Saturday June 1st
Pinelands Preservation Alliance
17 Pemberton Road
Southampton, NJ
*10am to 2pm

Sunday June 23rd
Fernbrook Farms Education Center
142 Bordentown Road
Chesterfield, NJ
12:30pm to 3:30pm

Workshops include an outdoor portion with benthic macroinvertebrate sampling!
No cost. All ages welcome. Bring waders or boots. *Pack a lunch.
Space is limited, so register for a workshop now!
Contact Lauren at 609-586-9603 or AmbassadorWMA20@aol.com

Information We Provide:

• Information on asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
  
• A large list of occupations sites such as shipyards, power plants and more.
  
• A list of products that contain asbestos.
  
• Locations where you can find asbestos and how to avoid being exposed.

The Nature Conservancy is offerring a new animated video that helps audiences understand the benefits that healthy, functioning floodplains provide, to include reducing flood risk for communities.

The video is part of a larger web package online at nature.org/floodplains that is designed to educate people about the way in which rivers interact with their floodplains and how they can be better managed to optimize the many benefits these natural resources provide.

We offer the use of this video to your centers free of charge. If you don't require more information but plan to use the online version in any way, would you please let us know - email Jay Harrod at jharrod@tnc.org? If you have any questions regarding the video or nature.org/floodplains, feel free to contact Jay via email or by phone at 501.920.8006

Click HERE.

NOAA Releases Activity Book: "Discover Your Changing World with NOAA" - Ten Activities to Introduce You to the Essential Principles of Climate Science
Are you ready to discover your changing world? This free activity book will introduce you to the essential principles of climate science, help you learn about Earth's climate system, the factors that drive and change it, the impacts of those changes, and what you can do to explore, understand, and protect our Earth. To download the full activity book or view individual activities, click HERE.

   In your part of the state! 

Looking for Something to do this summer?  

     Don't Miss This Chance to 

Improve Your Content Knowledge,  Make New Friends, 

and Get Over $750 Worth of Materials for Your Classroom!

NJSTA's Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award Committee

 in partnership with

     Center for Innovation in Engineering and ScienceEducation (CIESE) 

         at Stevens Institute of Technology

     announces its 2013 Summer Institute

Sustainable Energy:

 Exploring Wind and Solar Power Systems

What could be better than spending 5 days with colleagues discovering the wonders of wind and solar power?  Getting $750 worth of equipment for use in your classroom!

The Simmons STEM Institute will show you how to use hands -on engineering based principles to teach middle school science concepts for renewable energy.  The content is designed to raise awareness of the challenge of using sustainable energy resources to meet world demand. 

In addition, teachers will explore Problem Based Learning and develop units specifically for their classroom.  Each teacher will receive approximately $750.00 worth of materials suitable for teacher demonstrations and student use and receive a one-day registration to the New Jersey Science Convention, where there will be a follow up session.

New Jersey Science Teacher's eighth annual Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award Summer Institute is scheduled to be held July 8-12 at Rowan University in Glassboro. 

 Teachers of all middle school sciences are encouraged to apply.  The NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards for Science are the foundation for Institute activities, and the program will follow current state guidelines for the introduction and use of technology in the science classroom. 

Please look for information about this exciting workshop on the NJSTA.org website or click on the link below to email Nancy Evans Bennett:

Simmons Institute Information and Application

North American Events, Training, Announcements

Living Classrooms Foundation STEM Event: Get Involved!

May 31, 2013
Join Living Classrooms Foundation (LCF) for a day on the water! The Nation’s River Bass Tournament is an outdoor STEM event that will connect local students with the Chesapeake Bay Watershed for a day of hands-on activities in sustainability and environmental education. LCF is seeking educational providers to engage small groups of students in 15–20 minute activities throughout the day. To get involved, contact Mackenzie Betrone-Harpst at mbetroneharpst@livingclassroomsdc.org.

Conservation Television Series Seeks Great EE Content!

THIS AMERICAN LAND is looking for exciting educational stories that can educate young people about nature conservation.

