booth for an engaging presentation on NOAA internships. Discover how NOAA’s interns get hands-on experience tackling real-world environmental challenges, and learn what sets NOAA’s programs apart!
After the presentation, stay for our Meet & Greet with NOAA staff! This is your time to connect, ask questions, and get insider tips on navigating NOAA careers. Our team is excited to share stories about their work and answer your questions about what it’s like to be part of NOAA.
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NOAA undergraduate scholarship and internship opportunities now accepting applications!
Application Deadline: January 31, 2024
Don’t miss this opportunity for undergraduates! The EPP/MSI and Hollings scholarships are two-year scholarships that include paid summer internships with NOAA
The Earth Prize
Application Deadline: January 31, 2024
The Earth Prize is an annual, global $100,000 environmental sustainability competition for students between the ages of 13 and 19, which rewards the teams whose projects have the most potential to address environmental issues. It aims to inspire and empower the next generation of environmental leaders and innovators, creating a global platform for sharing and scaling their solutions.
In 2025, there will be seven regional winners, each receiving $12,500 to carry out their ideas. The regions are Oceania, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America, and Central & South America. In addition, The Earth Prize will recognize three mentors and three educators of the year, awarding each $2,500.
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2025 EngineerGirl Writing Contest
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
The contest is open to all students in grades 3–12, and this year’s theme is “Innovating Smarter.” Students must write a piece describing a common object they would make “smart,” then tell what it would do, how it would help people, and what could go wrong. The top prize in each of three grade categories is $1,000.
The EngineerGirl website has a note to educators and tips for using the EngineerGirl contest in a classroom.
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The NOAA game Ocean Odyssey uses real data to guess where trash in the ocean finally ends up. In the game, you can choose from 15 locations around the world to begin your own Ocean Odyssey adventure! In the game, you’ll see garbage patches, large collections of trash created by some ocean currents. Investigate these garbage patches and learn why they exist. Learn how the ocean transports marine debris and ways that we can help keep our oceans clean.
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Use these resources compiled by SubjectToClimate during Native American Heritage Month to help students explore Indigenous history, culture, and contributions through engaging resources and activities.
“Indigenous Solutions with Alexis Raeana” (grades 9-12) from ACE. Use this lesson to explore the strong connection between indigenous communities and the environment with your students.
“An Indigenous Boy’s Journey to Nature” (grades 3-8) from Planet Classroom. Use the guiding questions to facilitate a discussion in the classroom through this video.
Project Playbook: Educator Edition
Use this resource to inspire the next generation of K–5 problem solvers! The Annenberg Learner’s Project Playbook: Educators Guide offers teacher support for more than 40 video-based exploratory science projects to inspire student investigation. The lessons provided are a basic demonstration of how teachers can use the projects to demonstrate a particular science standard. Each project includes an approximately hour-long video that shows the project in action, as well as a lesson plan for teachers in the 5E format (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate). |
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From low Earth orbit, the International Space Station has a unique vantage point to capture critical Earth science data and imagery. In the latest STEMonstration episode, NASA astronaut Michael Barratt explores remote sensors installed on the exterior of the space station and how they help to increase our understanding of atmospheric and oceanic processes on Earth.
Watch the video, then check out the classroom connection to challenge students to build and experiment with their own remote sensor.
Explore more STEMonstrations and activities.
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Fellowship Opportunity: National Geographic’s Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship
Application deadline: November 14, 2024
The Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship is a professional learning opportunity for pre-K–12 educators. National Geographic staff will select exemplary educators to host aboard Lindblad Expeditions’ voyages for a life-changing, field-based experience. Grosvenor Teacher Fellows will transfer their onboard experience into transformative ways to teach students, engage colleagues, and bring new geographic awareness into their learning environments and communities.
Fellows are expected to be active and engaged members of the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship over the course of the expedition year and the year following. This includes participating in an in-person preparatory workshop, tentatively scheduled for April 9–13, 2025, in Washington, D.C., as well as periodic virtual meetups. Fellows are also expected to serve as ambassadors of the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship in all professional settings.
Full-time pre-K–12 classroom or informal educators who spend 50% or more of their time working directly with students are eligible. Educators must be residents of the 50 U.S. states, Canada, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico or U.S. citizens teaching at a U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity school.
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Toshiba America Foundation Grants
Application deadline: December 1, 2024
Teachers of grades 6–12 can apply online for a Toshiba America Foundation grant of less than $5,000 to help bring an innovative project into their own classroom.
Teachers who have an innovative idea for improving STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning in their classroom, and if their idea involves project-based learning with measurable outcomes are encouraged to apply.
