MEEC Online

Key Issues – Teacher Scholarship Program

CWray — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:46:11 +0000

Key Issues: Bringing Environmental Issues to the Classroom is a national teacher training Institute that provides middle school educators with the process, skills and confidence to investigate current environmental issues with their students using The Keystone Center’s non-biased framework.

Apply today for one of seven teacher scholarships to attend the “Key Issues” training session in beautiful Silverthorne, Colorado this summer! During the week-long training, selected High Desert teachers will gain the skills and confidence to explore local and global environmental issues with their students using a non-biased, standards-based framework. Scholarship covers full cost of instruction, curriculum, airfare, lodging and meals. Awardees may select to attend one of three sessions held between June 22 and August 8, 2010. DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATION PACKAGES IS APRIL 22, 2010. To download an application package, click here

Components of the Key Issues Institute

Simulation
Using a simulated issue allows educators to paracticet he step of investigation. From issue identification to potential solutions and implementation, each step of the Framework is actively modeled.

Local Issue
Participants explore a local environmental issue as an example of how they can imvolve their students in an issue investigation in their community.

Small Group Explorations
During the week-long session, teachers are grouped in grade leverl-subject area configurations to discuss an explore ways to adapt Key Issues lessons to better address issues with their students.

For more information about this program contact MEEC Program Specialist Christie Robinson at 760.245.1661 ext. 6101.

FREE Energy Teacher Workshop!

Christie — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:48:59 +0000

This workshop filled in the first three days it was offered! Look for future PLT Energy & Society Workshops in Spring of 2010! Share in the fun of learning new tools and activities to help your students in grades PreK-8 learn about their relationship with energy and investigating the environmental issues related to energy’s role in society. This FREE 3-hour teacher workshop will use Project Learning Tree’s “Society & Energy” program kit which includes the activity guide, music CD, music and dance video, and 16 posters! The PLT “Society & Energy” kit helps students develop critical thinking skills to make decisions about their personal energy use. In addition to hands-on activities, the kit integrates music and dance to enhance the study of energy issues and correlations to the California Science Content Standards.

Each teacher attending the workshop will recieve a FREE PLT “Energy & Society” program kit valued at $40! A light meal and refreshments are provided.

These FREE teacher workshops will be limited to 10 teachers and will be available at several locations including Antelope Valley, Victorville, and Twentynine Palms.. To reserve your seat, please contact Christie Robinson, MEEC Program Specialist at (760) 245-1661 ext 6101, or by email at: christier@mdaqmd.ca.gov

WHEN: TBA Spring dates of 2010
TIME: TBA
WHERE: TBA

These FREE teacher workshops are funded by a grant from the Boeing Company Charitable Trust and facilitated by MEEC.

USDA Forest Service Educators’ Conservation Website

Christie — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:24:33 +0000

Welcome to the new Conservation Education Website!
The Conservation Education program (CE) helps people of all ages understand and appreciate our country’s natural resources — and learn how to conserve those resources for future generations. Through structured educational experiences and activities targeted to varying age groups and populations, conservation education enables people to realize how natural resources and ecosystems affect each other and how resources can be used wisely.

Through conservation education, people develop the critical thinking skills they need to understand the complexities of ecological problems. Conservation Education also encourages people to act on their own to conserve natural resources and use them in a responsible manner by making informed resource decisions.

Please explore this Web site dedicated to educators – both formal and non-formal – and take advantage of the varied resources provided. <"USDA Forest Service Educator's Page"

Special FREE Teacher Workshops for 2010!

Christie — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:49:21 +0000

MEEC is pleased to announce that through a generous grant from the Boeing Company we will be offering the following FREE teacher workshops in 2010 in addition to our sponsor workshops:

Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) K-12
This 3-hour workshop is held on-site at your school with a minimum of 10 teachers at your convenience. Each participant will receive a FREE Activity & Curriculum Guide, and “Conserve Water Educator’s Guide”. Project WET provides educators with hands-on activities that empower students to conduct research on environmental problems, draw conclusions and develop critical thinking skills. This program is available to all schools with the Mojave Desert.

Project Learning Tree “Energy & Society” workshop PreK-8
Three 2-hour workshops will be offered in each of the following areas and will be limited to 20 teachers per workshop; Antelope Valley, Yucca Valley -Twentynine Palms area, and Barstow. “Energy & Society” kits are designed to teach students about their relationship with energy and how to investigate the environmental issues related to energy’s role in society.

Clean Air Workshops K-12
Three workshops will be held in each of the following areas and will be limited to 10 teachers per workshop; Antelope Valley, Victor Valley, and the Yucca Valley—Twentynine Palms area. Each participant will receive a Clean Air Kit valued at over $300. These hands-on training sessions for teachers will provide you with the tools to enable your students to conduct scientific research on an environmental problem (air pollution), draw conclusions, and develop critical thinking skills while learning how to reach logical conclusions and solutions.