An original conservation newsmagazine series that reaches millions of viewers on public television stations nationwide, THIS AMERICAN LAND opens windows to our country's amazing natural heritage. Its reporters cover engaging stories on America's landscapes, waters and wildlife—taking viewers to the front lines of conservation, science and outdoor adventure with stories that inform and entertain.

Producers are seeking ideas and contact information they can use to develop original story material for the series, especially stories that can be used by educators for classroom studies.

To submit your story, email show producer Gary G. Strieker at strieker@newstrust.org

Apply Now! Sc3: Student Climate & Conservation Congress (Sc3)

June 23-29, 2013 ~ Shepherdstown, West Virginia
The Green Schools Alliance (GSA) in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is accepting applications and nominations for the 2013 Student Climate & Conservation Congress (Sc3), the nation's premier week-long environmental leadership training program. All students entering 9-12th grade, and a limited number of school faculty or staff who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their schools or communities are invited to apply to become a U.S. Green School Fellow and attend this extraordinary event at the nation's premier training facility, the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV.

New Online Science Game: Team WILD

ARKive recently launched the Team WILD game as a fun and unique way for students to discover the importance of a career in conservation and science—by turning scientists into superheroes! From jungle to savanna, rainforest to coral reef, students will discover a diverse range of field tasks a conservation scientist or ecologist must do in order to protect the world’s species and habitats. Team WILD is also supported by curriculum-linked teaching resources, topic pages linked to the game content and discussion points, encouraging students and teachers to continue their learning journeys by exploring the topics touched upon in the game.

Tundra Connections®: Live Polar Bear Webcasts

The Polar Bears International's Tundra Connections® program is appropriate for all age classrooms including adult education. Join polar bear and climate scientists in this free webcast about polar bears and their warming world. Participate in live Q&A with the panel. Register online and check out the pre- and post-webinar lesson plans.

Workshop 2 - Urban Waters - new!
July 16th - 18th
Learn about balancing the needs of our cities with the healthy waterways and how you and your students can help.

Workshop 1 - Estuary Explorer
July 10th - 12th
From our streams to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, come with us to explore the Delaware Estuary's magnificent outdoor classroom

Receive free educational and classroom materials
Earn approximately 15 clock hours per 3 day workshop

For more information, photos and registration information click HERE.

Teaching about soil, watersheds, nitrogen, or soil nutrients? Then our new monograph "Food for the Soil" is an excellent resource for you! We also have FACTivities and resources that will help you address the Common Core State Standards in your classroom. Order your free copies or download a copy HERE.
Also, follow us on Facebook and Twitter and be entered into a raffle for a set of 10 scientists' card posters or a set of scientists' cards for your classroom. You can view these cards and posters HERE.

Click HERE.

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is informing those interested in wildlife rehabilitation, especially those interested in becoming a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, of an opportunity to attend a Wildlife Rehabilitation Training Course to be held at Mercer County Community College November 4-8, 2013. This course is an alternative route to meet a portion of New Jersey State licensing requirements for wildlife rehabilitators. Successful completion of the course will count for 40 hours toward the 200 hour New Jersey apprenticeship licensing requirement.

This course is available to anyone wishing to gain knowledge about native New Jersey wildlife. The course includes wildlife rehabilitation history, licensing requirements and regulations, mammal, bird and reptile species identification and anatomy, proper handling, care and nutrition, medical procedures, and much more. In addition to persons interested in becoming licensed wildlife rehabilitators, this course could benefit currently licensed rehabilitators wishing to add knowledge of additional species not currently on their permit.

More information will be available in late summer, but the tentative agenda is available now at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2013/rehab_course_agenda11-13.pdf on the Division's website.

Project WET Workshop
December 5, 2013 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Trailside Nature and Science Center, Mountainside, NJ
$25 - Includes light snack, WET Curriculum Guide. Please bring a bagged lunch.
To register, please call (908) 789-3670.

Project Learning Tree is proud to be a part of the U.S. Department of Education 2013 Green Strides Webinar Series in conjunction with our national partner, the U.S. Forest Service. The Green Strides Webinar Series provides school communities the tools to reduce their schools’ environmental impact and costs; improve health and wellness; and teach effective environmental education.