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Application deadline: December 1, 2024
Challenger Center and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) present this award, which honors K–12 teachers who go above and beyond to inspire the next generation of STEM explorers and innovators. Three winners will be chosen. Each winner and their respective school or organization will each receive $5,000 and free access to Challenger Center’s STEM education programs. In addition, they will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., to be honored at the 2025 AIAA Awards Gala, as well as a special presentation ceremony at their school. The awardees also will have the opportunity to attend a space launch experience and/or a VIP tour of an aerospace facility. Winners will be announced in February or March 2025. Nominations for the STEM educator award can be submitted online.
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Application deadline: December 2, 2024
In April 2025, C-CAMP program will provide a collaborative community of practice for experienced and new museum professionals to develop climate education programs, exhibits, and initiatives that make meaningful impacts on their communities. This program aims to strengthen climate engagement and action in museums nationwide. All types of museums and cultural institutions based in the United States are welcome to apply to this free program.
Questions? Contact Dr. Sarah States, Director of Research and Science Education, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (sstates@phipps.conservatory.org).
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Application deadline: December 31, 2024
The Environmental Conservation Corps (ECC) is an AmeriCorps-accredited workforce development and service-learning program for young adults pursuing careers in conservation and environmental fields. Participants will gain field skills and training while addressing coastal resilience and habitat restoration needs in the South Carolina Lowcountry region. Projects include oyster reef fabrication, living shoreline construction, marsh grass planting, water quality and microplastic monitoring, rain garden maintenance, and more!
The Sustainability Institute is recruiting for Restoration Crew Members to serve from March 10 to July 25, 2025. This 20-week program is designed for young adults between the ages of 17-24 who are not in school nor working full-time. These positions earn a total living stipend of $8,100.00 (pre-tax, paid bi-weekly) and an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of $2,817.14 upon successful completion of the program.
Benefits include:
- Trainings: Build knowledge and skills in a diversity of conservation and sustainability jobs
- Certifications: Receive professional certifications relevant to the field
- Compensation: Earn a living stipend and a Segal Education Award
- Connections: Meet and work with a wide variety of governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations
- Teamwork: Experience working in a team of peers and within a nonprofit organization
- Leadership: Help lead critically important conservation projects to combat climate change
- Service: AmeriCorps members get things done!!
For more information or to apply, visit: Join AmeriCorps - The Sustainability Institute (sustainabilityinstitutesc.org
Questions, contact Darby Reed, at darby@sustainabilityinstitutesc.org
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Expression of Interest (optional) Due: November 15, 2024
Application Deadline: January 17, 2025
The Center for Collaborative Heat Monitoring opened applications for communities across the U.S. to monitor and evaluate factors influencing local heat risk. The center will build on the research developed over eight years of NOAA-supported urban heat island mapping campaigns. The center will prioritize applications from communities that have experienced historical patterns of discrimination, underinvestment and disenfranchisement and have limited resources to conduct heat monitoring on their own. Rural communities, tribal nations, U.S. territories and communities that have not previously undergone heat mapping are especially encouraged to apply.
Communities that submit an optional Expression of Interest by November 15, 2024 will have the opportunity to be matched with a “mentor” community to share their experiences with participatory science and provide additional guidance. We will also host upcoming webinars and Q&A sessions to answer questions from prospective applicants.
The other Center of Excellence, the Center for Heat Resilient Communities out of UCLA, will open applications on November 20th with a due date also of January 17, 2025. For more details on this opportunity, please see their Application Supplement.
Contact nihhis@noaa.gov with any questions.
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Education/Equity Bytes
Historic New Marine Sanctuary along CA’s Central Coast Shows the Power of Tribal-Led Conservation
Advocating for Science from Within the Classroom
Phenomenon Walks
Unlocking the Power of Emotional Connections: Strategies for Teaching Climate Change in Middle School
Designing Standards-Aligned Instructional Materials that Connect to Students’ Interests and Community Priorities
Learning to Design Climate Education That Honors Indigenous Climate Leadership and Sovereignty
Climate
Planet-warming pollution is growing at the fastest rate in history, scientists say
Where has all the rain gone? Bone-dry October strikes much of US
An unprecedented number of flood emergencies have ravaged the US. It’s a warning of what’s to come
Global coral reef bleaching event is largest on record, report says
An Alarming Glimpse Into a Future of Historic Droughts
Ocean, Coastal Weather, Sea Ice, Ocean Life, Water
Marine Debris From Hurricanes Helene And Milton Could Take Years To Remove
Marine debris removal at Papahānaumokuākea National Monument ends with record-breaking results
Plastic Odyssey: The Ship That Battles a Tidal Wave of Plastic
Can 70 Moms Save a Species?
Right Whale Population Grows Despite Extinction Risk
Weather Extremes and Other Science News of Note
NOAA: Antarctic ozone hole has shrunk, full recovery predicted
NOAA Debunks Right-Wing Claims That Government Can Control Hurricanes
NOAA lab in Beaufort celebrating 125th year of research in eastern North Carolina
Recent Hurricanes Offer Grim Reminder About Secondary Weather Events
How Biodiversity Credits Could Help to Conserve and Restore Nature
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