All workshops include materials and resources that meet California standards-based curriculum and are classroom-ready.

Please be watching for your email or flyer announcement for these exciting workshops! Don’t delay, workshops are limited!

For more information on these programs or to schedule a Project WET workshop at your school, please call Christie Robinson, MEEC Program Specialist at: (760) 245-1661 x 6101 or email: christier@mdaqmd.ca.gov

Students Can Win $50-$100 for their Environmental Science Fair Project!

Christie — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:17:16 +0000

MEEC, the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) and the Air & Waste Management Association (AWMA) have a special program to award outstanding environmental science fair projects throughout the High Desert. A MEEC judge will come to your school to award the “Outstanding Environmental Science Fair Project” to one of your students during your Science Fair. The selected student will receive a $50 Savings Bond, Certificate of Achievement, and a beautiful, large blue ribbon! At the District level, MEEC judge(s) will select an Outstanding Environmental Science Fair project and the winning student will receive a $100 Savings Bond!

If you would like to schedule a MEEC Judge to attend your schools Science Fair or would like more information, please contact Violette Roberts at: 760-245-1661 x 6104 or by email at: vroberts@mdaqmd.ca.gov

Alliance to Save Energy’s Green School Program

Christie — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:20:58 +0000

Energy costs are an enormous expense for our nation’s schools. To help free up more resources for education while strengthening academic learning, the Alliance’s Green Schools Program engages students in creating energy-saving activities in their schools, using hands-on, real-world projects. Through basic changes in the operations, maintenance, and individual behavior, Green Schools has achieved reductions in energy use of 5 to 15 percent among participating schools. In addition, Green Schools encourages students to apply the lessons of energy-efficiency message in their homes and communities. Learn more about Green Schools and how to get involved and visit our Green Schools in Action page to read featured case studies from our schools.

To learn how your school can become a “Green School”, :click here”.

“The Desert: A Planet Earth Film”

Christie — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:05:11 +0000

THE DESERT DISCOVERY CENTER, In association with BARSTOW BRANCH LIBRARY PRESENTS A FREE FILM NIGHT!
We will be showing Planet Earth’s epic chapter on the Earth’s deserts, which includes Mojave coverage!
This series features some of the finest cinematography ever taken & is a visual journey as well as a
compelling story. Snacks & beverages will be available, & David Lamfrom of the National Parks Conservation
Association, will provide opening comments encouraging desert study, & a brief discussion of local
opportunities for employment, internship, volunteering,& efforts we can all take to protect our diverse desert. Bring a friend!

SHOWING THURSDAY 19TH NOVEMBER @ 6PM @ The Desert Discovery Center 831 Barstow Rd.
This is part of the Desert Discovery Center’s FREE Film Night series, shown on the 3rd Thursday of every month featuring a selection of films that provide an opportunity for the public to explore historical subjects and ecological issues of national and local relevance.
The views and opinions expressed in the film do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Desert Discovery Center Partnership.
Join the events calendar mailing list and learn about our upcoming activities.
Contact us today! Tel: 760 252 6060 or email: ddcevents@earthlink.net

$5,000 Award for Outstanding Teachers

Christie — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:32:39 +0000

The Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award is awarded annually to an outstanding educator who has successfully integrated environmental education into his or her daily education programs. The award is given to an educator who can serve as an inspiration and model for others.

A $5,000 cash award is provided for the recipient to continue their work in environmental education.

Additionally, as part of the prize, the winner travels to Washington, D.C., to meet with representatives from the environmental community to further his or her network.

The Richard C. Bartlett Award honors teachers that are bringing environmental education into the curriculum and the community, not just teaching about environmental challenges but also engaging students in the solution.

Application Guidelines and Eligibility
In addition, at least three letters of support (one from a school administrator, one from a fellow teacher, and one from a student) must be submitted to NEEF by mail or fax. Contact Email: bartlettaward@neefusa.org or Fax: (202) 261-6464

The winner will be honored during National Environmental Education Week, April 11-17, 2010, and will travel to Washington, D.C. at the end of the month to receive their $5,000 prize, and meet with representatives in the environmental education field.
For more information, please call Meghan Trossen, Bartlett Award coordinator, at 202-261-6466 for any additional questions.

Cement is Not Concrete Teacher Workshop

Christie — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:00:47 +0000

Mitsubishi is sponsoring a FREE Teacher Workshop, “Cement is not Concrete” on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. The workshop will include a tour of the Mitsubishi Cement Plant located off Highway 18 in Lucerne Valley.

The workshop will be presented by the Women in Mining. More information and details will be posted for this workshop at a later date.

End Smog

guest1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:48:57 +0000

From the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Resources Board

PSA running time: 1:20