Last year many of you participated in PLT’s first GreenSchools! webinar series, which engaged over 800 participants.  This year we are building on that success to explore a wider range of compelling and timely topics.  Five new webinars will be anchored by dynamic PLT student Green Teams from across the nation, along with education and environmental professionals.

Students and/or teachers can register now to ensure your space in one or more of these informative and inspirational GreenSchools! professional development sessions.

Project Learning Tree GreenSchools! Webinars

·        Green Jobs and Careers in Natural Resources 

Wednesday, April 10, 4:00-5:00pm EDT

Green jobs and clean energy careers have been growing at a phenomenal pace and analysts project the trend will continue.  Join conservation education professionals along with Green Team students who aspire to embrace green jobs as a career pursuit.  They will share how greening their schools is helping prepare students for college and careers.

·        GreenSchools! and STEM 

Wednesday, April 24, 4:00-5:00pm EDT

This webinar will demonstrate how STEM (Science,Technology, Engineering, and Math) can be seamlessly integrated into the school curriculum using PLT’s GreenSchools! Investigations and grant program as a model for schools.

·         Bringing Climate Change Home 

Wednesday, May 1, 4:00-5:00pm EDT

Discover an interactive atlas where students can learn about climate change using computer modeling, plus a new interactive online resource, ClimateChangeLIVE, helps answer the question, "What does climate change mean to me?

·         Authentic Student Voice and Leadership in GreenSchools!

Wednesday, May 29, 4:00-5:00pm EDT
Student voice is the individual and collective perspective and actions of young people within the context of learning and education. This webinar will feature dynamic Green Team student leaders who will share compelling and personal testimonials about the transformative power of student leadership in the Green Schools movement.

·         What Can We Learn from Schoolyard Trees? 

Wednesday, October 16, 4:00-5:00pm EDT
Students will discuss how they used PLT’s GreenSchools! School Site Investigation to critically assess their school yards, and what they have done to improve them.  The Smithsonian Museum and Casey Trees Foundation will share tools and resources, for example, how to calculate the “real” value of a tree’s services, such as energy savings, clean water and air, and carbon sequestration. 

For more information, contact James McGirt at jmcgirt@plt.org  or 202-463-2728.

New Jersey Audubon - Teacher's School of Ecology sponsored by Ashland, Inc.
August 19-23, 2013
For Teachers Grades 4 to 8

New Jersey Audubon extends an invitation to join us for this week of professional development to help integrate ecology, STEM and sustainability concepts into existing curricula. As educators, we are in a unique position to help children become tomorrow's environmental stewards. This week-long program for elementary and middle school teachers will provide in-depth experiences that use inquiry as a basis for building effective field studies. By connecting the classroom to the real world, teachers can help students become more aware of the world around them, take an active role in preserving their local environments and acquire the critical thinking, problem solving and basic life skills necessary to become informed global citizens.

The Teacher's School of Ecology is limited to 14 participants. Participants must submit their letter of interest and application form by May 1, 2013. Notification of acceptance will be by May 15. Program will be based in Bernardsville, NJ. For information on the program or to register, please visit http://www.njaudubon.org/Education.

Teachers bring your class to our 152 acre scenic facility in Vernon N.J.
o Engage in outdoor learning in a natural setting
o Hike our nature trails, sample our fauna and flora
o Use field instruments to collect and manage data, explore nature

Receive outstanding innovative lessons in field ecology and more!
Students will collect and observe fish, macro-invertebrates and other aquatic life from Lake Louemma. Explore our forest areas and streams in the watershed. Create crafts, play games, role play, learn about nutrition and health.
Collaborate with experienced outdoor environmental educators and naturalists to customize a single day, overnight or multi-night retreat for your class.

contact Dennis Bader, Director
Center for Ecological Education and Cultural Immersion (CEECI) @ Camp Louemma
Dennisbader@camplouemma.com
Office:973.287.7264
Mobile: 516.662.9315

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have teamed up to create a water-cycle diagram for kids and elementary and middle schools. It is also available in Spanish and a number of other languages.
Click HERE.

Click HERE.

Click HERE.

