The 2011 Spring Newsletter is here! The last few months of 2010 were busy and filled with teacher workshops, contests, school presentations and much more!

In partnership with MEEC sponsor High Desert Power Project, we are currently hosting a student essay contest titled : “Renewable Energy vs. Fossil
Fuels: Smart Choice?” This 250-word essay invites students to explore the possibilities of using renewable energy sources in their everyday tasks; from cars to light bulbs!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting grant applications for $1.9 million in funding for environmental education projects and programs. The purpose of the grants is to promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers and citizens

Waste Reduction & Recycling Workshop
Did you know that nearly 70% of materials thrown in the trash are commonly recyclable? Help educate your students by educating yourselves.

The Mojave Desert Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to graduating seniors planning to attend any institution of higher learning and have demonstrated a serious interest in or commitment to the environmental issues during the course of his/her high school education. Each scholarship award is $1,000.

The Disney Friends for Change program will award 50 $500 grants to youth-led service projects around the world that demonstrate youth leadership, creativity, and the commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.

These FREE fascinating 2-hour workshops explores the life cycle of an athletic shoe from its construction to it’s rebirth as the surface of a tennis or basketball court, or playground safety surfacing!

Apply today for one of seven teacher scholarships to attend the “Key Issues: Bringing Environmental Issues to the Classroom” training session in beautiful Silverthorne, Colorado this summer!

Got a great idea for an environmental school project? Need supplies for an EE lesson you’re planning for your class? MEEC’s Mini Grant Program may be able to help!

Each participant will receive a FREE Shoe-Recycling Kit that includes end products from the recycled shoes, a video, and Teacher’s Guide. The standards-based curriculum will help students grades 4-12 become more scientifically literate and promotes responsible analysis of the world’s environmental challenges.

Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award was established in 2007 by the National Environmental Education Foundation to distinguish the teachers who best represent Richard C. Bartlett’s passion for and leadership in environmental education. Award winner will receive $5,000 and two merit winners will receive $750 each. The award will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week, the first week in May 2011.

The Air Resources Board launched the Climate Generation Program at the end of last year. This is a project based learning competition for high schools throughout California – it’s a fun way to engage students in a hands-on project connecting environmental curriculum

the 85 EEI Curriculum units cover selected academic content standards in both Science and History-Social Science. Each EEI Curriculum unit is designed to teach one or more standards to mastery.

Multiple workshops are planned around the state for 4-H volunteers, teen leaders,
and afterschool educators on a variety of subjects, including ‘There’s No New Water!’ Workshops emphasize experiential and inquiry-based learning, providing practical examples of incorporating hands-on activities that invite youth exploration, promote active questioning, and application to the real world.

The National Environmental Education Foundation, with major support from the NEA
Foundation and in partnership with EarthEcho International, invites public schools across the U.S. to demonstrate how they have successfully taken on the challenge of becoming a green school in an innovative, sustainable, and replicable way.