March 9, 2004

["Mary Ocwieja" <maryo@xxxxxxxxxx>]

EE-NEWS @NAAEE
March 9, 2004

The bi-weekly email bulletin provided by the
North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE),
with funding from the Environmental Education and Training Partnership
(EETAP).

February 27th 2004 marked a "changing of the guard" for IT services at NAAEE
(including EE-Link, EE-News, and EE-Link Technologies), as Katy Wang, the
long-time director moved on to pursue a new career. The Board and staff of
NAAEE wish all the very best to Katy and her future pursuits.

Paul Nowak, Jr. took over as the Project Director for EE-Link and EE-Link
Technologies (ELT), the software development arm of EE-Link, effective March
1st. Welcome aboard!

Please direct queries regarding ELT to Paul at: paul-pd at eelink.net .
EE-News and EE-Link content inquiries should now be addressed to Mary
Ocwieja at: maryo at eelink.net.

Sincerely,
Mary Ocwieja
NAAEE/EE-Link Staff

*************************************
EE-NEWS ITEMS
*************************************

* RESEARCH/PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITIES*

1. NAAEE -  CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS
2. TEACHERS TO PILOT CURRICULUM
3. MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSIONS

* GRANTS*

4. EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARDS
5. AQUARIUS WRITING CONTEST
6. AQUATIC HABITATS GRANTS
7. NFWF - REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

* EE RESOURCES*

8. FORESTRY INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS
9. E-FIELD TRIP ON INVASIVES
10. INTERPRETING PARKS AND GARDENS
11. NEW BOOK FOR EDUCATORS CULTIVATES ENTREPRENEURS
12. GREAT LAKES INSTITUTE
13. ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY EE PROGRAM
14. GRADUATION PLEDGE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
15. MAEE/MNSTA CONFERENCE
16. ENHANCING WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COURSE
17. SIMFOREST SOFTWARE
18. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES SUMMER COURSE IN COSTA RICA
19. WEST COAST LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

***********************************
RESEARCH/PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITIES
***********************************

1. 2004 NAAEE CONFERENCE - CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS

The theme of the 2004 NAAEE, November 6-10 - Biloxi, Mississippi, conference
is "Casting a Wide Net for Environmental Education," reflecting the variety
of initiatives underway to broaden the professional standing of the field.
NAAEE is seeking presentations that provide one or more of the following
elements: insightful research findings, proven program models, skills
development, dialogue facilitation along seven strands: Developing the EE
Profession; The Business of EE - Leadership Development and Institution
Building; What Research Has to Say to Environmental Educators; Cultural
Diversity in EE Programs; Sustainability Education; Topical Smorgasbord:
Watersheds and Forestry; and The "Open Mic" Strand.

Deadline for submissions: April 30, 2004
Proposal submission guidelines: http://naaee.org/conferences/call.php
Additional Conference Information: http://naaee.org/conferences/index.php


2. TEACHERS NEEDED TO PILOT EARTH SCIENCE CURRICULUM

The American Geological Institute seeks up to 12 experienced science
teachers in grades 9-12 to test their comprehensive "Environmental Science:
Understanding Our Changing Earth" curriculum in the fall semester of the
2004-2005 school year. The draft outline of curriculum and chapter headings
are on the Web site and include watersheds and coastal processes. The
chapters include sections on human interactions with the natural world.

For more information, check out
http://www.agiweb.org/education/hses/pilottest/index.html


3. CREATIVE SCIENCE CLASSROOMS - NSTA JOURNAL SEEKS MANUSCRIPT

NSTA's The Science Teacher is seeking manuscripts for the summer issue
describing new and creative ideas for the secondary science classroom.

http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2004-03/wwwtst.pdf

************************************
GRANTS
************************************

4. EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARDS

The National Science Foundation is looking for outstanding K-6 math or
science teachers for the 2004 Presidential Awards for Excellence in
Mathematics and Science Teaching. The awards are sponsored by the White
House and administered by the National Science Foundation. Every year up to
108 national awardees each receive a special citation signed by the
President of the United States, $10,000 and a paid trip for two to
Washington, D.C. to attend a weeklong series of recognition events. Anyone
can nominate a K-6 teacher.

Completed application materials should be submitted by Monday, May 3.
Visit http://www.nsf.gov/pa for more information and application.


5. AQUARIUS WRITING CONTEST

The National Undersea Research Center (NURC) at University of North Carolina
at Wilmington writing contest for students in grades 8-12. The contest asks
students to write an essay explaining why they want to live underwater in
the Aquarius undersea laboratory for two weeks.