Join us on Thursday, June 20, 2013- 4pm / Eastern Time for "School Gardening in the Fall: Strategies for Growing Seed to Table" with Thianda Manzara, Ph.D., Founder and President of Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids in Delaware. To participate in the live session, log in at http://www.instantpresenter.com/edwebnet11 at the scheduled time.
Date: Thursday, June 20, 2013
Starts: 4:00 pm (GMT-5) Eastern Time (US)
Ends: 5:00 pm (GMT-5) Eastern Time (US)

Alexandria, VA - The American Geosciences Institute is pleased to announce that it has released its award-winning Faces of Earth series on YouTube in full High Definition (http://www.youtube.com/user/AmericanGeosciences). "As part of our mission to promote awareness of the geosciences, AGI is moving aggressively into the areas where the general public is, especially students. We hope this will also enable wider use of these assets in both university and K-12 classrooms around the world," says AGI Executive Director, Dr. P. Patrick Leahy.

Delve into the Faces of Earth and rediscover the wonders behind our dynamic planet. From the resounding cacophony that bore Earth 4.6 billion years ago, to the steady and resolute changes that affect our surroundings even today, the Faces of Earth series explores the vibrant, forceful, and ever-changing facets of planet Earth.

Conveniently packaged into four informative and energetic videos, the Faces of Earth series seamlessly flows from an exciting introduction to the geosciences, to a deeper understanding of what fuels our planet for a more advanced audience.

Experience spectacular imagery, exclusive interviews, and captivating commentary from distinguished geoscientists as you explore this compelling collection of videos.

Building the Planet (http://youtu.be/y-cc8fs3xYY), episode one in the four-part series, travels back in time and strips away the layers of Earth to witness the explosion that formed the planet. Earthquakes rumble, volcanoes explode, and lands transform as we explore the science behind plate tectonics in Shaping the Planet (http://youtu.be/yWezU1P6dM0), the second episode in the series. In Assembling America (http://youtu.be/1iTUAUmF-N4), the third installment in the Faces of Earth series, viewers travel with geoscientists and explore how time and the forces of nature have shaped the continent and influence the United States even today. Finally, discover the delicate balance between Earth and its inhabitants in the fourth and final video, A Human World (http://youtu.be/FkrsKC0QI-s). In this video, viewers learn how Earth has shaped human evolution, and how humans, in turn, are now shaping the evolution of Earth through geologic, climatic and other changes.

Use these dynamic videos as an engaging learning tool for students of all ages!

Whether it's for an exciting introduction or an in-depth look at a particular topic, the Faces of Earth series is a fascinating and powerful way to engage audiences about the importance of geoscience throughout society.

May 10 @ 9 am - 3 pm: WET Workshop @ Duke Farms, Hillsborough, NJ
$10 - Includes light snack, WET Curriculum Guide. Please bring a bagged lunch.
Please register online by visiting http://www.dukefarms.org/en/Programs/Professional/
For more information, please contact Kathy Salisbury (908) 722-3700

October 4 @ 9 am - 3 pm: WET Workshop - Get WET on the River, Lambertville, NJ
$20 - Includes light am snack and lunch and the WET Curriculum Guide.
For more information, please call 732-932-9271 OR
Register online at: http://www.cpe.rutgers.edu/courses/current/ew0501ca.html

Teach at the Beach is an exciting professional opportunity for educators in the NJ/PA/DE area. This year's Teach at the Beach is on Friday, May 17th 2013 and is being co-hosted by NJ Academy for Aquatic Sciences at Adventure Aquarium (NJ) and Independence Seaport Museum (PA). This annual workshop is offered by the New Jersey Marine Education Association. A few of the many topics include: Simple Machines as Sea, Building Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles, Grants for the Classroom, Sharks- the Big the Bad, and the Toothy and Science Literacy. Registration deadline is May 1st. We hope you can join us!!

For more information on the sessions, NJMEA or to register visit http://www.NJMarineEd.org
--
Melanie Reding
Education Coordinator
Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve
609-812-0649 ext. 206
Fax: 609-294-8597
www.jcnerr.org
Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/JCNERR

The Jacques Cousteau Reserve is one of 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves around the country. Learn more at: www.estuaries.noaa.gov

Click HERE.

Click HERE.