Applications are due via mail no later than April 9, 2004.
Visit http://www.uncw.edu/nurc/aquarius for more information about the
contest.


6. AQUATIC HABITATS GRANTS

The Environmental Association for Great Lakes Education is awarding grants
for projects that protect aquatic habitats near Lake Superior. Individuals
or organizations can receive grants of $500 to $3,500 to support
community-based initiatives. The goal is to provide financial support to
advocacy activities that strengthen the role of residents working locally to
protect and restore aquatic habitats that affect Lake Superior.

Application Deadline: March 31.
For information, contact Jenny Tahtinen, at jenny@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or
(218) 726-1828, or go to: http://www.glhabitat.org


7. NFWF - REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is requesting proposals for
projects that assist organizations in becoming effective co-stewards of the
natural resources within the National Wildlife Refuge System. The program
provides competitive seed grants ($1,500 to $5,000) to creative and
innovative proposals that seek to increase the number and effectiveness of
organizations interested in assisting the refuge system nationwide.

Deadline: April 15 and September 15, 2004
Complete program guidelines and application procedures:
http://www.nfwf.org/programs/nwrgp.htm

*************************************
EE RESOURCES
*************************************

8. FORESTRY INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS - SUMMER 2004

June 13-19, June 20-26 or July 11-17 - University of California Forestry
Camp, Camp Latieze or Humboldt State University.  One-week workshop gives
teachers the chance to visit and discuss forest and other ecosystems,
natural resource management systems, timber harvesting, stream restoration
and wildlife biology. Teachers will have the chance to develop a
standards-based integrated curriculum project plan and receive the Forestry
Curriculum Resources Guide, Project Learning Tree and Project Aquatic WILD
training, other curriculum materials and classroom aides and a $100 stipend
plus housing, meals and curriculum materials.

For more information, contact 1-800-738-8733
Register on-line at http://www.forestryinstitute.org/


9. E-FIELD TRIP ON INVASIVES

During April 2004 The National Wildlife Refuge System is offering the
eFieldTrip titled, "Invasive Species . America's Least Wanted!" geared
toward 4-6th grade students, nationwide.   Students will have the
opportunity to learn about invasive species and why they are a menace.  The
eFieldTrip has four interactive components allowing students to complete the
program at their own pace. There is no cost for schools or students to
participate.

Contact Deborah McCrensky at deborah_mccrensky@xxxxxxx or visit the website:
http://www.efieldtrips.org.


10. INTERPRETING PARKS AND GARDENS

10-week online course for the staff, docents and volunteers of public
gardens, parks, zoos, aquariums, and similar institutions. Explore how to
create and use interpretive programming to improve visitor understanding. A
Certified Interpretive Trainer using text, images and case studies will
guide this web-based class.

To be admitted and register online: http://es.edcc.edu/
Questions to chuck.lennox@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or 206-720-4928


11. EDUCATORS CULTIVATE ENTREPRENEURS

This National Gardening Association book, Growing Ventures: Starting a
School Business acts as a guide for educators to launch or enhance a
business with youngsters.  Features stories of 18 classroom, schoolwide, and
community-based enterprises, from a youth-run farmers' market to a
hydroponics basil business in which fourth graders sell to restaurants. It
includes guidelines, activities, and resources for engaging young people
(ages 6 to 22) in planning and implementing a project that addresses
teaching and learning goals.

Purchase through NGA's online Gardening with Kids store
http://kidsgardeningstore.com/11-3110.html or by calling (800) 538-7476,
ext. 143.


12. GREAT LAKES INSTITUTE - July 18-23

Six-day workshop for K-12 educators (formal and non-formal), presented by
Lake Michigan Federation, Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center, and
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.  Four nights will be spent on board the
U.S. EPA's Lake Guardian Research Vessel and one night at the Learning
Center. Participants will travel up the lake and make various stops to
conduct a variety of activities to explore issues that face Lake Michigan,
discuss solutions and unravel ecological mysteries of the Great Lakes.
Participants can earn 3 hrs. graduate credit through Indiana University
Northwest and Chicago State University, for an extra cost.  Cost of the
workshop is $225 and includes meals, lodging and materials.

Register: http://www.iun.edu. Contact Dr. Ken Schoon at 219-980-7766 for
more information. For CSU credit, contact Mike Siola at 773-995-2964.
Illinois teachers can receive CEUs for participating.


13. ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY EE PROGRAM

Public University in Victoria, BC, specializing in education for working
professionals. Offering Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, or Masters
of Arts degree.  The program covers theoretical foundations of environmental
education and communication, analytical tools, and the practical means to
apply these theories.

The next intake for the EEC program is July 26, 2004. Applications are
considered on an ongoing basis. Apply online:
https://www.royalroads.ca/applicant/full+application/


14. GRADUATION PLEDGE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

The Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility states, "I
pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental
consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of
any organizations for which I work."  Students at well over a hundred
colleges and universities have used the pledge at some level and the project
is now international. Instituting the Pledge gets at the heart of a good
education and can benefit society as a whole.

Contact NJWollman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx for information or visit:
http://www.graduationpledge.org/


15. MAEE/MNSTA CONFERENCE

The 2004 MAEE/MnSTA state conference with the theme, "Explore the Bend of
the River" will be held on April 16th and 17th in Mankato, MN. Dr. Bora
Simmons from Northern Illinois University has been confirmed as the keynote
speaker at the conference. Dr. Mary Kirchhoff, Assistant Director, Green
Chemistry Institute will also speak at the conference.

All forms are on-line and available at the website: http://naaee.org/maee


16. ENHANCING WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COURSE

June 12-25 - Welder Wildlife Refuge, Texas & Theodore Roosevelt Memorial
Ranch, Montana.  This course takes a systems approach to comparing two
distinct ecological regions of North America and to exploring the science
behind the conservation and management of wildlife species endemic to these
regions. Coursework incorporates hands-on field activities and covers topics
related to the unique ecology and habitats of the regions with emphasis on
management issues regarding plants and animals. Current computer technology
associated with systems ecology and management, and geographic mapping will
be taught during the course.

Application Deadline: March 30th.
http://www.boone-crockett.org/educationprograms/education_workshops.asp?area
=educationprograms


17. SIMFOREST SOFTWARE

SimForest (for simulated forest) is a project that enables students, grades
7-12, to plant trees of more than 30 kinds and then choose the environmental
factors that affect their growth, such as rainfall, temperature, and soil
conditions. The software is intended for biology and ecology classes.
Teacher and professional development materials are included.

For complete description of project and download instructions visit:
http://ddc.hampshire.edu/simforest/.


18. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES SUMMER COURSE IN COSTA RICA

The MILPA-Earth Education International alliance summer course in
Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development in Costa Rica. Intensive
five-week course (July 5 - August 6) examines the theory and practice of
sustainable development and environmental impacts of human activities. Focus
will be on local and national innovations; analyze failures, success
stories, and lessons learned; and evaluate challenges for the future.

For application forms and further information contact: MILPA-EEI Alliance
Tel: +506-282-1127, Fax: +506-282-1305
milpa99@xxxxxxxxxxx or sireco@xxxxxxxxxxxxx


19. WEST COAST LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Adopt-A-Watershed program builds teams of knowledgeable leaders and helps
grow programs that inspire learning, improve student achievement, and
restore the environment. Leaders are equipped with the information, skills,
and shared vision to establish high-quality and enduring education programs
focused on the local environment and engaging the community.  The 2004
Program begins with the Leadership Institute July 17-24, 2004, at the Pines
Resort in Bass Lake, CA.

Registration deadline is April 1, 2004.
For more information, call: 530-628-5334 or email: aaw@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

****************************************************************
The mission of the North American Association for Environmental Education is
to provide environmental educators with quality resources, training,
publications and networking opportunities to enable them to effectively
educate people about the environment.

If you are receiving EE-News as a forwarded message or from a listserv, and
would like to subscribe directly, please visit:
http://eelink.net/ee-news-signup.html

If you have problems with the mailing list, please send them to:
ee-news-owner@xxxxxxxxx

Previous issues of EE-News can be accessed at:
http://eelink.net/ee-news/

The EE-News moderator will review all messages and new announcements will be
posted to the list approximately every two weeks. All submissions should be
75 words or less. Please send submissions to Mary Ocwieja at:
maryo@xxxxxxxxxxx

Educators and others may copy or distribute the information in EE-News for
the noncommercial purpose of educational advancement. Please credit the
North American Association for Environmental Education for EE-News excerpts.

Posting of resources or events on EE-News does not constitute endorsement of
those materials or activities by the North American Association for
Environmental Education (NAAEE), U.S. EPA, or EETAP.

EETAP is a project of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of
Natural Resources. EETAP is funded by U.S. EPA's Office of Environmental
Education.